The Indianapolis Colts wasted a golden chance to secure solo lead in the AFC South when they lost last week to the Houston Texans. Now, their chances to make the playoffs have dimmed significantly. However, it’s not the end of the world for them just yet. They can revive their playoff chances with a win over the Tennessee Titans, who are in contention for at least a wild card spot.
The Titans are doing things right on offense — at last. On a two-game winning streak, Tennessee embarrassed the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday in a 42-20 victory at home. No one seems to remember who Marcus Mariota is, as Ryan Tannehill has become a steady presence under center for the team. Tannehill wasn’t yet the starter of the Titans when they lost to Indianapolis in Week 2, which leaves the Colts not much to draw from the first meeting between the two teams. Tannehill went 14 for 18 for 259 passing yards and two touchdowns without an interception in the win over the Jaguars. But it was running back Derrick Henry who had the most memorable performance, rumbling for 159 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Henry’s combination of size and shiftiness will be a problem for the Colts, who surrendered 82 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries to the former Alabama star in Week 2.
The Titans are 4-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last five games.
Betting on the Indianapolis Colts (6-5)
The Colts did not do themselves any favors by losing to the Houston Texans last week, 20-17. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett did not have a good day at the office in that game, going for just 129 passing yards with zero touchdowns on 16-of-25 completions. Marlon Mack did not play against the Texans because of a hand injury, and he’s already been declared out for Week 13. Brissett was more effective in the earlier meeting with the Titans, when he passed for three touchdowns and an interception on 17-of-28 completions. The good news for the Colts is that they might just have discovered a new weapon in the form of Jonathan Williams, who rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. Tennessee’s defense isn’t that stout against the run, allowing 103.2 rushing yards per game, good for 12th in the NFL. Also noteworthy is tight end Eric Ebron getting placed on the injured reserved, meaning he won’t be seeing any action for the rest of the regular season.
