This week’s matchup between the Titans and Colts features two teams seemingly trending in two different directions.
The Titans looked like they were going to join the Colts at the bottom of the AFC South standings on Sunday afternoon, but they produced an impressive second-half comeback in Seattle and managed to somehow squeak out an overtime win in Week 2.
The Colts, on the other hand, came into the season with a new quarterback (and the high hopes that came with him), but are currently staring down the barrel of an 0-3 start. Things won’t get any easier for the Colts as they head to Nashville this week, and it certainly doesn’t help that Carson Wentz is dealing with sprains in both (yup, you read that right) ankles.
Let’s take a look at how each team’s recent trajectory and injuries will play into this matchup in the NFL pick of the day series.
Please note that all odds are current as of Friday, September 24.
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Colts vs Titans Prediction
We still don’t know if Carson Wentz will be able to suit up for this one, but a double ankle sprain isn’t exactly good news for the Colts even if he does play.
While Wentz has had a decent start to the season with 498 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and one interception, it’s been a bit of a slog for him to get off the ground and the ankle issues aren’t going to help things.
Michael Pittman Jr. followed up a disappointing Week 1 with eight catches for 123 receiving yards in Indy’s 27-24 loss to the Rams in Week 2, but he and his fellow receivers are going to suffer if the Colts have to turn to Jacob Eason or Brett Hundley.
The Titans head back home with a chance to take control of the AFC South after finally putting things together in the second half and overtime of their 33-30 comeback win against the Seahawks.
Julio Jones followed up a sluggish start to the season with six catches for 128 receiving yards against Seattle, Ryan Tannehill topped 300 passing yards (347 to be exact) for the first time since Week 14 last year, and Derrick Henry came on like the monster he is in the second half against the Seahawks and finished the day with 182 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, a career-high six receptions and 55 receiving yards.
All three should be able to continue their positive momentum against the Colts, and Indianapolis should be especially scared that A.J. Brown (seven catches for 92 yards and one touchdown in two games) hasn’t really even shown up all that much in 2021 yet.
With or without Wentz, this is shaping up to be a tough week for the Colts.
Prediction: Titans 27, Colts 13
The Tennessee Titans will look to keep the momentum going in Week 3 after kicker Randy Bullock converted a game-winning field goal in overtime to help his team earn its first win of the 2021 season last week. (Image: USA TODAY)
Colts vs Titans Best Bets
Best Bet: Titans -5 (-115 at DraftKings)
I’m digging the Titans to cover at home against the Colts this week. They struggled out of the gate to start the season against Arizona, but they started clicking on all cylinders in the second half against the Seahawks and should be able to take advantage of the Wentz injury, whether he plays or not.
The Colts have been susceptible to the big play in the air so far this season, and Julio Jones and A.J. Brown should be able to take advantage of that at home.
I expect the Titans to easily cover at home this week, making this -5 spread at DraftKings a strong value.
As injury news develops throughout the week, keep an eye on this spread with our NFL gameday odds.
Best Bet: Titans Moneyline (-235 at DraftKings)
Intradivisional games are always tricky to predict, but there are a lot of red flags for the Colts in this one besides the Wentz injury. Jonathan Taylor has had a slow start to the season (32 rushing attempts for 107 rushing yards), they are banged up at wide receiver, and the Colts defense has allowed 55 total points in two games.
While the Titans were close to joining the Colts’ pity party, they were able to turn things around on the road last weekend and escape with the victory (and momentum) as they head back to Nashville. If A.J. Brown can get back on track, it’s going to be extremely hard for the Colts to keep up with the Titans this weekend.
As such, the Titans moneyline is looking like a solid value in this one.
Best Bet: Total Points Under 48 (-110 at Caesars)
You can probably do the math from my score prediction above (and I’d expect this line to move down as the week progresses), but I just don’t see how the Colts score enough points to get us up above 50 here. While I think the Titans will be able to manage a few big plays through the air, I think they’ll be happy to pound the rock with Derrick Henry once they build a lead.
The Titans defense hasn’t been even close to stellar so far this season, but I think they’ll be able to contain either a hobbled Wentz or an unseasoned Eason.
Unless we hear about a miraculous Wentz recovery, I like the value of the under here.
Colts vs Titans Same Game Parlay Picks
Same Game Parlay Odds: +290 at DraftKings
- Titans -5.5 (-115) at DraftKings
- Under 48.5 Total Points (-110) at DraftKings
I’d be taking the points on the Titans at home regardless of the Colts quarterback situation, so this bet screams value to me. The line will likely move up a couple points if Brett Hundley (looking more likely) or Jacob Eason takes the field this weekend, but I’d still feel good taking the Titans up to 10 points if the line somehow goes there.
I’d love to get some player props out there, but the books haven’t released those as of yet due to the uncertainty of the Colts quarterback situation. While I think the Titans will have their way with the Colts this week, I don’t see the Colts scoring enough points to push the combined score over 48. The Titans defense hasn’t been fantastic this year (far from it), but I’d be surprised if the Colts can top 14-17 points — especially if Wentz sits. The under looks like a safe value bet here.
