In week 13, the Indianapolis Colts will travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans at Nissan Stadium in a pivotal AFC South matchup. The Colts, who have won three games in a row and currently sit in second place in the AFC South behind the Jacksonville Jaguars, look to continue their winning streak and maintain a spot in the playoff race. Here is a quick preview of the pivotal matchup.
@USAToday
Spread: Indianapolis -1, Over/Under: 42.5 points, Indianapolis -118 | Tennessee -102
Indianapolis holds a 6-5 record, securing the seventh and final seed in the AFC playoffs if the season concludes today. However, there are still six games left to be played, and head coach Shane Steichen, in his inaugural season, along with quarterback Gardner Minshew, have worked ahead to solidify their playoff berth.
Despite Jonathan Taylor's absence this week due to a thumb injury, Zack Moss has proven effective as the lead back this season. The Colts boast a three-game winning streak and an impressive 4-1 record on the road.
In contrast, Tennessee is enduring a disappointing 4-7 campaign. While they secured a victory over Carolina last week, it's hardly a noteworthy achievement. Quarterback Will Levis has taken over with mediocre results, and the Colts' vulnerable run defense suggests a significant game for Derrick Henry. The Titans' struggling secondary instills confidence that Michael Pittman and the Colts' passing attack will easily move the ball. Although Tennessee broke a three-game losing streak in Week 12, it was an unconvincing win over the Carolina Panthers. Now, they aim to achieve something they haven't managed all season: back-to-back victories.
The Titans have an ideal opportunity to accomplish this feat with an unbeaten record of 4-0 at Nissan Stadium. While they should find success running the ball against the Colts' subpar run defense, handling Indy's formidable pass rush, ranked sixth in sacks, presents a challenge. Although Derrick Henry gains some ground, the Titans' passing game struggles against the relentless Colts' pass rush, particularly affecting Will Levis. On the defensive front, the Titans apply early pressure on Gardner Minshew, but as the game progresses, Minshew exploits the secondary, propelling the Colts to victory.
With his winning record, Gardner Minshew has led the Colts to three consecutive victories, pushing them above .500 and into the postseason picture. Conversely, the Titans seem to be winding down under head coach Mike Vrabel. Notably, Jonathan Taylor and Julius Brents were not expected to play after missing the week's practice. On a positive note, center Ryan Kelly passed the concussion protocol and is set to return from his second concussion of the season. Tight end Drew Ogletree is also ready to make a comeback after sustaining an injury against the Carolina Panthers in Week 9.
Prediction
The Titans may find success running against the Colts' weak run defense, but handling Indy's formidable pass rush, sixth in sacks, poses a challenge. Though Derrick Henry gains some ground, the Titans' passing game falters under relentless pressure, with Will Levis struggling. Defensively, the Titans initially pressure Gardner Minshew, but as the game unfolds, Minshew exploits the secondary, propelling the Colts to victory.
Final Score| Indianapolis Colts: 28 vs Tennessee Titans: 10
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Comments