Raiders vs. Titans Free Pick
The new-look Oakland Raiders will be looking to earn a big road win to start their 2010 NFL season when they take on the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. Let’s breakdown the matchup.
Oddsmakers from online sports book BroburySports.com have made the Titans 6-point favorites over the Raiders in Week 1, while the over/under total has been set at 40.5 points.
Raiders Win If:
They protect quarterback Jason Campbell. The Raiders should have a much more consistent offense under Campbell, who is a major upgrade over JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski (even though Gradkowski led the Raiders to a couple of big wins last season). Darren McFadden, Zach Miller, Chaz Schilens and Darrius Heyward-Bey give Campbell plenty of weapons to use in the passing game, but the O-line must protect him. This was one of the worst offensive lines in football and they didn’t make many upgrades this offseason. If Campbell has to run for his life, then he’s going to be reminded of his days in Washington and the entire Oakland offense will struggle. But if he has time to throw, then Tennessee’s defensive backfield is certainly beatable.
Titans Win If:
The defense can pressure Campbell. As previously mentioned, the Raiders’ O-line is a major weakness, so if guys like Jacob Ford and William Hayes can generate a good rush, then Campbell is going to have a tough time moving the ball. Also, the secondary is expected to be an issue again for the Titans, so the front seven has to come up in the pass-rush department. Offensively, the Raiders’ defense is improving but if Vince Young and Chris Johnson can move the sticks, then Oakland’s D could tire in the second half.
Prediction:
I think this will be a closer game than most expect. The Raiders’ defense has a couple of playmakers in Tommy Kelly, Richard Seymour, Rolando McClain and Nnamdi Asomugha, so as long as Young and Johnson don’t break off long runs then they should stay within a couple of points throughout. Tennessee should win, but Oakland is going to give them a game and I think this one stays low scoring.
2010 NFL Week 1 Free Pick: OAKLAND RAIDERS +6 & UNDER 40.5