Titans vs. Patriots Wildcard Prediction
The Titans are catching five points as a road underdog in Foxborough on Saturday night versus a Patriots team that has struggled offensively. Is it wise to fade New England in a home playoff game despite the Pats’ issues?
Game Snapshot
143 Tennessee Titans (+5) at 144 New England Patriots (-5); O/U 44.5
8:15 p.m. ET, Saturday, January 4, 2020
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Public Betting Trends
According to our NFL Football Public Betting Chart page, the Titans are receiving 51% of the betting tickets from online sportsbooks.
Tennessee Titans Fantasy Spin
Adoree’ Jackson (foot) declared himself “good to go” for Saturday’s Wild Card game against the Patriots. Jackson has missed the last four games with a foot injury but he’ll be in tow for Saturday’s playoff opener after seeing full participation in all three practices this week. The Titans removed him from their final injury report Thursday. The 2017 first-rounder was excellent during the regular season, earning PFF’s No. 6 grade among cornerbacks. His return should give the Titans’ secondary a massive lift.
New England Patriots Fantasy Spin
Julian Edelman (knee, shoulder) is questionable for Saturday’s Wild Card game against the Titans. So are teammates Ja’Whaun Bentley (knee), Terrence Brooks (groin), Jamie Collins (shoulder), Jonathan Jones (groin) and Jason McCourty (groin). Edelman is nowhere near full strength—his early-season shoulder injury has yet to subside while the veteran is also battling left knee tendonosis. But there’s no one tougher than the Patriots’ 33-year-old slot receiver, who figures to not only play but also serve as New England’s offensive focal point against Tennessee. Vegas has installed the slumping Pats as five-point home favorites for Saturday’s 8:20 PM ET kickoff.
NFL Betting Trends
Tennessee
The Titans are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games overall and are 5-1-1 against the number in their last seven conference tilts.
New England
The Patriots are 42-20-3 against the spread in their last 65 home games but are just 1-4-1 at the betting window in their last six games overall.
Prediction
Perhaps tonight will be the night that the Patriots prove all of their doubters wrong and they go on to throttle the Titans on their way to another deep playoff run. That said, I’m willing to risk that that won’t be the case. This New England offense has struggled virtually all season. Without the consistent threat of a running game, Tom Brady has struggled outside of throwing to Edelman, who is banged up. Unless 2019 first-round pick N’Keal Harry is ready to break out during the playoffs, the Pats also lack a deep threat to take the top off of defenses and Brady hasn’t enjoyed the same protection that he has in years past. On the other side, the Titans have a legitimate second-half weapon to deploy in running back Derrick Henry, who won the NFL’s rushing title this season. They’ve also resembled a completely different offense since Ryan Tannehill took over under center for the benched Marcus Mariota, who was petrified to take shots downfield. While Tannehill takes too many sacks, again, this Tennessee offense has come alive since he took over. I love catching 5 points in this matchup.
NFL Wildcard Weekend Prediction: Tennessee Titans +5