NFL Week 6 Predictions: Why the Titans will cover vs. Colts on MNF 10/16/17

Why Titans will Cover vs. Colts on MNF

Will the Titans cover as a sizable home favorite tonight when they host their division rivals the Colts on Monday Night Football?

The Odds: According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bovada.lv, the Titans are 7.5-point home favorites versus the Colts, who opened as 8-point underdogs. As for the total, the number hit the board at 49 but has dropped to 48 at the majority of online sportsbooks.

Bet Tonight’s Colts vs. Titans Matchup

Colts Injury Report: Andrew Luck remains out with a shoulder injury and he isn’t the only starter that won’t play. Offensive tackles Jack Mewhort and Denzelle Good are also out, while tight end Jack Doyle (concussion) is probable. Those are the only starters dealing with injuries.

Titans Injury Report: The biggest injury facing the Titans is the health status of Marcus Mariota, who missed last week with a hamstring injury. Mariota is probable, however, so he’ll be back under center. Offensive tackle Taylor Lewan (ankle) is also probable, but safety Johnathan Cyprien (hamstring) is out, as is wide receiver Corey Davis (hamstring).

Who Covers: The Titans rushed for 70 yards on 20 carries last week against the Dolphins without Mariota. In four games without Mariota the last two years, the Titans offense has carried the ball 69 times for 230 yards, or 3.3 yards per carry. In the 17 games with Mariota under center over the last two seasons, the Titans have rushed for 2,026 yards on 427 carries, or 4.75 yards per attempt. The point is that Mariota is crucial to Tennessee’s rushing attack. When he’s in the lineup, the Titans can gash opponents on the ground, build on leads and eat clock. The Colts are allowing 31.8 points per game, which is worst in the NFL. Now that the Titans are at full strength, I like Tennessee to roll. (Bonus: You’ll be fading the public if you lay the points with Tennessee.)

 

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL WEEK 6 PREDICTIONS: TENNESSEE TITANS -7.5