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Titans vs Colts Week 12 Line Opens at Indianapolis -3.5

Kevin Allen

by Kevin Allen in NFL Football

Updated Nov 22, 2020 · 6:57 PM PST

Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts destroyed the Tennessee Titans 34-17 in their Week 10 meeting. Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire.
  • The Indianapolis Colts (7-3) are 3.5-point favorites against the Tennessee Titans (7-3) in the opening odds for their Week 12 meeting to decide first place in the AFC South
  • The Titans beat the Baltimore Ravens 30-24 in overtime in Week 11, while the Colts rallied to take down the Green Bay Packers 34-31 in OT
  • See opening odds, team overviews, and a prediction about how the line will move

Identical 7-3 records would suggest Tennessee versus Indianapolis (Nov. 29, 1 pm EST) could be a toss-up, but the Colts’ status as 3.5-point favorites is a more accurate reflection of where these two teams are today.

The Colts beat the Titans 34-17 on Nov. 12. They are also coming off a stirring 34-31 overtime win against the Green Bay Packers.  Indianapolis has won four of its last five games while scoring  31 or more points in each of those victories.

While the Titans also pulled off an important OT win against Baltimore, they have only won two of their last five games. Tennessee’s defense hasn’t looked sharp, and the Titans are 4-6 against the spread. 

 

Titans vs  Colts Opening Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
Tennessee Titans +152 +3.5 (-114) N/A
Indianapolis Colts -180 -3.5 (-106) N/A

Odds taken Nov. 22nd at FanDuel.

Jonathan Taylor Seems Ready for Memorable Game

Jonathan Taylor rushed for 90 yards, and caught four passes for 24 yards, in the win against the Packers. It was his best rushing day since Week 2.

Taylor is clearly becoming more confident as the season wears on. He has started to become accustomed to the speed of the NFL game. His decisions are quicker and smarter.

When the Colts played Tennessee in Week 10, Taylor only rushed for 12 yards on seven carries.  He had two receptions for seven yards. Disappointing numbers for such a prize rookie. Based on how he played against Green Bay,  you would expect Taylor to be far more productive in the rematch.

As much as Philip Rivers is rightly lauded for the influence he’s had on the offense,  Taylor’s development is probably as important for the long term.

Tannehill Has Been as Valuable as Rivers

With Derrick Henry leading the NFL with 1,079 yards rush, Ryan Tannehill doesn’t find the spotlight as often as other NFL quarterbacks.

Critics point out that he has more games (3) with under 200 yards passing this season than he has games with 300 or more (2).  But he has thrown 20 touchdown passes, compared to 11 for Rivers. Tannehill’s quarterback rating (106.9) is higher than Rivers’ (93.6) this season.

Tannehill has only been intercepted three times this season, while Rivers has been picked off eight times.

What they both have done this season:  They have given their team consistency and confidence under center.

Titans Lose Linebacker to Gruesome Injury

Jayon Brown, the Titans’ leading tackler, suffered a dislocated and fractured elbow against the Ravens that will put him on the sidelines for the rest of the season.

Replays showed Brown was sent airborne by a low diving block. He landed on the turf with his arm extended awkwardly. He appeared to be in considerable pain. His loss is major for the Titans.

Early Betting Should Be on the Colts

With Brown going down, the Titans’ defense isn’t going to improve. The Titans rank 26th against the pass and are giving up 4.5 yards per carry on the ground.

Plus, the Colts’ win against the Packers probably won over some bettors. The spread could grow midweek,  which could inspire bettors who believe in Tannehill.  But the spread will likely will return to 3.5 or may even 3 by game time.

 

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