The new NFL season is only two weeks old but the Tennessee Titans have an opportunity to take a big step towards retaining their AFC South title when they host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
The division was always expected to be a straight shootout between the Colts and Titans, and with Jacksonville and Houston showing little to suggest otherwise, for one side to pull clear of the other could be a significant moment.
The Titans moved to 1-1 after a remarkable come-from-behind win at Seattle last week and could end the playoff ambitions of their divisional rivals if they can build on that overtime success.
At 0-2, the Colts are in must-win territory. Only the 2018 Houston Texans have made the playoffs after starting 0-3 since the NFL was expanded to 32 teams in 2002, putting Indianapolis in a tough spot. To make matters worse, QB Carson Wentz will either be out or attempting to play on two sprained ankles.
Wentz’s availability — the Colts will make a game-time decision — could have a big say on the outcome of this game, making it tricky to put together a same game parlay. In an effort to play it safe, we’ve stuck to what we do know to build a parlay that pays +575 with DraftKings. Let’s break down each leg, but make sure you also check out our picks on the side and total for all of the NFL Week 3 matchups.
Tennessee over 26.5 team points
Julio Jones over 69.5 receiving yards
Jonathan Taylor over 64.5 rushing yards
Parlay odds: +575
Tennessee over 26.5 team points
The Titans’ offense finally found its feet after 6 spluttering quarters to start the season, scoring 24 points after the break against Seattle to secure a 33-30 victory. Granted Derrick Henry did a lot of the heavy lifting in the Week 2 victory but Ryan Tannehill and Julio Jones both produced improved displays from their season-opening game.
We aren’t naive enough to think that all Tennessee’s problems on offense have disappeared in one afternoon, with the offensive line still a concern, while Indianapolis’ defense shouldn’t be underestimated. Without Wentz, or with a wounded Wentz, though, the Colts defense could find itself on the field a lot and with a warm afternoon forecast, they should eventually get worn down.
Tennessee has managed 27 points or more in 11 of its last 19 games, a run that includes a 45-26 demolition of the Colts last season. Henry had himself a big day on that occasion, rushing for three touchdowns, and if the Titans get him rolling again then they can easily pass what appears a modest team total.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Titans
Julio Jones over 69.5 receiving yards
Head coach Mike Vrabel singled out Jones after the crushing loss to Arizona and got just the kind of response you would expect from a seasoned professional such as the 32-year-old.
The big off-season acquisition went for 128 yards on 5 catches at Seattle and very nearly had his first Titans touchdown when catching one at the back of the endzone, only for replays to rule him out of bounds.
It was a strong response from Jones and he could have another big afternoon against a Colts team that has issues at cornerback. Rams receiver Cooper Kupp had 163 receiving yards against an Indianapolis secondary that is missing Xavier Rhodes in Week 2 and they could struggle to contain Jones.
Jonathan Taylor over 64.5 rushing yards
Whether Wentz is fit or not, expect the Colts to persist with trying to get their rushing attack started. Indianapolis has posted the 10th-highest number of rushing attempts in the first 2 weeks but has little to show for its efforts, picking up 222 yards at an average of 4 yards per carry.
Taylor has been the lead back in both games so far, logging 32 carries in total. The Colts have been struggling to open up lanes for Taylor but they might have more success against an accommodating Titans defense that ranks 24th in rush defense (DVOA).
Expect Taylor to be heavily involved, and even more so should Wentz fail to be passed fit.
Make sure you check out the rest of our NFL same game parlays for EVERY Week 3 matchup
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