TENNESSEE TITANS @ ATLANTA FALCONS 
Vegas Line: Titans + 6
Rob’s Line: Titans + 7.5
I have to admit that I’m not taken by Tennessee and yes, that’s still despite their stunning 30-3 win in Carolina last week. I didn’t see anything like that coming and were they to go there again this week, I’d once again fancy the Panthers to win by ten. I’m convinced the Titans caught Cam Newton and co. on a post-bye week downer so why would I like Tennessee this week in Atlanta? I don’t.
The Falcons were on a roll heading into last week’s crucial divisional matchup at home to New Orleans and were only undone by the bravery/stupidity (the latter in my opinion) of coach Mike Smith deciding to go for it on 4th and 1 deep in their own territory in overtime, a decision that backfired massively as the Saints held firm and won it a couple of plays later on a chip shot field goal.
While I don’t see Tennessee living with Atlanta in the Georgia Dome, last week was a hell of an emotional loss for the Falcons and the hangover may well last into this week. However, with the Vikings visiting next week, Atlanta have everything going for them to emerge 7-4 before a tricky trip to Houston and they’re bang in the middle of the wildcard race so motivation levels should still be high; plus, they’ll surely want to banish thoughts of dodgy 4th and 1 calls this week.
Titans’ running back Chris Johnson finally pulled himself out of his season long slump last week when he posted 130 yards against the Panthers, but the Falcons rank fourth against the run so I expect him to revert back to mediocrity this week.
Tennessee’s defense ranks 15th against the pass, but they’ve faced receivers of the calibre of Atlanta’s just once this season and that was in Pittsburgh, where they were humbled 38-17. They’ll face a test as stiff as that on Sunday when they line up against Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez and I also expect their 22nd ranked run D to be tested by Michael Turner, all of which adds up to enough points to cover what I consider a skinny spread.
Matt Hasselbeck has been an inspirational acquisition from Seattle for the Titans and with Johnson struggling for yards on the ground, he’s had a better season than I anticipated. Being a Seahawk legend, I have an awful lot of time for him and as much as I’d like to see his career finish with a flourish, I don’t foresee his team having enough this week, despite him facing a Falcons’ pass defense that ranks 23rd.
Titans’ fans will probably disagree with everything I’ve written here, but I do like Atlanta to cover by a touchdown.
http://www.sportingopinions.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment