Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans, LP Field, Nashville, TN
Thursday, December 9, 2010, 8:20 pm EST, TV: NFL
Opening Line: Colts -2
Current Line: Colts -2.5
Opening Total: 44
Current Total: 46.5
Money Line: Colts -155 / Titans +135
Few teams in the NFL have played worse than the Tennessee Titans (5-7) and Indianapolis Colts (6-6) lately, yet both still have a shot to win the division and make the playoffs if they can finish the season strong. The Colts (-2.5) have lost three straight games during the worst stretch of quarterback Peyton Manning’s career while the Titans have dropped five in a row heading into this AFC South divisional battle on Thursday Night Football.
Manning has thrown 11 interceptions during Indy’s three-game skid, but his team’s defense also has not played particularly well. The Colts have surrendered an average of 35 points in the last three games, numbers that are a bit inflated due to the fact that four of Manning’s picks were returned for touchdowns in the past two, both of which took place at home.
Indianapolis has failed to run the ball effectively most of the season, putting extra pressure on Manning to carry the load. The Colts rank dead last in the NFL in rushing with just 79.1 yards per game, averaging only 45 yards on the ground during the losing streak. Running back Joseph Addai has missed the last six games with a neck injury since rushing for a season-high 128 yards in a 27-24 win at Washington prior to the team’s bye week.
The Titans looked like they might be Indy’s top challenger for the division title when they started the season at 5-2, but it has all gone downhill from there. Injuries to quarterbacks Vince Young and Kerry Collins plus the acquisition of controversial wide receiver Randy Moss have all taken place over the last month, putting head coach Jeff Fisher in a tough situation. There are now rumblings that Fisher’s job status could be up in the air if his team does not turn things around.
Like Manning, Tennessee running back Chris Johnson has been counted on to carry his offense. Opponents have had a much easier time keying on Johnson though, as he has totaled 58 yards on 20 carries combined over the last two games. He has averaged 74.7 rushing yards in three career meetings with the Colts, who are surrendering an average of 190 yards on the ground in their six losses this season. A more effective passing game for the Titans could be the difference.
Moss has made just five catches for 62 yards in four games with Tennessee since coming over from Minnesota, and he will need Collins to get him the ball against Indianapolis. Collins threw for 169 yards with two interceptions in a 17-6 home loss to Jacksonville last week, which was his first action since playing in a 29-17 loss at Miami in Week 10. He could also get a boost from the return of wide receiver Kenny Britt, who leads the team in touchdown receptions with seven but has not played since Week 8 due to a hamstring injury.
The OVER is 5-1 in six road games for the Colts this season and 3-1 in the last four at home for the Titans, who have failed to cover the spread in every game during their losing streak. Indy is 3-2-1 against the spread away from home despite going 2-4 straight-up in those games.
Now that you have read this Thursday Night Football betting preview featuring the Titans & Colts, check out the NFL odds on this and all the games to compare the best lines at multiple sportsbooks.
