In an AFC South divisional battle, the Indianapolis Colts (3-2-1) take on the Tennessee Titans (3-2). The game will begin at 1 PM ET. With a prediction and choice for the Colts-Titans game, we continue our NFL odds series below.
After a 0-2 start, Indianapolis has defeated Jacksonville and Denver in back-to-back victories. In the first week, they tied with Houston before losing to Tennessee and Jacksonville. In week three, the Colts defeated the Chiefs. The Titans prevailed 24-17 in their previous encounter with the teams. Despite going 0-2-1 in their division, Indianapolis sits second in the AFC South. Five of the Colts’ six games have finished under the total, and they are 3-3 ATS.
After a 0-2 start, Tennessee has won three straight games. They lost to the Giants and Bills early in the season before picking up victories over the Raiders, Colts, and Commanders. The previous week, the Titans were off. Tennessee leads the AFC South with a perfect record in their division. Three of their five games have ended in underdog victories, and they are 3-2 ATS.
These NFL odds between the Colts and Titans are provided by FanDuel.
NFL Odds: Colts-Titans Odds
Colts of Indianapolis: +2.5 (-104)
Titans of Tennessee: -2.5 (-118)
Over: 41.5 (-110) (-110)
Under: 41.5 (-110)
Why The Colts Could Cover The Spread
The Colts have carried on Frank Reich’s practise of a slow season opener. The Colts under Reich are currently 8-11-1 through the first four weeks of his tenure, but they have bounced back to qualify for the postseason in two of his four seasons. Although Indy boasts a strong defence, its offence has been largely dormant until last week. The Colts rank 27th in points scored per game and 31st in offensive DVOA. They’ve never scored more than 20 points until last week and have a dismal 47% red zone scoring percentage.
But if last week was any indicator, the Colts may have discovered their offensive rhythm. In order to win, Indianapolis scored 34 points, and quarterback Matt Ryan had his greatest Colts game to date. Indy totally abandoned the run game without Jonathan Taylor, and Ryan completed 42 of his 58 throws. That strategy worked out well, as Ryan’s 389 yards and three touchdowns were more than enough to lead Indy to victory.
In the air, Indianapolis might have a similar kind of success against a weak Tennessee secondary. In the NFL, the Titans have given up the most passing yards per game. The Titans allowed 359 yards to Carson Wentz in their last game before the bye week. Indy will need Matt Ryan from the previous week if they hope to win on Sunday. In their previous match this season, he threw for over 350 yards.
However, the Colts are anticipating the return of their top running back Jonathan Taylor this week, so Ryan will need to keep up his outstanding play. Due to an injury, Taylor has missed the last few games. Even though he hasn’t been as productive as he was last year, the Colts’ 29th-ranked rushing squad would benefit from adding last year’s top rusher. Although it’s important to monitor his condition, bettors should be aware that the Titans shut him down in their most recent encounter before making Colts-Titans predictions.
Why The Titans Could Cover The Spread
After a 0-2 start, Tennessee has won three straight games as they enter their bye week. The Colts are a team they have already defeated on the road this season, and they have had two weeks to prepare for them. Tennessee has triumphed in five of their previous six meetings with Indianapolis, but if they want to slow down the resurgent Indy passing attack, they’ll need to tighten up their secondary.
Tennessee has utilised a similar offensive strategy as in previous years. In their care is Derrick Henry. A lot. Tennessee ranks ninth in rushes per game and sixth in rush play percentage. However, given that they rank just 21st in terms of rushing yards per game, they haven’t been as productive as in prior years. However, they did run the ball effectively in their most recent matchup with the Colts just a few weeks ago. Derrick Henry ran 22 times for 114 yards to help his team win.
After a sluggish beginning, Henry has recently improved. He has scored a touchdown in four straight games and is coming off two straight 100-yard performances. Tennessee will undoubtedly try to keep the ball out of Matt Ryan’s hands and give their secondary as much rest as they can because the Colts can be ran on (twenty-first in rushing defence). Given quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s difficulties this season, Henry must be efficient. The Titans rank 19th in interception rate and 28th in passing offence. Tennessee should be in a strong position to cover the 2.5-point spread if Henry can repeat his performance from their game in week four.
Final Colts-Titans Prediction & Pick
The Titans have recently had Indy’s number, but I think the Colts will win this game. With Matt Ryan at their side, Jonathan Taylor should be available to expose the Titans’ porous defence.
Indianapolis Colts +2.5 in the final Colts-Titans prediction and pick (-104)
Colts vs. Titans prediction, odds, and selection for Sunday, October 23, 2022 in the NFL first published on ClutchPoints.
