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Tennessee Titans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Predictions for Week 8

By Michael Moraitis

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Ryan Tannehill #17 fakes a hand off to Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Ryan Tannehill #17 fakes a hand off to Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Titans WR, A.J. Brown.
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 29: A.J. Brown #11 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates making a reception for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Michael Moraitis (Co-expert)

The Titans have yet to string together two good performances so far this season, but I believe that changes in Week 8.

The Titans passing attack finally had some life in Week 7 with Ryan Tannehill behind center, and this matchup with the Bucs presents another opportunity to thrive. Tampa Bay sports the worst pass defense in the NFL this season and owns a lackluster secondary that will be burned early and often by the likes of Corey Davis and A.J. Brown.

It’ll be tough sledding on the ground for Derrick Henry, though. As bad as the Bucs’ pass defense has been, their run defense has been elite and is allowing the fewest yards on the ground per game in 2019. If the Titans are going to have success on offense, it’s going to be through the air.

While the Bucs’ passing attack must be respected with star receivers like Chris Godwin and Mike Evans running around, Jameis Winston is a mess when it comes to turnovers and is now tasked with throwing against an intelligent and elite Titans secondary that will cause him fits.

Tennessee will also get pressure, as the Bucs’ offensive line has surrendered 25 sacks. To make matters worse, Winston tends to hold on to the ball too long and I expect that to happen again on Sunday, with the Titans’ secondary having been sensational in coverage through seven games.

This will be a dominant defensive effort for Tennessee, and Winston will once again turn the ball over multiple times, only making things easier for the Titans’ offense. Tannehill will have a career day and the Titans will roll to their second straight win at home over the Bucs.

Final score prediction: Titans 30, Bucs 17

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