Titans vs. Colts: Staff predictions for crucial Week 13 game

Brady Akins (Contributor)

The Titans’ first game against the Colts was an ugly, low-scoring game that came down to the wire in Week 2. Now, the Tennessee offense looks a lot more capable than where it was the last time these teams, but I expect a similar style game this week.

Tennessee has been one of the NFL’s best offenses in their previous two games but hasn’t played a defense as strong as the Colts in that time. Primarily, Indianapolis’ defense shines in run defense game, and is allowing just 97 rushing yards per game.

That Colts unit will have a tough test against the red-hot Derrick Henry. Henry is coming off of back-to-back games over 150 yards on the ground and will be looking to continue his dominance against a Colts defense he played well against in their first game. Henry against Indy’s run defense will be the big matchup to watch, and whoever gets the upper hand there could control the rest of the game.

If Henry does struggle, Tennessee should still be in capable hands with quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill didn’t play in the Titans’ first game against the Colts, but Tennessee was still within two points of winning without him. Since becoming the Titans starter, Tannehill has proven more than capable of making plays and scoring points when under center. In a game that should be low scoring, one or two big plays from Tannehill could make the difference.

The Colts offense has been struggling in recent weeks, and will be coming into Sunday’s game without the help of their starting running back Marlon Mack and No. 1 receiver T.Y. Hilton. The Titans defense should be able to keep a short-handed Colts offense in check, while the offense should be able to do enough to pull out a win.

Final score prediction: Titans 21, Colts 13