Titans vs. Saints predictions: Staff picks for Week 16 AFC, NFC clash
By Will Lomas
Brady Akins
After losing a heartbreaker to the Houston Texans with the AFC South lead on the line, the Titans now face an even tougher test in the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints are coming off a convincing 34-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football, but despite the intimidating final result, New Orleans is not invincible. Right now, the Saints’ most glaring weakness comes in the form of injuries.
Saints’ defensive linemen Marcus Davenport and Sheldon Rankins are both out for the rest of the season with injuries, and guard Larry Warford along with safety Vonn Bell have been ruled out this week as well.
With most of New Orleans’ injuries coming to their defensive talent, it may be easier for Ryan Tannehill and the offense to attack a Saints defense that’s been great for most of the year.
However, Tennessee dealing with a few significant injuries of their own this week. Adoree Jackson has been ruled out for the third straight week, and alongside Malcolm Butler, the Titans secondary has desperately missed their talents.
Drew Brees has been playing at a high level all year, and is coming off of a 29/30, four-touchdown performance just last week. With injuries plaguing the Titans secondary, Brees could be in for another dominant game.
The Titans will be able to win if they can play 60 minutes of perfect football. But if they can’t, Brees should be able to pick apart this weakened Tennessee secondary and fend off a Titans offense that might be able to manage a few big plays against an injured New Orleans defense, dropping the Titans to 8-7. The latter feels more likely.
Saints over Titans, 34-24