The Indianapolis Colts face off with the Tennessee Titans in an extremely important AFC South contest.
Both teams are 6-5, just one game back from the Houston Texans (7-4) for the lead in the division.
With that in mind, this game means a whole lot. A loss will put a team in an absolutely miserable spot, with a bit of ground to make up on two teams and time running out. However, a win will put one of the teams in a fantastic spot, and could even catapult them into a tie with the Texans for first place.
So what does Indianapolis have to do to pull out a victory? Here are four reasons the Colts could beat the Titans in Week 13.
1. Ryan Tannehill
The Titans started the year with Marcus Mariota at quarterback. His struggles led to the team finding it extremely hard to get in the end zone, though. So in his place, Tennessee decided to start Ryan Tannehill. Honestly, it's gone pretty swimmingly so far.
Tannehill has completed 72.1% of his passes for 1,420 yards over seven games (six starts), with 13 touchdowns (10 passing, three rushing) and four interceptions.
So not exactly killing it, but Tannehill's stabilized the offense a little bit. And he's been playing much better in recent weeks.
That being said, this is still Tannehill. You shouldn't be expecting big games from him often at this point in his career.
Indianapolis needs to take advantage of the quarterback situation in Tennessee. Tannehill is prone to having absolutely dreadful performances. Pull one of those out of him and a win is certain.
2. Colts Offensive Line
The Indianapolis offensive line is pretty special. It's incredible to think that just a few short years ago they were the worst in the NFL.
This season, the Colts have allowed just 21 sacks. That's seventh-best in the NFL (the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys have allowed 16 each).
Keeping the quarterback and the running back protected has been a major point for the offense this year. They've helped keep the team in games by giving everyone time and space, and have a number of impressive blocks down the field.
With this offensive line, the Colts can contain any defensive pressure. Tennessee has 30 sacks on the year, putting them at 14th in the NFL. There's no reason to believe Indianapolis can't keep them from their quarterback.
3. Titans' Sack Troubles
Speaking of offensive lines, the Titans are in trouble. Tennessee has given up 43 sacks this year. That's the second-most in the NFL. Only the embarrassingly bad Miami Dolphins offensive line has allowed more (46).
Sure, the Colts aren't exactly world-beaters when it comes to getting to the quarterback. In fact, their 26 sacks are closer to the bottom of the list than the top of it.
However, this is the type of team you can really raise that number against. The Titans have yet to prove they can handle pressure coming towards their quarterback.
Therefore, if the Colts are smart, that will be the game plan. Indianapolis should bring pressure as often as possible. Even if it isn't usually their way, it's obvious that this is a team you can really bother with pressure.
If a team can get to the quarterback often, they have a great chance of winning. Indianapolis has a great opportunity at doing just that.
4. Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett has been brilliant this year. Sure, he's struggled a bit recently, but overall he's been fantastic.
Most importantly, he's done what a lot of people didn't think was possible. He's kept the Colts relevant.
I won't lie. I liked Brissett coming into the season. However, I was also 100% sure the Colts would be lucky to win five games this year. They are now 6-5 and right in the AFC South division race.
Brissett is a big part of that.
On the year, the quarterback has completed 64.6% of his passes for 1,926 yards in 10 games. He's thrown 15 touchdown passes and ran for three more (142 rushing yards). Meanwhile, he has limited the turnovers with four interceptions and five fumbles.
Brissett hasn't gotten into the end zone too much, but he's orchestrated a lot of big drives and has played a major role in every Colts win this year.
In fact, the one game he didn't play in they suffered an embarrassing loss to the 2-9 Dolphins. Brissett's not a legitimate MVP candidate in the NFL this year. However, he's the MVP of the Colts, and he could easily be a major reason they beat the Titans in Week 13.
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