The Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts always bring it when these two AFC South foes matchup. Despite the fact that the Titans are coming off of a dominant win over the hyped up Cleveland Browns and the Colts coming up just short in overtime against the Los Angeles Chargers, this battle in “Music City” is sure to go down to the wire with Week 2 slated to serve as a pivotal game for both franchises.
Tennessee never managed to defeat recently retired quarterback Andrew Luck, but no matter who is under center the Colts always play the Titans tough. Colts QB Jacoby Brissett, who will leading the charge, proved himself worthy in a big way last week.
On the other hand, Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota looked great against the Browns, though his looming injury history will surely continue to hang over his head until he proves otherwise. It is no secret that NFL quarterbacks tend to dictate the success of their respective teams while the upcoming contest in Nashville won't change such a notion.
Because these two teams can be incredibly hot or embarrassingly cold depending on the day, it will be interesting to see if the Titans can come out of this possible trap game at 2-0 or if the Colts can even the side at 1-1 before Week 3 rolls around.
4. Marcus Mariota and Jacoby Brissett each throw for over 300 yards
Both Marcus Mariota and Jacoby Brissett are often considered to be run-first quarterbacks, though the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts will be forced to turn them loose on Sunday afternoon. This will more than likely be a closely contested game with both defenses serving as solid all-around units that will find themselves revolving around the “bend but down break” gameplan.
As a result, Mariota and Brissett will each throw for over 300 yards as some big plays are bound to happen. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that this will be a high-scoring affair, just one that features a high tempo, back-and-forth feel causing this tandem of signal-callers to air it out when called upon.
3. Derrick Henry surpasses 100 yards on the ground and outrushes Marlon Mack
Last week, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Marlon Mack led the league with 174 rushing yards and one touchdown on 24 carries against the Los Angeles Chargers. Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry impressed against a stout Cleveland Browns defense as well, though the former Alabama Crimson Tide standout's day was actually highlighted by a 75-yard touchdown reception.
This time around, however, it will be Henry that surpasses the 100-yard rushing mark as Mack simply won't have enough in the tank to repeat last week's epic performance. The Titans defense is also one of the better units in the league and will keep Mack in check even if the Colts' lead rusher can pick up some decent yards on a high volume of carries.
2. There will be zero turnovers between both teams
In order for the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts to find success on offense against a pair of dominant defenses, each quarterback will need to work efficiently and protect the football at all costs. Because of the caliber of defense that each team will be going up against on Sunday afternoon, it is imperative that neither team turns the ball over — and that is exactly what is going to happen.
Despite the Titans picking off Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield three times last week, it won't be done again against Colts starting quarterack Jacoby Brissett, who didn't throw any picks in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota will once again be put in position to succeed while not delivering any rigorous throws, which will lead to consecutive weeks of no interceptions.
1. Titans win in overtime
Although the Indianapolis Colts will remain competitive — and then some — throughout this contest, the Tennessee Titans will ultimately win the game en route to improving to a perfect 2-0 on the season. However, it won't be easy for the Titans, who will need overtime to defeat the rival Colts at home.
With the Colts slated to make it 2-for-2 in terms of overtime games to start the season, Indianapolis will unfortunately have nothing to show for either outing. Nonetheless, this will remain close and relatively low scoring for at least the first three quarters as this contest should head into extra time knotted somewhere around 21 or 24 points apiece.
With any additional touchdowns unlikely, a Titans field goal after one possession each should do the trick against the Colts in the end.
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