The Tennessee Titans (1-5) aim to break their two-game losing streak as they take on the Detroit Lions (5-1) this Sunday afternoon. The matchup is set to unfold at Ford Field, kicking off at 1 PM ET.
The Titans suffered a setback last week, losing 34-10 to Buffalo as 9.5-point underdogs. Meanwhile, the Lions secured a close 31-29 victory against Minnesota, overcoming a 1.5-point underdog status.
Historically, Tennessee has performed well against Detroit, winning 8 of their last 10 encounters. The last matchup in 2020 saw the Titans dominate with a score of 46-25.
Tennessee Determined to Bounce Back
The Titans, following their first win of the season, faced disappointing losses against Indianapolis and Buffalo. Their goal now is to halt this losing streak and secure a second victory when they clash with the Lions on Sunday.
Tennessee averages 17.7 points per game, with their offense generating 145.8 passing yards and 113.3 rushing yards per game.
Mason Rudolph stepped in for the injured Will Levis, completing 63 percent of his passes for 215 yards, contributing one touchdown and one interception. Tony Pollard added 16 carries for 61 yards, while Chig Okonkwo caught four passes for 50 yards.
This week, the Titans made significant changes by trading their second-leading receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, to Kansas City. In return, they received a 2025 fifth-round pick that could elevate to a fourth-rounder depending on the Chiefs’ Super Bowl performance and Hopkins’ participation. Additionally, the Titans will cover $2.5 million of Hopkins’ remaining salary.
Defensively, Tennessee has struggled, allowing an average of 24 points per game. Their recent performance against Buffalo, where they conceded 34 points, highlights the need for improvement to secure a win.
Injury Report: Wide receiver Calvin Ridley (foot), linebacker Jerome Baker (trade), linebacker Kenneth Murray (shoulder), safety L’Jarius Sneed (quad), defensive tackle Keondre Coburn (knee), and tackle Jaelyn Duncan (ankle) are all questionable for the matchup.
Detroit Aiming for Fifth Straight Victory
The Lions have shown resilience since their week 2 loss to Tampa Bay, securing victories against Arizona, Seattle, Dallas, and Minnesota. Their recent win over the Vikings has positioned them at the top of the NFC North, and they will strive to extend their lead with a win over the Titans.
Detroit boasts an impressive average of 30.3 points per game, amassing 256.3 passing yards and 155.5 rushing yards per game.
Quarterback Jared Goff excelled in the victory against the Vikings, completing 88 percent of his passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs contributed significantly with 15 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns, while Amon-Ra St. Brown added eight catches for 112 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, the Lions have shown strength, allowing an average of 20 points per game. However, they gave up 29 points in their last outing, indicating the need for a stronger defensive effort in the upcoming game.
Injury Report: Guard Kevin Zeitler (hip) is questionable. Wide receiver Jameson Williams (suspension) has been ruled out for the next two games.
Don’t get sacked this football season! Try our NFL Picks!
Best Bets for Tennessee Titans vs. Detroit Lions
With the Lions riding a four-game winning streak and the Titans struggling, Detroit holds a clear advantage in this matchup. The Lions have one of the league’s top offenses and face a Titans defense that has been vulnerable, particularly in pass defense, recently allowing over 300 passing yards in a single game. Additionally, Detroit’s powerful ground game should exploit the Titans’ weaknesses.
On the other hand, Tennessee’s offensive struggles are compounded by their inability to run effectively against the Lions, who possess the seventh-best run defense in the league, allowing less than 100 rushing yards per game. Despite some vulnerabilities in Detroit’s secondary, the Titans’ depleted receiving corps limits their ability to capitalize on these opportunities.
With Tennessee ranking among the top teams in interceptions and sacks allowed this season, the Lions, who are seventh in sacks per game and third in turnovers, are likely to pressure Rudolph heavily, leading to potential mistakes. Thus, betting on Detroit to cover the spread appears to be the strategic choice.
