Exciting Showdown: Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts Predictions and Picks for December 22, 2024!

Read further for the prediction of the Titans/Colts game.

Tennessee’s Quarterback Shuffle Continues

The Tennessee Titans head into their matchup against the Indianapolis Colts with a disappointing record of 3-11. After suffering a 37-27 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals, the team is making yet another change at the quarterback position. This loss marked the Titans’ third consecutive defeat and dropped their home record to 1-6 under new head coach Brian Callahan. Will Levis, the starting quarterback, had a rough outing, throwing three interceptions, including the NFL’s most pick-sixes this season, leading to his benching for Mason Rudolph in the game’s second half. Rudolph will take the reins this week as the starting quarterback.

The Titans struggled throughout their last game against the Bengals. Rudolph also threw an interception and the team committed six turnovers in total, including two fumbles. They faced 12 penalties that cost them over 100 yards. However, Rudolph managed to complete 21 out of 26 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns, providing a glimmer of hope in the second half. The Titans’ offense accumulated 370 total yards, but their defense allowed 374 yards to the Bengals. They did manage to intercept Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow twice and recovered two fumbles, but the defensive line only recorded one sack.

With Levis sidelined due to his turnover issues, Callahan has not indicated when, or if, he will regain the starting role. As the Titans eye the possibility of securing the top draft pick, they may be considering future quarterback options. This season, they have a road record of 2-5, ranking 27th in scoring offense. They are 17th in rushing and 26th in passing, while struggling in the red zone, ranking 25th. Their defense is ranked 29th in scoring and 26th in sacks per game, which puts additional pressure on the team to improve.

Key Injuries: WR Tyler Boyd, WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, RB Tony Pollard, DT T’Vondre Sweat, and LB Kenneth Murray Jr. are all questionable.

Colts’ Playoff Aspirations on the Line

The Indianapolis Colts face a challenging path as their playoff hopes took a hit last week, suffering a 31-13 loss to the Denver Broncos. The Colts were outscored 24-0 in the second half, largely due to two significant mistakes: a failed trick play that resulted in a pick-six and a mishap by running back Jonathan Taylor, who dropped the ball in celebration just short of the goal line during what looked like a 41-yard touchdown run. Instead of a score, the play resulted in a touchback, giving possession back to the Broncos.

“That can’t happen,” Taylor remarked, who ended the day with 107 rushing yards but no touchdowns on 22 carries. “You’re never consciously aware you’re dropping the ball. Otherwise, you wouldn’t do it.”

The Colts’ offense has had its ups and downs this season, particularly with second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, who has also been benched previously. In the last game, Richardson completed 17 of 38 passes for 172 yards, throwing two interceptions and contributing to three turnovers for the team. A failed lateral by wide receiver Adonai Mitchell led to a defensive touchdown for the Broncos, shifting the momentum. The Colts finished with a total of 310 yards of offense, while their defense performed adequately, allowing only 193 total yards and 3.2 yards per play. However, the offense’s mistakes overshadowed the defense’s efforts.

With no margin for error in their final three games, the Colts aim to sweep the Titans after defeating them 20-17 earlier this season. Currently, they rank 23rd in the NFL in offense, 11th in rushing, and 27th in passing. Despite having a strong running game and Richardson’s dual-threat capabilities, they convert only 20% of their red zone opportunities into touchdowns. Defensively, they are 21st in scoring defense, 19th against the run, and 23rd against the pass. Their red zone defense ranks 17th, and they are also 20th in turnover margin this season.

Key Injuries: WR Ashton Dulin, PK Matt Gay, WR Alex Pierce, TE Mo Alie-Cox, and LB EJ Speed are questionable.

Best Bets for Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts

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