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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota is trending toward a return for this game, which will make a big difference in the projected margin of victory. Tennessee would have been favored anyway if this was a battle of backup quarterbacks but the expected presence of Mariota tilts the scales even further in the Titans’ favor.
Watch this regular season Week 6 matchup live on Monday, October 16, 2017, at 8:30 p.m. ET at Nissan Stadium.
Odds Analysis
The oddsmakers are being cautious on this one as there is no line quite yet. Mariota, though, is confident in his return. As long as he plays, Tennessee should be a sizable favorite to take care of business. Keep an eye on his availability as it has a huge determinant on the spread.
The scoring total will also go up if Mariota can play, as the Titans have struggled to score without him starting in the past six quarters.
Injury Report
Mariota— The Titans’ signal-caller injured his hamstring two weeks ago against the Texans and didn’t play in last week’s 16-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. His absence has been big as Tennessee is now 2-3 on the season and needs to turn it around to stay in the playoff race. Matt Cassel will be the fill-in if Mariota isn’t able to go.
Taylor Lewan -- The Titans’ standout left tackle dodged a bullet as his knee injury is less severe than initially feared. Lewan is a big key to the protection of whichever quarterback will be in the backfield. His status should be clearer as the game gets close, but early indications are he will play.
Andrew Luck -- The Colts’ quarterback has started to practice but has already been ruled out for Monday’s game. He is still making his way back from offseason shoulder surgery and it has been slow going. Jacoby Brissett has been a decent fill-in and will once again get the ball in this one. Indianapolis is simply attempting to stay afloat until it gets its star quarterback back under center.
Matchup to Watch
Tennessee running game vs. Indianapolis rush defense -- Even if Mariota plays, the Titans’ plan will be to take control of this game on the ground. DeMarco Murray is the team’s starting running back while Derrick Henry is another talented rusher in the backfield.
If Mariota is healthy he is mobile enough to add rushing yards as well. The Titans are averaging 124.8 rushing yards per game this season, which is a solid number, and they have one of the better offensive lines in the NFL.
The Colts have done a surprisingly nice job against the run this season. Indianapolis doesn’t have many big names on their defensive line but if it is able to hold up in that area, it may have a chance to cover the spread at least.
If the Titans run them over, then the play-action will be effective and this could be a blowout.
Free ATS Pick
The Colts might have a 2-3 record but they are lucky to be there. Without Luck they are a well below average team. The Titans may have the same record but they are still a playoff contender.
Tennessee needs to get it rolling because both the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars have looked solid this season. Don’t expect the Titans to have a bunch of issues in this game, as they will win by double digits.
NFL Odds: Titans 27, Colts 16
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