Welcome back Marcus Mariota. Mariota saw the field for the first time since breaking his leg near the end of last season and made some headlines before the game started. He was late to the field after stopping to take pictures with fans and received widespread praise for the move. The Titans ended up getting the loss, but it was nice to see Mariota in action again. He and the Titans will host their first preseason game on Saturday afternoon when they welcome the Carolina Panthers to the Music City.
This matchup in Week 2 of the preseason will take place on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at 3 p.m. ET at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee. This game will be broadcast on NFL Network.
Week 2 NFL Preseason Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu
Carolina Panthers +3 -120
Tennessee Titans -3 +100
Over/Under 41
Odds Analysis
Tennessee played the ugliest game of all the difficult to watch games in Week 1 of the preseason. The Titans and Jets combined for all of 10 points in 60 minutes of action with neither team able to move the ball after removing their first-team offense. The game easily went under the total and the Titans didn’t get the cover as they were road favorites.
The Panthers played very well in their preseason opener. Even though Carolina didn’t have Cam Newton available, Derek Anderson and Joe Webb each were able to throw touchdown passes and lead the team to a comfortable 27-17 win over Houston that easily covered the spread.
Player to Watch
Christian McCaffrey didn’t play much in his first NFL game, but flashed the talent that made him the No. 8 overall pick in the draft. He carried the ball seven times for 33 yards and showed off the quickness and agility that has many observers very high on him.
In training camp, McCaffrey has been utilized as a wide receiver quite a bit. He is a great route runner for a running back and has an explosive first step that creates separation. McCaffrey has been able to beat whoever the Panthers defense lines up against him when he lines up at receiver and it’s only a matter of time before we see some of those packages.
Additionally, the team has been using McCaffrey in the Wildcat formation. That makes a ton of sense considering the plethora of options the Panthers have at running back and the mobile threat they have in Newton.
Key Injuries
Mariota’s two best offensive weapons have been sidelined the last couple weeks with hamstring injuries. DeMarco Murray is at least back in practice carrying the ball, although it is unclear if he will play on Saturday. That isn’t as big of a loss as it could be as Tennessee has a very capable backup in Derrick Henry.
However, the hamstring injury to Corey Davis is more concerning. Davis is listed as ‘week to week’, but needs all the repetitions he can get. He was heralded as the No. 1 wide receiver that Mariota has desperately needed since coming into the league, but hasn’t gotten to work with Mariota much in training camp.
Backup Matt Cassel should be able to play in this game. He sat out Tennessee’s preseason opener as the team was a little careful with him following offseason thumb surgery. That led to extended play from Alex Tanney and he wasn’t able to produce much.
Free ATS Pick
This one depends on how much Mariota plays. Carolina probably won’t play Newton in preseason as he is still rehabbing an injured shoulder. However, the Panthers have the better quarterbacks.
Don’t expect Mariota to play too much with two of his best weapons out. Carolina should be able to get the cover and the outright win as a road underdog.
Week 2 NFL Preseason Odds: Panthers 24 Titans 16
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