The Indianapolis Colts will travel to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football. The Titans and Colts will meet again in two weeks which should give us an estimate of who wins the AFC South. Currently, Tennessee leads the division by one game.
1) Tennessee has to get Derrick Henry involved early in this match up. Indianapolis comes into this game with the third rush defense. Last week Henry did not reach 100 yards and as a result the Titans only had 11 first downs against the Bears. If Henry can keep the Titans offense on the field, the Colts offense cannot take advantage of Tennessee’s defense.
2) Ryan Tannehill has been extremely good at protecting the football. However, the Colts defense ranks number one in intercepting the quarterback. For the second key, Tannehill and the offense cannot turn the ball over. Tennessee ranks number one in turnover margin per game and this must continue Thursday night.
3) Winning the third phase of the game might be the biggest key to the game. Special teams are an area the Titans have struggled within two of their last three games. Against Chicago the special teams were outstanding. If Indianapolis is going to be successful on defense, then Tennessee cannot have any negative plays on special teams. The Titans come in with the 32nd in the field goal department, while the Colts are 12th.
Both Tennessee and Indianapolis cannot afford to get swept in the season series. Look for both teams to split and the AFC South race will continue throughout the next few weeks. The Colts will be looking to rebound after their tough loss to the Ravens. However, the Titans know what’s at stake. The Colts are healthier, but in the end, Derrick Henry will not be stopped. Clowney will play and get his first sack of the season as well. Titans 27, Colts 21.