This game is what it all comes down to. The Colts and Titans play for a playoff spot. Who will win in this Sunday night clash?
The Colts have been playing great football lately. They are winners of eight of their last nine games. Tennessee has won their last four. Both teams have been playing really good football the last few weeks. The stakes could not be higher, so how will the game play out?
Tennessee has a top ten rated defense, so they will try to stop Andrew Luck and the Colts offense. But they know that is a tall task. They didn’t stop it during their last meeting, and that is a big concern. Meanwhile, the Colts should be confident they can move the ball against the Titans.
Doing so will be paramount in winning the game. Expect T.Y. Hilton to have another great game. Even though he hasn’t been able to practice in December, he has had great games every week. That shouldn’t stop this week either.
Marlon Mack may have a tough time getting some yards though. Tennessee has been doing well stopping the run during their win streak. But balance is necessary if they want to have an effective offense. The Colts should be worried about their defense though.
The Titans’ quarterback situation is still up in the air. It is undecided whether Marcus Mariota or Blaine Gabbert will start. No matter who starts, expect a heavy dose of Derrick Henry. If the Colts are going to win the game they have to slow him down. I expect them to do just that.
Game predictions: Colts 24 Titans 17
I don’t expect the Colts to be slowed down offensively by anyone except themselves. They will get what they want when they want, but will also turn it over a couple of times. But the Colts defense steps up and smothers Henry and takes the crowd out of it.
The Colts should be in the playoffs by the time Sunday night is over. The only question is whether they will host a playoff game, or be on the road as a wild card.