Baltimore Ravens (4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS) vs. Tennessee Titans (4-3 SU, 3-4 ATS)
NFL Week 9
Date/Time: Sunday, November 5th, 1:00pm ET
Where: Nissan Stadium – Nashville, TN
TV: CBS
by Bob, NFL Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: BAL +4/TEN -4
Over/Under Total:43
Sunday in Nissan Stadium, there is an AFC showdown between two teams that need a win to stay on track for a potential playoff run. The Baltimore Ravens will travel south to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans. Baltimore comes into this game at 4-4 and in second place of the AFC North while the Titans are 4-3 and sit in a tie with Jacksonville for the top spot of the AFC South. Both teams need a win to stay on track, especially Baltimore. They do not want to fall two games below .500 especially in a game like this that they have a legit shot to win.
On paper, it appears that the Titans are the better team and that is why hey come into this game as a four point home favorite over the Ravens. The total points are set at 43 total points combined in this contest. As of early Wednesday morning, the public action was heavy on the Titans to get the win and cover at home. 57% of the action is on Tennessee to cover and 54% likes this game to go over the 43 total point. Personally, I think this game is going to be close all the way through and it will come down to the 4th quarter and who can make the plays late.
The Titans are getting better and better each season. They are just a few key players away from becoming a true AFC contender in my opinion. Like I said earlier, they are 4-3 and are tied for the AFC South lead with the Jaguars. So far in 2017, Tennessee has won games due to their defense and running game. The Titans are ranked 13th in the NFL in points allowed and they have the 8th best rushing attack led by DeMarco Murray gaining almost 125 points a game. This Sunday will be a challenge for the Titans will be scoring. Baltimore boasts a top ten scoring defense giving up just 18 points per game and the Titans although they run the ball well, are only scoring 22 points a game which is not even in the leagues top ten. I could see this being a low scoring affair and in the end the team that makes the least amount of mistakes will get the win.
Baltimore needs a win bad this weekend. They are two games behind Pittsburgh for the division lead and although they probably will not overtake the AFC North, there is still the chance to win a wild card. A win this weekend is a near must not only for the record but tie breakers late down the road to determine who gets in the post season. So far in 2017, the Ravens are very similar to the Titans. They run the ball well and play defense. Baltimore is ranked 6th in the NFL in defense and 7th in rushing offense. The dagger for Baltimore this season is the awful passing game. The Ravens who are led by Joe Flacco are the 32nd ranked passing offense in all of the NFL. Baltimore is only averaging 152 yards passing per game and in order to win down the stretch, this has to improve. This Sunday against Tennessee, Baltimore needs to open up the passing game. They will not be able to just run run run…there must be balance against a Tennessee defense thats pretty solid.
This game is a tough one to predict but this particular matchup, I am going straight chalk. I think Tennessee is the better team and they are at home. I am always weary of NFL spreads that are higher than three points, but I think overall the Titans are just too tough for a Baltimore team that struggles in certain areas. I think Tennessee wins an ugly 21-16 type game this Sunday in Nissan Stadium.
Bob’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: TAKE THE TENNESSEE TITANS -4. – Bet this game for FREE by taking advantage of a FAT 100% bonus up to $1000 at MyBookie! (Use Promo Code: PRDCT14)