The Sunday slate of NFL games kicks off with a match-up with playoff implications at stake.
The 9-4 Titans will be looking to stay in the hunt for the number one seed in the AFC, while the 6-6-1 Steelers will be looking to keep their dimming playoff hopes alive.
The Titans are coming off a shutout victory against the Jaguars, while the Steelers are coming off a Thursday night loss to the Vikings. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming match between the Titans and the Steelers so you can make your bets against their NFL odds.
NFL Betting Preview for Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh
Titans Look To Continue Playoff Push Without Derrick Henry
When people think about the Titans, the first thing they think of is Derrick Henry. Henry has been a workhorse for the Titans since 2016. Henry and Tannehill have been a one-two punch for Tennessee.
Henry’s power running performance sets up the play-action for Tannehill, his bread and butter the past two years with the Titans.
With Herny gone, the Titans have to rely more on the arm of Tannehill. And without a threat of the run, this affects the play-action.
The Titans are 3-2 since the injury to Henry. Two of the three wins were against struggling teams.
Steelers Battered Defense Looking To Get Back Sidelined Players
The Steelers’ defense has gone through a long list of injuries. Linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith were injured in the Thursday night game against the Vikings.
Cornerback Joe Haden has been out since he injured his foot in week ten against the Lions. The Steelers defense has no hope in helping the team stay in the playoff hunt with these key players missing.
However, there is encouraging news that all three of these players may be playing this Sunday against the Titans. This can help give the Steelers the extra boost they will need while playing in front of the home crowd.
Can The Titans Cover The Spread
The Titans are a 1.5 point favorite going into Pittsburgh. They are 8-5 against the spread and 3-4 as a favorite against the spread. Playing on the road, the Titans are 4-2.
With all these stats, there’s a lot to unpack. But the critical thing is that Tennessee is fighting for the number one seed in the AFC. This will get them a much-needed bye week, as Derrick Henry is projected to be back for the season finale match-up against the Houston Texans.
Can The Steelers Cover The Spread
Pittsburgh has done reasonably well at home. They are 4-2-1 in home games, meaning that the Steelers aren’t a team that wants to lose in front of the home crowd.
Against the spread, the Steelers are 5-8, but they are 5-3 when they are the underdog against the spread. With important defensive players possibly returning, Pittsburgh has some hope at home.
Who Will Win This Playoff Implication Match-Up
Even if all the Steelers defensive players are healthy by Sunday, they have struggled to get ahead in games. The Steelers have been playing from behind in their past four games. The Titans will look to silence the terrible towels out of the gate.
The game will be close, but the Titans win by three and cover the spread.
