On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts (2-3) will face off against the Tennessee Titans (1-3) at 1 p.m. EDT, broadcasted on CBS. The betting line from BetMGM has the Titans favored by 2.5 points. In terms of performance against the spread, the Colts have a record of 4-1 while the Titans are at 1-3.
The last encounter between these two teams was a thrilling overtime finish, where the Colts emerged victorious over the Titans with a score of 31-28 on December 3, 2023, in Nashville. In their most recent games, the Colts faced a tough loss against Jacksonville, finishing 37-34, while the Titans enjoyed a bye week after their 31-12 victory over Miami on September 30.
Looking at offensive rankings, the Colts sit at 13th overall with their rush and pass game also ranked 12th. However, they struggle defensively, ranked 32nd overall, with their rushing and passing defense at 31st and 29th, respectively. The Titans, on the other hand, are struggling offensively, placed 30th overall, but show strength in defense as they currently rank first in the league.
For the Colts, a key player to watch is wide receiver Alec Pierce. The third-year player has stepped up as a significant deep threat, leading the league with an impressive 28.3 yards per catch and already setting a personal season high with three touchdown receptions. Last week, he had a remarkable outing against Jacksonville, racking up 134 yards from three catches and is expected to continue his momentum this week.
On the Titans side, quarterback Will Levis will be crucial to their performance. Both Levis and Anthony Richardson were drafted in 2023, but Levis has already started more games. Both quarterbacks have thrown six interceptions this season, tied for the most in the NFL. Levis had to leave a game earlier this season due to a shoulder injury but has been cleared to play moving forward.
In terms of injuries, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (hip) and Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly (neck) participated in practice, while the NFL’s 2021 rushing champion, Jonathan Taylor, was again absent, mirroring the scenario from last week. Decisions also need to be made regarding starting defensive end Kwity Paye (quadricep) and Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore II (hip), who missed last week’s game. If Richardson is sidelined, veteran Joe Flacco will step in for his second consecutive start. On the Titans’ side, Levis is set to start after recovering from his shoulder injury, while Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons returns after two weeks out due to an elbow issue.
Historically, the Colts have dominated recent matchups against the Titans, winning both encounters last season after losing five straight games previously. Overall, there have been 15 instances where the Colts have achieved success in Nashville since the Titans relocated. The teams have faced each other just once in the postseason, with the Titans narrowly defeating Peyton Manning’s Colts in a tightly contested 19-16 game.
Regarding stats, the Colts have struggled in their division, going 0-2 this season and losing their last three games against AFC South opponents. They currently find themselves two games behind defending champs Houston. The Titans will also be looking to make their mark in their AFC South opener. Impressively, the Colts rank third in the league with 24 explosive plays of 20 yards or more this season while consistently scoring over 20 points in 17 of their last 21 matchups.
As for fantasy implications, Titans running back Tony Pollard is coming off a great performance, achieving 108 yards from scrimmage. Notably strong at gaining yards after contact, he faces a Colts defense that has struggled against the run, making him a potential star for fantasy owners in this matchup.