Tennessee Titans (1-6 SU, 3-4 ATS) vs. New Orleans Saints (4-4 SU, 4-3-1 ATS)
NFL Week 9
Date/Time: Sunday, November 8, 1:00pm
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, LA
TV: CBS
by Bob, NFL Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread:TEN +8 / NOR -8
Over/Under Total: OFF
This Sunday the Tennessee Titans will visit the Big Easy to take the suddenly rejuvenated New Orleans Saints. Tennessee enters this game at 1-6 and the Saints are now 4-4 after a horrid 1-3 start. The Saints still have a shot to keep the hot streak alive and potentially make a push for a wild card berth while Tennessee is just trying to find themselves and save this season that gas been absolutely terrible.
The line opens with the Saints as an 8 point favorite at home over the Titans. On the 2015 season, the Saints are 4-3-1 against the spread and the Titans are 3-4. The total points line has not yet been set on this game. Currently, the majority of the action is on the Saints to cover the 8 points. 61% of documented action thinks New Orleans takes care of business at home against the reeling Titans.
The Saints started the season off in horrible fashion. At 1-3 it appeared they were done and it was almost time to call the Drew Brees era over and done with. After a win over the Falcons who were undefeated at the time, many just assumed it was the rivalry that sparked them at home. Well, the Saints have been on fire ever since. Just this past weekend, Drew Brees passed for seven touchdowns, yep, seven! The Saints defense is still a question mark but the offense is back. After eight games now, the Saints offense is ranked third in the NFL in passing averaging over 320 yards a game in the air, and they also add another 100 yards a game on the ground. This combination has them ranked 6th in the entire league in scoring, however, that number could be a tad skewed because of the 52 points the Giants allowed New Orleans to score this past week. Regardless, these guys are now averaging almost 27 points a game. The key this weekend to cover a more than a touchdown spread will be a team effort. The offense needs to continue to do what they have done, but the defense, which is ranked 30th in the NFL in points allowed, needs to step up. The Titans have had their issues scoring ever since Mariota went down, so this should not be too tough of a task to ask from the Saints defensive unit.
Well, coming into this season we all knew the Titans would be taking a few lumps, but not like this. After suffering their sixth straight loss, the Titans ownership and front office decided to part ways with head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Tennessee will now be coached by former Jaguars head coach, and now interim coach, Mike Mularkey. This change could benefit the Titans, but the issues in Tennessee went a little deeper than the head coach position. The Titans have not only lost their starting quarterback, but their run game is pretty bad too. The Titans average just 17.9 points a game which is the 31st ranked in the entire NFL at this time. The defense has done the best they can and are ranked 14th in points allowed. I also believe that if given an offense that can sustain long drives, the defense would be even more successful. That is the key this week for the Titans. Take advantage of a defense in New Orleans that is not that dominant. Go on long drives and keep Drew Brees and company off the field. If the Titans can shorten this game and keep the scores in the low 20s, I like their chances to cover the 8.
I have no reason to think the Titans can be competitive in this game…none. After getting a huge week one win, they have been plain bad. Tennessee does not have the offensive fire power to stay close. Where I do think the Titans defense will have a decent day against the Saints offense, I just dont think Tennessee will still be able to score enough. I like the Saints to come out and put up some big numbers and get an easy 27-13 win this weekend.
Bob’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Pick the New Orleans Saints -8 points over the Titans.
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