2011 NFL Team Preview
Tennessee Titans
2010 Record: 6-10
2010 Record ATS (Against the Spread): 8-8
Outlook:
Where do we start? I could be wrong but I think the Titans will be a horrible team this year. Even though they have the star running back and some really strong players here and there, they don't have the whole unit and people in the right places to make it happen. Coaching change, QB change, and basically just changes everywhere; this is definitely what would be considered a "rebuilding year" for an NFL team.
Strengths: Chris Johnson at running back rushed for 1,364 yards and 12 TD's. He is widely considered the fastest back in the NFL and regardless of the final record the Titans will have, you can bet this guy will have the good stats providing he stays healthy. Scoring defense last year only allowed seven rushing TD's. That is impressive. They also allowed only 23 passing touchdowns. Guys like Cortland Finnegan in the secondary will keep opposing QB's on their toes for sure. But a few key players will not be enough to overcome the weakness of a new coach, new QB, and new overall system.
Weaknesses: Too much change. New coach Mike Munchak scrapped the old way of doing things and brings in his new system. There is almost always a learning curve in the NFL when a new coach comes in with a new system and installs a great deal of new players. Even with a few great players in the secondary, it is still very weak and the defense did give up a pile of yards last season.
Betting Prognosis: Game one they are at Jacksonville and getting three points. We picked Jacksonville to be almost as bad as this Tennessee team this season so this should be a real ugly one. But in reality it may be one of the only games that Tennessee may win. They do not have an easy schedule this year facing the likes of Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Indy, Atlanta, Tampa, and Houston. If they win 2 or 3 ball games this year that sounds about right. Don't bet the Titans early until you can see how they are going to matchup. Too much has changed to really know this team. Preseason doesn't tell you a whole lot about the team so wait until week 4 or 5 to really wager this team. Betting against them early may be the best bet.
Key Matchups:
Week 1 at Jacksonville - The Titans should lose this game but if they win one all year it will be against Jacksonville, either at Jax or in Tennessee.
Week 2 vs Baltimore - It will be tough passing on a home team getting 7-10 points but don't fall for it. Tennessee is bad. Bet against them in this game.
Week 3 vs. Denver. Turmoil in Denver at starting QB may make this one a bet-able game for Titans fans. But I wouldn't bet on it.
