Tennessee Titans (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2)
NFL Football: Sunday, September 27, 2020 at 1:00 pm (U.S. Bank Stadium)
The Line: Minnesota Vikings +2.5 -- Over/Under: 47.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Tennessee Titans will travel to U.S. Bank Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday afternoon in NFL action.
The Tennessee Titans improved to 2-0 on the season after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars, 33-30, this past Sunday. Tennessee has more of a battle on their hands than expected after Jacksonville fought back from a 21-7 2nd quarter deficit, however, the Titans were able to secure the victory after Stephen Gostkowski hit a game-winning 49-yard FG with 1:36 left in regulation. Tennessee was outgained by Jacksonville by a 480-354 margin, however, did win the turnover battle by a 2-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Titans was Ryan Tannehill who completed 18 of 24 passes for 239 yards & 4 TD’s.
On the season, Tennessee is averaging 24.5 ppg on 370.5 total yards per game (126.5 rushing yds/g; 244.0 passing yds/g). Offensively, Tennessee is led by RB Derrick Henry who is averaging 100.0 yd/g so far this season, however, is still looking for his first TD. QB Ryan Tannehill has been outstanding to start the season as he has completed 70.1% of his passes for 488 yards, 6 TD, & 0 INT. The top receivers for the Titans have been Corey Davis (10 rec, 137 yards, TD), Jonnu Smith (8 rec, 120 yards, 3 TD), & Adam Humphries (11 rec, 95 yards, TD). A.J. Brown (5 rec, 39 yards) missed last week’s game due to a knee injury and has to be considered questionable coming into this week.
Defensively, Tennessee is holding their opponents to an average of 22.0 ppg on 413.5 total yards per game (136.0 rushing yds/g; 277.5 passing yds/g).
The Minnesota Vikings dropped to 0-2 on the season after being defeated on the road by the Indianapolis Colts, 28-11, this past Sunday. Minnesota had trouble getting anything going on the offensive end in this one and could not fight back after 28 unanswered points by the Colts gave Indianapolis a 28-3 lead with just 8:47 left in the 4th quarter. Minnesota was outgained by Indianapolis by a 354-175 margin and lost the turnover battle by a 3-1 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Vikings was RB Devin Cook who had 63 rushing yards and a TD on 14 carries.
On the season, Minnesota is averaging 22.5 ppg on 293.0 total yards per game (107.0 rushing yds/g; 186.0 passing yds/g). Offensively, Minnesota has been led by RB Dalvin Cook who had 113 rushing yards & 3 TD’s on 26 carries. Cook has surprisingly not been that involved in the passing attack so far this season as he only has 3 receptions for 6 yards. QB Kirk Cousins has struggled to start the season as he has completed just 58.8% of his passes for 372 yards, 2 TD, & 4 INT. The top receivers for the Vikings have been Adam Thielen (9 rec, 141 yards, 2 TD), Bisi Johnson (4 rec, 80 yards), Justin Jefferson (5 rec, 70 yards), and Alexander Mattison (5 rec, 33 yards).
Defensively, Minnesota is allowing their opponents to average 35.5 ppg on 443.5 total yards (154.5 rushing yds/g; 289.0 passing yds/g).
The Titans are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games. The Vikings are 17-5-1 ATS in their last 23 games as a home underdog, however, are just 5-15 ATS in their last 20 games vs. a team with a winning record.
Minnesota has looked lost on both ends of the ball so far this season and although I think their defense will improve over time, I am concerned about the offense which stands no chance if Kurt Cousins is not playing well. Tennessee has a strong enough defense to give Minnesota trouble and as Ryan Tannehill is showing that he can put TD’s up on the board if defenses are going to stack the box agianst Henry, I think Tennessee remains undefeated after this one and also covers this small road spread. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Tennessee Titans -2.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
