New England Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans Betting Preview
22 August 2023
The NFL always seems to deliver some fun or interesting matchups during the preseason portion of the schedule, and that is the case again this weekend. The New England Patriots will visit the Tennessee Titans as Bill Belichick and Mike Vrable will be squaring off.
New England comes into this game with a record of 1-1 so far in the preseason, and they have had two very different results. The Patriots have been inconsistent through two weeks, and that could plague them heading into the regular season.
Tennessee has also gone 1-1 so far this preseason, but they have actually played well in both games. The Titans should be in the mix to win the AFC South this season, but they will have work to do.
The Patriots are actually a 2.5-point betting favorite over the Titans on Friday night.
Patriots Have to Find Offense
If the New England Patriots are going to be a serious playoff contender this season, then they must get better on offense. Even though this team hasn’t been playing many of their biggest starts, they are averaging just 222.5 yards per game through two preseason games.
Bailey Zappe will likely see more action in this game as the Patriots are hoping to find a good backup to Mac Jones. Running the ball has been nearly impossible for New England, and head coach Bill Belichick isn’t pleased.
The defense for the Patriots has been sharp so far this preseason, but that’s not enough to win games. With this being the final tuneup, look for Belichick to empty the tank a bit to try to find points.
Defense a Need for Titans
The Tennessee Titans are going to have to win games with their defense this season, and that unit has actually been showing up in a big way. Tennessee has allowed less than 96 rushing yards per game, and they are forcing opponents to be one-dimensional.
Running back Derrick Henry is not going to see the field in the preseason, as there is simply no need to throw him out there. Tennessee has still been running over opponents, and that’s a sign that the offensive line is playing well.
Quarterback Malik Willis is trying to nail down the backup job in Tennessee, and he has thrown for 274 yards in leading the Titans offense.
Dunkel Pick: Patriots Keep Coach From Big Win
Dunkel Ratings: New England 127.589; Tennessee 118.041
Dunkel Line & Total: New England by 9 ½; 35
Vegas Line & Total: New England by 2; 38 ½
Predicted Final Score: New England 22, Tennessee 13
Dunkel Pick: New England (-2); Under
Even though this game technically doesn’t mean much in terms of the standings, Titans coach Mike Vrabel will still have this one circled. Tennessee has looked sharp through two preseason games, but the Patriots also showed improvement last week over their anemic Week 1 preseason performance.
Expect the Titans to put up a solid performance in this one, but it’s not going to be enough.
Take the road team and bet on New England to win this game outright over the Tennessee Titans.
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All Media on this page by Associated Press.
