Tennessee Titans vs Green Bay Packers Picks and Predictions September 22nd 2024

Packers hope Jordan Love can return to face Titans

The Titans are favored at -158 on the money line as they host the Packers at 1:00 ET on Sunday, September 22nd at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The Titans are 0-0, and the Packers are 0-0 heading into this week three non-conference matchup. FOX is handling the television coverage, and the Titans are -2.5 on the point spread. The over/under line is set at 36.5 points.

Green Bay vs. Tennessee Key Information

• Teams: Packers at Titans
• Where: Nissan Stadium Nashville
• Date: Sunday, September 22nd
• Betting Odds TEN -158 | GB +132 O/U 36.5

The Packers Can Win If…

The Packers’ 16-10 win over the Colts was a low-scoring affair, with the combined 26 points falling short of the 41.5-point line. Green Bay’s victory evened their record to 1-1, and they were +2.5 point underdogs heading into the game. After leading 10-0 in the 1st quarter, the Packers added a field goal in the 3rd and a touchdown to Dontayvion Wicks in the 1st quarter.The Colts made a late surge in the 4th quarter, tying the game at 16 with 1:53 remaining. However, Anthony Richardson’s 21-yard touchdown run with 20 seconds left put the game out of reach for the Colts. This was a non-conference matchup for the Packers.

The Packers’ offense had 19 first downs and 261 rushing yards on 53 attempts in their 16-10 win over the Colts. Despite a strong running game, they struggled in the passing game, with just 122 yards through the air on 14 attempts. Quarterback Malik Willis completed 12 of 14 passes for one touchdown, finishing with a passer rating of 126.

Josh Jacobs led the team with 151 yards on the ground, while Romeo Doubs was the top receiver with 62 yards. Green Bay’s offense converted 58.8% of their third down attempts and didn’t allow a sack in the game.

In their 16-10 win over the Colts, the Packers’ defense came up with three interceptions, despite giving up 140 rushing yards on just 18 attempts. Indianapolis finished with 198 passing yards on 17 completions. Green Bay’s defense was tough on third downs, allowing only a 22.2% conversion rate, and they limited the Colts to a 50% completion rate.The Packers’ defense also came up with three interceptions and held the Colts to just one touchdown. However, they struggled to stop the run, allowing 7.8 yards per attempt. Green Bay’s defense did well to pressure the quarterback, coming up with one sack and more quarterback hits than the Colts.

• The Packers have gone 1-2 over their last three regular season games. Against the spread, they have a strong mark of 2-1 along with an over-under record of 1-2.
• Across Green Bay’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 6-4. In these contests, the team went just 6-4 against the spread, while going 7-3 on the over-under.

The Titans Can Win If…

The Titans are now 0-2 after their 24-17 loss to the Jets. Tennessee had a chance to win this one, as the game was tied at 17 heading into the 4th quarter, but the Jets outscored them 7-0 in the final period. Tennessee took a 7-0 lead after a Calvin Ridley touchdown in the 1st quarter, and although the Jets tied it in the 2nd, the Titans led 10-7 at halftime after a late field goal. However, the Jets outscored them 10-7 in the 3rd quarter.

Will Levis and Ridley connected for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter to tie the game, but Aaron Rodgers found Garrett Wilson for a 4-yard touchdown with 4:36 left in the 4th to put the Jets ahead for good. The Titans were 3.5-point favorites in this one, resulting in a loss against the spread, and the over/under line was 41 points, which ended in a push.

In their 24-17 loss to the Jets, the Titans’ offense managed 20 first downs and 130 rushing yards on 28 attempts. Despite a good ground game, they struggled in pass protection, allowing four sacks. Quarterback Will Levis threw for 192 yards (19/28), with one touchdown and one interception. He was also the team’s second-leading rusher with 38 yards on four attempts.Tennessee’s passing attack finished with 170 yards, with Levis connecting with Calvin Ridley for 77 yards and a touchdown. Ridley led the team with 77 yards receiving. The Titans converted on 41.7% of their third-down attempts.

The Titans’ defense gave up two passing touchdowns in their 24-17 loss to the Jets, allowing 164 passing yards on 18 completions. Despite holding the Jets to 101 rushing yards on 24 attempts, Tennessee struggled to get off the field, as New York converted 41.7% of their third down attempts.

Overall, the Titans allowed just 265 total yards, but they did struggle to generate consistent pressure, finishing with only two sacks and losing the quarterback hit battle by a margin of -3.

• Tennessee has put together a record of 1-2 in their last three games (regular season). The team’s record vs the spread was just 1-1-1, in addition to an over-under mark of 1-1-1.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Titans have gone 5-5 straight up. In these contests, the team went just 5-4-1 against the spread, while going 4-5-1 on the over-under.

The Lean

Our pick vs. the spread is to take Green Bay to cover as road underdogs in this week three matchup between the Packers and Titans. The point spread lines have the Packers at +2.5, and with our projected final score being 20-16 in favor of Green Bay, they are our pick to cover.

For the over/under, we are leaning towards taking the under, with a projected combined score of 36 points, just edging out the O/U line of 36.5.

The Best Expert NFL Handicappers

The Green Bay Packers could see the return of their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, sooner than expected as they prepare to face the Tennessee Titans in a pivotal matchup. Love, sidelined since a knee injury on September 6 during the team’s season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, practiced on Wednesday for the first time since the injury. His return would be a significant boost for the Packers as they head into Sunday’s game in Nashville against the struggling Titans.

However, if Love isn’t fully ready, backup Malik Willis, fresh off a strong performance, could step in for a second consecutive start. The game is shaping up to be a critical test for both teams, especially for the winless Titans and their rookie quarterback Will Levis.

Jordan Love’s Possible Return: A Game-Changer for the Packers

Jordan Love’s potential return to the Packers’ lineup is the primary storyline heading into this week. Love, who has shown flashes of talent, is the centerpiece of Green Bay’s offense. After suffering a knee injury in Week 1, his absence has left the Packers’ offense in flux. Love’s availability could drastically improve the Packers’ chances of moving to 2-1.

Head coach Matt LaFleur remains optimistic, noting that Love looked strong in practice, but the final decision will be based on how he feels closer to game day. If cleared to play, Love’s presence could help balance the Packers’ offensive attack and offer more stability compared to his backup.

Malik Willis’ Unexpected Opportunity: Stepping Up for the Packers

Should Jordan Love remain sidelined, Malik Willis will be called upon again to lead the Packers’ offense. Willis, who was traded to Green Bay from the Titans in late August, impressed in his debut as the Packers’ starter last week against the Indianapolis Colts. He completed 12 of 14 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown, adding 41 rushing yards on six carries, with an impressive 126.8 passer rating. His performance helped the Packers secure a 16-10 win.

For Willis, this game holds special significance, as he would be facing the Titans—the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Willis’ time with Tennessee was short-lived, as he struggled to gain a foothold in the starting lineup. After being displaced by rookie Will Levis, Willis was traded, but his dynamic mobility and dual-threat abilities make him a valuable asset for Green Bay.

“I didn’t wake up thinking I was going to be traded,” Willis admitted after his move to the Packers. “But I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here.”

Titans’ Quarterback Struggles: Will Levis Faces Growing Pressure

On the opposite sideline, the Tennessee Titans are grappling with their own quarterback issues. Rookie Will Levis, who was named the starter in 2023 after the Titans moved on from Malik Willis, has shown potential but also inconsistency. Levis’ struggles have contributed to the Titans’ 0-2 start, with turnovers proving costly.

In the Titans’ Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears, Levis threw a game-changing pick-six. Despite playing better in Week 2, completing 19 of 28 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown against the New York Jets, Levis still committed two critical turnovers. An ill-advised lateral that led to a fumble and a poorly-timed interception ultimately swung the game in the Jets’ favor, as the Titans fell 24-17.

First-year head coach Brian Callahan is pleased with some aspects of Levis’ game but acknowledges that decision-making must improve if the Titans are to avoid another losing season.

“I’m really pleased with how he played for the most part,” Callahan said after last week’s loss. “But we have to eliminate those costly mistakes.”

DeAndre Hopkins: Titans’ Key to Offensive Revival

One of the major concerns for the Titans is the lack of involvement from star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. After signing with the team in the offseason, the three-time All-Pro has been underutilized through the first two games of the season, with just two catches for 17 yards. Hopkins, who is coming off his seventh 1,000-yard season in 2023, needs to become more integrated into the offense if the Titans are to turn things around.

Expect Levis to target Hopkins more in Week 3 as Tennessee looks to spark its passing game. Hopkins’ ability to make contested catches and stretch the field could be crucial against a Packers defense that will be keen to pressure Levis and force him into mistakes.

Injury Updates for Both Teams

In addition to the quarterback uncertainty, both teams are dealing with key injuries. The Packers were without four players at Wednesday’s practice: guard Elgton Jenkins (illness/glute), tackle Jordan Morgan (shoulder), wide receiver Jayden Reed (calf), and defensive back Carrington Valentine (ankle). Their statuses remain unclear for Sunday’s game.

On the Titans’ side, running back Tyjae Spears missed practice due to an ankle injury. Spears, an explosive rookie, could be a critical part of Tennessee’s game plan if he is able to play, particularly in the running game and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Historical Edge: Titans’ Strong Record Against Packers

The Titans have historically played well against the Packers, holding an 8-6 lead in their all-time series, including a perfect 3-0 record in Nashville. This historical success could give the Titans a psychological advantage as they look to secure their first win of the season. However, with both teams dealing with quarterback questions and injuries, this matchup is wide open.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Malik Willis (if he starts) vs. Titans’ Defense: Willis’ mobility will challenge the Titans’ defense, particularly if they struggle to contain him in the pocket.
2. Will Levis vs. Packers’ Secondary: Levis needs to protect the football against a Packers defense that excels at creating turnovers.
3. DeAndre Hopkins vs. Packers’ Cornerbacks: Can the Packers contain Hopkins, or will he break out after a slow start to the season?

Final Thoughts: Crucial Game for Both Teams

This Week 3 matchup between the Packers and Titans is pivotal for both teams. The Packers could benefit greatly from Jordan Love’s return, but Malik Willis has proven capable of leading the team if needed. For the Titans, this game is an opportunity for Will Levis to demonstrate growth and lead his team to their first victory, but his decision-making will need to improve.

With a winless Titans squad desperate to turn things around and a Packers team looking to gain momentum, this game has high stakes for both sides.