Tennessee Titans vs Indianapolis Colts Picks and Predictions October 13th 2024

Colts, Titans battling key injuries ahead of divisional clash

As the Indianapolis Colts (2-3) prepare to travel to Nashville for an AFC South showdown against the Tennessee Titans (1-3), injuries to star players are taking center stage. The ability of each team to adapt to these setbacks could be the decisive factor in this critical divisional matchup.

Injury Concerns Loom Large for Both Teams

Both the Colts and Titans are dealing with significant injuries, with key offensive and defensive players potentially sidelined. How these injuries shake out leading up to Sunday’s game could shape the outcome.

Colts’ Offensive Challenges

• Anthony Richardson (QB): The Colts’ rookie quarterback has been limited in practice due to an oblique injury. Richardson has shown optimism about his status, saying he’s “way better” than last week, but his availability remains uncertain. If he can’t play, backup Joe Flacco will start again. Flacco threw for an impressive 359 yards last week but struggled to lead the Colts to victory in a 37-34 loss to Jacksonville.
• Jonathan Taylor (RB): After missing last week’s game with an ankle injury, Taylor’s absence left a glaring hole in the Colts’ rushing attack. Indianapolis attempted just 20 running plays out of 65 offensive snaps in Taylor’s absence. His status is still unclear as he hasn’t practiced this week, putting pressure on the Colts’ passing game if he can’t suit up.
• Michael Pittman Jr. (WR): Pittman, the Colts’ top wide receiver, is expected to miss multiple weeks with a back injury. Losing a key target like Pittman further complicates matters for the Colts’ offense, which is already thin at receiver with Josh Downs (toe) also questionable.

With both Taylor and Pittman potentially out, the Colts’ offense may need to lean heavily on Alec Pierce and their backup running backs. The uncertainty surrounding Richardson and the absence of playmakers puts significant pressure on the rest of the team to step up.

Titans’ Key Injuries

• Will Levis (QB): The Titans’ young quarterback was knocked out of their last game with a shoulder injury, but he has practiced fully this week and has expressed his intention to play on Sunday. Levis stated, “I’m going to push myself to play in whatever state I’m in,” signaling that he’ll likely return to action. If Levis is not ready, backup Mason Rudolph will start again. Rudolph was more of a game manager in their last win over Miami, throwing for just 85 yards, but benefitted from a strong running game and dominant defense.
• Jeffery Simmons (DT): Simmons, a cornerstone of Tennessee’s defensive line, missed the last game with an elbow injury but was able to practice in a limited role this week. His presence would be a major boost for the Titans’ defense, which has been one of the best in the league so far this season.

Key Matchups: Titans’ Defense vs. Colts’ Offense

The Titans’ defense has been the one bright spot during their slow start, leading the league in total defense (243.8 yards per game) and pass defense (124.0 yards per game). Even if Levis isn’t 100%, the defense could carry Tennessee to victory against an injury-plagued Colts offense.

• Against the Pass: Tennessee’s secondary has been stellar, allowing a league-best 124.0 passing yards per game. With Pittman likely out and Downs questionable, the Colts’ passing attack could struggle to move the ball against this stout unit. If Richardson plays, his mobility could give the Colts some hope, but against a top-tier pass defense, the Colts may be forced to rely on short, quick passes and play-action to keep the chains moving.
• Against the Run: While the Titans rank only 15th against the run (119.8 yards allowed per game), the Colts may not be able to exploit this weakness if Jonathan Taylor is sidelined. Without a strong rushing attack, the Colts’ offensive balance could falter, making them one-dimensional.

Colts’ Defensive Woes

On the other side of the ball, Indianapolis has struggled mightily on defense, ranking dead last in total defense (419.2 yards allowed per game) and second-to-last against the run (157.0 yards allowed per game). The Colts were gashed by Jacksonville last week, allowing 497 total yards, including 371 through the air.

If the Colts can’t stop Tennessee’s run-heavy offense, spearheaded by Derrick Henry, they could be in for another long day. Even if Levis isn’t at full strength, the Titans’ rushing attack should be able to exploit the Colts’ porous run defense. This could also set up play-action opportunities for Levis, who has shown flashes of playmaking ability.

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Historical Advantage: Colts vs. Titans

The Colts have historically dominated the regular-season series against Tennessee, leading 37-21, and won both matchups last season. However, with injuries to key players on both sides and Tennessee’s defensive prowess, this year’s game could be much closer than past encounters.

Prediction: Will Injuries Tip the Scale?

The outcome of this game hinges heavily on which team can overcome their injury challenges. For the Colts, the availability of Richardson and Taylor will be critical, as they are the heart of the offense. Without them, Indianapolis will likely struggle to move the ball effectively. On the Titans’ side, if Levis and Simmons return, Tennessee’s defense and running game should be enough to stifle the Colts’ depleted offense.

Ultimately, the Titans’ strong defense and balanced offense give them a slight edge in this matchup, especially if the Colts are missing their key offensive weapons.

FAQs

1. Will Anthony Richardson play against the Titans?
Richardson practiced in a limited role this week and is optimistic about playing. However, his status remains questionable, and a decision will likely come closer to game time.

2. What is the latest on Jonathan Taylor’s injury?
Taylor is still dealing with an ankle injury and did not practice this week. His status for Sunday’s game remains uncertain, which could lead to another heavy reliance on the passing game for the Colts.

3. Who will start at quarterback for the Titans?
Will Levis is expected to start after practicing fully this week, recovering from a shoulder injury. If he can’t go, backup Mason Rudolph will step in again.

4. How good is the Titans’ defense?
Tennessee’s defense has been outstanding this season, ranking first in total defense and pass defense. Their ability to shut down opposing offenses has kept them competitive despite offensive struggles.

5. What are the Colts’ main offensive issues?
Injuries to key players like Richardson, Taylor, and Pittman have severely hampered the Colts’ offense. Without their top playmakers, Indianapolis has struggled to establish a balanced attack.

6. How do the Colts’ and Titans’ defenses compare?
The Titans’ defense ranks first in total yards allowed, while the Colts’ defense is ranked last. This contrast could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the game.