Washington Commanders vs Tennessee Titans Picks and Predictions December 1st 2024

Washington Commanders vs Tennessee Titans December 1st 2024

The Commanders are favored at -257 on the money line as they host the Titans at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. The Commanders are -5.5 point favorites in this non-conference matchup, which is being televised on CBS at 1:00 ET. The Titans’ money line odds are +213, and the over/under line is set at 44.5 points.

Tennessee vs. Washington Key Information

• Teams: Titans at Commanders
• Where: Northwest Stadium Landover
• Date: Sunday, December 1st
• Betting Odds WAS -257 | TEN +213 O/U 44.5

The Titans Can Win If…

Heading into week 13, the Titans sit at 3-8, putting them 3rd in the AFC South. They have a -8 scoring margin and are 2-9 against the spread this season. Their O/U record is 6-4-1, with their games averaging 44.7 points compared to an average line of 40.4.

In week 12, Tennessee snapped a 3-game losing streak by beating the Texans 32-27. The Titans were 8-point underdogs but came away with the win, bringing their road record to 2-4. The combined 59 points easily went over the 40.5-point line.

Heading into week 13, the Titans’ offense ranks 30th in our power rankings, averaging 18.4 points per game (26th) and 302.1 yards per game (25th). They are 22nd in passing attempts, with 183.7 yards per game through the air, placing them 30th in the NFL. On the ground, Tennessee ranks 14th in rushing attempts and 12th in rushing yards per game, averaging 118.4. They have struggled on third down, converting just 33.1% of their attempts, which ranks 28th in the league. However, they have been efficient in the red zone, ranking 5th in conversion percentage at 43.3%.

Will Levis threw for 278 yards and 2 touchdowns in week 12, going 18/24 with one interception and posting a passer rating of 123, despite being sacked 8 times. Tony Pollard led the rushing attack with 119 yards on 24 carries, while Calvin Ridley had 5 catches for 93 yards. Tennessee scored 20 points in the first half and added 9 in the 4th quarter in their win over the Texans.

In the Titans’ 32-27 win over the Texans, their defense allowed just 40 rushing yards on 17 attempts. Despite giving up two passing touchdowns, Tennessee picked off two passes and limited Houston to a 23.1% conversion rate on third down. The Titans allowed 220 passing yards and 260 total yards, and they had four sacks in the game.

Tennessee’s defense also held Houston to a 60.6% completion rate and won the turnover battle with two interceptions. Even though they lost the QB hit and tackles for loss differentials, the Titans were effective in disrupting the Texans’ passing game.

• The Titans have gone 1-2 over their last three regular season games. In these contests, the team went just 1-2 against the spread, while going 2-1 on the over-under.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Tennessee has a record of 3-7. This includes going 2-8 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 6-3-1.

The Commanders Can Win If…

Washington heads into week 13 against the Titans looking to snap a three-game losing streak, which includes a 34-26 home loss to the Cowboys in week 12. The Commanders were favored by 10.5 points but couldn’t get the win, dropping their record to 7-5. Despite the loss, they remain 2nd in the NFC East and 7th in the conference standings. Our projections give them a 71.1% chance of making the playoffs and a 3.7% chance of winning the division.

Washington has an average scoring margin of +4.8 points per game and is 7-4-1 against the spread this season. They have failed to cover in three straight games, including week 12’s loss to the Cowboys. The over/under record in their games is 8-4, with an average of 50.9 points scored compared to a line of 46.2.

Heading into week 13, the Commanders rank 6th in our offensive power rankings, averaging 27.8 points per game, which is 5th in the NFL. They are 6th in the league in total yards per game (370.5) and 14th in passing yards per game (222.8) despite ranking 25th in passing attempts. On the ground, they are 5th in rushing yards per game (147.8) on 30.7 attempts per game. Washington leads the NFL in red zone attempts but ranks 26th in red zone conversion percentage (42.2%).

In week 12, Jayden Daniels threw for 275 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions against the Cowboys, with a passer rating of 82. He also led the team in rushing with 74 yards on 7 carries. Terry McLaurin had 5 receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown. Washington scored 17 points in the 4th quarter after being held scoreless in the 2nd quarter.

In their most recent game, the Washington Commanders’ defense gave up 241 passing yards to the Cowboys, allowing two passing touchdowns and a completion percentage of 75%. They also struggled on third downs, allowing the Cowboys to convert just 18.2% of their third down attempts. Although they allowed 332 total yards, they held the Cowboys to 91 yards on 28 rushing attempts.

Washington’s defense managed only one sack in the game and lost the quarterback hit differential by -6. Despite this, they did win the tackles for loss battle. In the end, the Commanders fell to the Cowboys by a score of 34-26.

• Across Washington’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 1-2. This includes going 1-2 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 2-1.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Commanders have gone 4-6 straight up. This includes going 4-6 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 6-4.

The Lean

Our pick vs. the spread is to take Washington to cover as home favorites in this week 13 matchup between the Titans and Commanders. Washington is our pick to win this one by a score of 22-16.

For the over/under, with the line sitting at 44.5 points, we are leaning towards taking the under, with a projected combined score of 38 points.

Weekly Football Picks from The Best NFL Expert Handicappers

Commanders Look to Rebound Against Titans’ Stout Defense in Week 13 Matchup

The Washington Commanders, reeling from a three-game losing streak, will aim to reignite their playoff hopes when they host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. After a promising 7-2 start, Washington’s season has taken a downturn, and they now face a Titans team coming off an inspiring upset victory over the Houston Texans.

Commanders’ Struggles: Searching for Answers

Washington’s recent skid, with losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys, has exposed glaring vulnerabilities on both sides of the ball. Now trailing the NFC East-leading Eagles by two games, the Commanders find themselves in desperate need of a win.

Jayden Daniels: A Tale of Two Halves

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has seen his early-season brilliance dim in recent weeks. While he showed flashes of excellence against the Cowboys, completing 25 of 38 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns, his performance has been marred by inconsistency. Over the last three games, Daniels has posted a 61.5% completion rate, three touchdowns, three interceptions, and endured 10 sacks.

One bright spot has been Daniels’ mobility; his 74 rushing yards against Dallas marked his best performance on the ground since Week 1. However, the young quarterback acknowledges the need for better execution, particularly in utilizing star receiver Terry McLaurin.

“I want to get the guy the ball as much as possible,” Daniels said. “Terry’s a dynamic player, but the defense dictates where the ball goes. So I’ve got to go out there and do my job.”

Terry McLaurin: Underutilized Weapon

McLaurin, one of the league’s premier wide receivers, has been a victim of Washington’s offensive struggles. After a mere 10-yard outing against the Eagles, he managed only 16 yards through three quarters against the Cowboys before breaking free for an 86-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Head coach Dan Quinn is calling for the team to rediscover its identity.

“I want to see this identity just reveal itself about how we play,” Quinn said. “Speed, effort, and finishing—that’s what I want to see. If we do those things right, the score will take care of itself.”

Titans on the Rise

Despite their 3-8 record, the Tennessee Titans are showing signs of life, thanks to the resurgence of quarterback Will Levis and the ground game led by Tony Pollard. Their Week 12 upset over the Texans highlighted a balanced offensive approach and a defense that continues to be one of the best in the league.

Will Levis: Finding His Groove

Levis, returning from a shoulder injury, has provided a spark for Tennessee. Over the past three games, the Titans have averaged 224.3 passing yards per game—nearly 90 yards more than their season average through the first six weeks. With nine touchdowns and six interceptions since his return, Levis is proving to be a stabilizing force under center.

“Putting together some good performances on all sides of the ball, and improving,” Levis said. “There’s still a lot to clean up, but we’re headed in the right direction.”

Tony Pollard: The Powerhouse

Pollard delivered his best game of the season against Houston, rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. Titans head coach Brian Callahan praised Pollard’s physicality and consistency, calling him “incredibly productive.”

Key Matchup: Commanders Offense vs. Titans Defense

Washington’s sputtering offense will face one of its toughest tests of the season against a Titans defense ranked second in the NFL, allowing just 276.4 yards per game. Tennessee’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and stymie the run game could spell trouble for Daniels and the Commanders’ offensive line, which has struggled to protect its young quarterback.

Titans Defense Injury Concerns

Tennessee’s defense, while dominant, is dealing with several injuries. Key players like cornerback Roger McCreary (knee), edge rusher Arden Key (back), and linebacker Luke Gifford (hamstring) did not practice earlier this week. However, the return of cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to practice adds much-needed depth to the secondary.

Injury Updates: Who’s In and Who’s Out

Both teams are battling injuries heading into the critical Week 13 clash.

• Commanders: Cornerback Marshon Lattimore practiced for the first time since joining Washington, a welcome boost to the secondary. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) and tackle Andrew Wylie (concussion) remain questionable, while kicker Austin Seibert was placed on injured reserve.
• Titans: Alongside McCreary and Key, wide receiver Calvin Ridley (ankle) and tackle Leroy Watson IV (back) are also nursing injuries. The Titans are hopeful Awuzie can make an impact upon his return.

What’s at Stake

For Washington, this game is about survival. A win could keep their playoff hopes alive, while a loss would likely seal their fate in the competitive NFC East. For Tennessee, the stakes are lower, but continued improvement from their young core, especially Levis, could set the tone for next season.

Prediction

While the Titans have shown improvement, their injury woes and inconsistent offense may struggle to keep pace with a desperate Washington team playing at home. If Daniels and McLaurin can rediscover their chemistry and the Commanders’ defense holds firm, Washington could edge out a narrow victory.

Final Score Prediction: Commanders 24, Titans 20