The Seattle Seahawks and the Tennessee Titans is an intriguing matchup that’s being overlooked for other games on the schedule this week. But, this one has the potential to be an exciting contest where the mighty Seahawks defense will be put to the test by a young, hungry Titans offense. Kickoff at LP Field, in Nashville, Tennessee, is at 4:05 P.M. ET.
Seattle (1-1) hasn’t looked good on offense this season. They’re only averaging 10.5 points per game and can’t find any rhythm. In fact, they look like they’re still in preseason mode trying to find an identity on the offensive side of the ball. Last week, Seattle barely beat divisional foe the San Francisco 49ers 12-9. Seattle looked inept on offense and started to bend on defense. However, Seattle got the “W” and they’re able to move on to Week 3 where they face the Titans. Will Seattle shut down this Titans offense or will Tennessee get their second victory in a row?
The Titans (1-1) are coming off an impressive victory over Jacksonville 37-16. It was a solid effort by the Titans in all 3 phases, especially on offense. But, will the Titans be able to duplicate that offensive output this week at home against the Seahawks?
The spread opened with Tennessee getting 2.5 points. Due to Seattle’s poor outing against the Niners, the line has changed dramatically and now the Seahawks are getting 3 points. The Over/Under opened at 44 points and has come down to 42.5 total points.
Over the last few years, Seattle has started off the season slow. But, this year, there seems to be something wrong with the offense. It appears like they’re not all on the same page. Additionally, with Seattle rotating 4 different running backs on offense, there seems to be no rhythm in the running game. That could change this week if Seattle sticks to one running back as the main rusher – Chris Carson.
Carson rushed 20 times for 93 yards against the Niners last week when no other back could gain any yardage. He’s looked like the best back for Seattle this season. In fact, he’s looked like the best player on Seattle’s offense this season. The Seahawks need to focus on Carson as the lead back and allow the offense to maintain some semblance of continuity. Once they can establish the run game, then they can open up their play action passing attack. The Titans are giving up 104 rushing yards per game, so this would be a great chance for Seattle to succeed on the ground.
For the Titans, they also like to run the ball with their devastating tandem of Murray and Henry. The two are helping the Titans average 137 yards on the ground per game, which is about 15 yards more than Seattle gives up per game at 121.5. So, there is an opportunity for the Titans to move the chains on the ground and then let Mariota hit the Seahawks with a dose of their own medicine – play action pass.
Neither team has an intimidating passing attack. However, both quarterbacks can make plays and pick up first downs with their legs.
The Titans are 7-16-2 ATS in their last 25 games at home. They’re 2-5 ATS when the home game total is between 42.5 and 45 points. Seattle is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
The Seahawks are 5-1 all-time against Tennessee and I expect them to improve that record to 6-1. Seattle has the talent on both sides of the ball to make it a long game for Tennessee. I expect them to harass Mariota all game and keep him contained in the pocket. Additionally, look for Seattle to stack the box and force the Titans to throw against their stud corners.
Offensively, this will be the week that Seattle commits to Chris Carson and they begin to put some points on the board. Look for Carson to get 100 yards rushing and the first touchdown of his career. I also expect Wilson to chip in some rushing yards on the ground too. Carson will get them to 3rd and short where Wilson can dink and dunk down the field with Baldwin and Graham. I expect this game to be close with Seattle coming out on top 23-17.