On Sunday, Dec, 13, the Tennessee Titans are set to take on the New York Jets in the Meadowlands. Kickoff start is scheduled for 1 PM (EST) and will be televised on CBS. Click here for the full coverage of the Titans vs Jets game. Our staff predictions are below:
Brandon Borden
You can follow Brandon on Twitter @bborden724
With just three wins, the Titans have dealt with plenty of issues this season. Despite the adversity and instability, the Titans have an opportunity to become playoff-hope killers the next few weeks, starting with the now 6th place Jets.
Mariota is coming off the best statistical game by a rookie that the league has ever seen, but this week will be a much tougher test against a better opponent than the Jaguars. The Jets pride themselves on stopping the run, which in fact, will be quite easy to do, since the Titans’ rushing attack lacks explosiveness. This means Mariota will be forced to throw the ball 30+ times to keep his team in the game. Luckily, Mariota has TE Delanie Walker who is playing like an elite TE this season.
Defensively, the Titans will have their hands full against RB Chris Ivory and his bruising style of play. It is crucial that the Titans generate a push upfield and make open-field tackles on the consistent basis. Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will look to compliment his strong running game by getting the ball to sure-handed WR Brandon Marshall against a banged up Titans’ secondary.
Calling the upset, one that would catapult Mariota into the driver seat for the Rookie of the year trophy.
Titans 17 Jets 13
Alex Escamilla
The Jets are doing well under Ryan Fitzpatrick who is benefiting from the wide receiver combo consisting of Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall. Their defense is also playing well and only allow opponents about 83.5 rushing yards per game, which is the least among all 32 teams.
It might be extremely difficult for Mariota to have much success running as much as he did last week against the Jags. This will likely mean that the Titans will rely more on the pass attack which will also be hard knowing that the Jets have a good cornerback in Darrelle Revis who will shadow Mariota’s top target.
The Jets may ultimately come off with a win on this one.
Jets 28 Titans 17
