Titans-Buccaneers: Predictions and Preview
The Tennessee Titans (3-5) travel to Raymond James Stadium to face the Tampa Buccaneers (3-5) in Week 10, desperately needing a win on the road.
The Titans have lost 3 out of the last 5 games, but will give Will Levis his third career start and hope to see the rookie continue to improve. Levis is breathing life into the Titans’ organization that is aging and losing its edge.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have lost 4 out of the last 5 with 4 straight losses headed into this game. Baker Mayfield is looking to capitalize on one of the team’s best scoring performances of the season last week against the Texans.
INJURY REPORT
The Titans’ offensive line comes in beat up after losing Nicholas Petit-Frere for the season, but the good news is Chris Hubbard (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday’s practice and looks geared to start week 10. But, overall, this unit that’s already lacked depth and skill, will be worse with Petit-Frere and right guard Daniel Brunskill out.
Wide receiver Treylon Burks and corner Sean Murphy-Bunting were also out of practice today and don’t look likely to start. However, Dandre Hopkins and Levis have plenty of chemistry so far and will build off of it this weekend against one of the worst pass defenses in the league.
TITANS-BUCS PREVIEW
The Titans haven’t been great on the road this season going 3-3, losing last week to the Steelers 20-16. Levis completed 22 of 39 passes for 262 yards with one interception and no touchdowns. Levis was pressured 34 out of 44 dropbacks. And of those 34 pressures, Levis was hurried 23 times, hit 7 times, and dropped 4 times.
Tennessee rushed for 105 yards with Derrick Henry claiming 75 of those yards and one score. The Steelers have a much better defensive line than the Bucs so Tennessee should see an uptick in regards to the ground attack, opening lanes for the pass game.
Meanwhile, the Bucs have struggled at home this season going 2-2. Baker Mayfield has played well this season, going 21-30 and 265 yards with 1 touchdown against the Texans last week. However, Last week, the Bucs allowed 443 yards passing and 5 touchdowns as rookie Stroud set a NFL record. The Buccs defensive secondary struggles ranking second to last in total pass yards allowed a game and second to last in yards allowed per pass play.
Overall, the Bucs are ranked 29th on defense allowing 372.3 yards a game, possibly setting up a big day for rookie quarterback Will Levis and Deandre Hopkins and the run game should benefit as well.
Staff Picks
BRYCE
The Bucs’ passing defense is not scary. If the Titans can keep Will Levis upright, he should have a good day. I trust the Titans’ offense more than I trust the Bucs.
Titans 28 - Bucs 17
DUSTIN
The Titans offense is all in on quarterback Will Levis and the locker room is full of confidence. With the Bucs’ terrible defense and stacking the box to stop King Henry, expect Levis to have a big game and possible career best.
Titans 27- Bucs 17
RYAN
With Levis getting the nod and taking his 3rd career start, expect him to roll. The Titans come up big on defense and take a Mayfield pick 6 to the house.
Titans 31 - Bucs 23
Code Orange
The Bucs are on a 4 game skid currently. And, the Titans have new life and confidence with Levis under center.
Titans 24 - Bucs 17
JAYSON
Tampa isn’t any good and that should be easy enough for Will Levis and company to deliver a much needed win on the road for Tennessee.
Titans 24 - Bucs 14
Spread: Bucs -1
Over/Under: 38.5
Money line: Titans -105; Bucs -115
Dustin’s pick: Titans +1 over 38.5
