Indianapolis Colts Vs Tennessee Titans Predictions, Picks, Odds And Betting Preview – NFL Week 17 – December 30 2018

The narrative for Week 17’s matchup between the Indianapolis Colts (+3,500 to win Super Bowl 53) and the Tennessee Titans (+6,000) is simple: the winner goes to the playoffs, while the loser goes home. The winner can also win the AFC South division if the Houston Texans loses this coming Sunday. So who is it going to be? Indianapolis or Tennessee? After a Week 16 stinger, Marcus Mariota says he's optimistic about starting this Sunday but just a day prior to making this statement the young Hawaiian also stated that his “whole right side is numb and tingly” which doesn't exactly instill confidence. Plus, backup QB Blaine Gabbert closed out the Redskins game in fine form which has some speculating whether or not Mariota's injury-prone nature will put his place with the Titans at risk going into next season. This will be a very important game not only in the AFC but for the careers of two different quarterbacks.

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Historical Matchup Overview

The Colts and Titans have battled fiercely in recent years, with the Colts dominating the head-to-head series. Indianapolis has won eight of their last ten meetings against Tennessee, showcasing a trend of strong performances. These games are often characterized by high-scoring affairs and game-changing plays from the quarterbacks.

Understanding this recent history may provide insights into potential game dynamics on December 30.

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Betting Preview for the Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Titans NFL Week 17 Game on December 30, 2018

Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville

When: Sunday, December 30, 2018, 8:20 PM ET

Line: Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) vs Tennessee Titans (+3.5) – view all 2018 NFL lines

TV Broadcast: CBS

Betting on the Indianapolis Colts (9-6)

The Colts are on a roll. They have won all of their last three games and are 6-1 SU in their last seven contests. In their last game, they defeated the New York Giants at home in Week 16 to the tune of a close 28-27 score. Andrew Luck passes for 357 passing yards and two touchdowns with an interception on 31-of-47 completions against the Giants. Once again, the Colts’ offensive line showed up and gave Luck enough breathing space and time to operate, as the quarterback was only sacked once. That kind of pass protection was key to the Colts’ 38-10 home over Tennessee back in Week 11, when Luck was not sacked while throwing for 297 passing yard and three touchdowns with zero picks on 23-of-29 completions. The Colts are seventh in the NFL with 26.7 points per game and 13th with 21.8 points allowed per contest.

Indianapolis is 5-3 ATS in its last eight games away from home.

Key Players to Watch

Besides Andrew Luck, keep an eye on Colts’ T.Y. Hilton, who has been a consistent threat in the air. Hilton’s ability to stretch the field can create mismatches for the Titans' defense.

On the other side, Derrick Henry has been a force for the Titans, especially in mid-to-late season games. His power-running style could exploit any weaknesses in the Colts’ front seven.

Betting on the Tennessee Titans (9-6)

The Titans are on a four-game streak to make their regular-season finale interesting, but they may not have Marcus Mariota on the field for this weekend’s meeting with Indianapolis. That’s because Mariota has yet to practice this week as of this writing due to a stinger he suffered in Week 16’s 25-16 home win over the Washington Redskins. Mariota also suffered an injury in the first meeting with the Colts, forcing the Titans to use Blaine Gabbert under center. Gabbert will be called upon to start if Mariota can’t go, though, a not-100-percent Mariota is probably better than a fully healthy Gabbert. In any case, the Titans are expecting a productive performance from running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries in the Redskins game. Defensively, the Titans will look to put the clamps on Luck with a stop unit that’s ranked second in the NFL with 18.0 point allowed per game.

The Titans are 7-3 ATS in their last eight home games.

Impact of Home Field Advantage

Playing at Nissan Stadium seems to provide an edge for the Titans. They have exhibited a notably better record at home this season, often buoyed by a passionate fan base.

The familiar surroundings and supportive crowd can add a layer of pressure or encouragement, depending on game flow, potentially impacting player performances and strategic decisions.

Writer’s Prediction

Tennessee wins, 23-20.

Playoff Implications

This matchup's stakes are high, with playoff berths hanging in the balance. A win secures entry into the postseason and possibly the AFC South title, should the Texans falter.

The loser, meanwhile, faces elimination. This scenario amplifies the pressure on both teams to perform, adding intrigue to an already intense rivalry. How both teams handle this pressure could determine their postseason fate.