Tennessee Titans at Carolina Panthers: Fan’s NFL Prediction Against the Spread (Week 10, 2011-12)
The Tennessee Titans find themselves in a do-or-die game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 10 of the 2011-12 NFL season. The Panthers have had two weeks to prepare for this contest. Can the Titans keep up in a shootout? Can they run against them?
The early spread on this game is Panthers (-3). Here are some of the key aspects of the game and what to watch out for in pick 'em leagues. All lines from Y! Sports and injury reports from CBS Sports as of November 8, 2011. Always update yourselves with injury lines because they'll change throughout the week. Please note that ATS means "Against the spread."
*My* Current Personal Picks Record (Straights Picks Only)
Carolina Panthers 6-2
Tennessee Titans 5-3
Key Injuries
LB Thomas Williams(notes) (IR), LB Omar Gaither(notes), S Jordan Pugh(notes), CB Darius Butler(notes), S Chris Hope(notes), CB Jason McCourty(notes), FB Ahmard Hall(notes), WR Nate Washington(notes) (Probable)
Keys to the Game
Chris Johnson and/or Javon RInger(notes) must have solid performances
The Titans' linebackers versus Greg Olsen(notes) and Jeremy Shockey(notes)
How well can the defense contain Cam Newton(notes)?
This will be Tennessee's first road game in five weeks.
Do the Titans have enough offensive firepower to keep up with the Panthers?
Can the Titans contain Steve Smith?
Could Marc Mariani(notes) be a difference maker in this contest?
The Panthers have had two weeks of rest and preparation.
Summary
The Titans will essentially be flat-lining if they lose. They have a road contest against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11. Barring some injury to Michael Turner(notes) or Matt Ryan(notes), I would be stunned if they could pull off the victory in Atlanta.
The Titans will have their hands full against the Panthers. Chris Johnson or Javon Ringer must carry this team. The Panthers' run defense has been non-existent after Jon Beason(notes) and Thomas Davis(notes) suffered season-ending injuries. That doesn't include injuries to other linebackers such as Omar Gaither. I'm also concerned with Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey because the Titans' linebackers are suspect in coverage. Even Barrett Ruud(notes) hasn't excelled in that area.
I have a plethora of concerns for the Titans in this game. One can probably tell by checking out the "Keys to the Game"
section. I just feel like the Titans will have a difficult time upsetting the Panthers if Carolina scores more than 20 points.
That being said, my gut is urging me to go with the Titans. I've picked against them in their losses to the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals. Therefore, I don't feel like it's me being a homer.
Final Predictions:
Against the Spread: Tennessee Titans (+3)
Straight: Tennessee Titans 23, Carolina Panthers 20
