Titans can claim victory in huge clash with Colts

Sky Sports Action, 1.20am Sunday night

Tennessee and Indianapolis meet under winner-takes-all circumstances as they battle it out at the Nissan Stadium for a place in the post-season.

They are both on a 9-6 record and the Colts occupy the sixth seeding, but a Titans victory would see them move into the playoff picture at the expense of their AFC South rivals.

Both teams had a slow start to the season but their fortunes have since turned around, with Indianapolis winning eight of their last nine games and scoring a last-minute touchdown against the Giants last week to steal a 28-27 victory.

The return of Andrew Luck at quarterback has played a huge part in the resurgence of the Colts. He has thrown for 36 touchdowns and more than 4,300 passing yards.

However, the Titans have home-field advantage in this clash, which could prove to be huge as they have lost just once in Tennessee all season.

Victories over the Patriots, Eagles and Texans highlight the strength of Mike Vrabel’s side in front of their own crowd, and the rise of Derrick Henry at running back could swing things in their favour.

Henry has racked up seven touchdowns over the past three games and has proved himself able to power through defences and make it into the endzone.

Question marks over the fitness of quarterback Marcus Mariota are cause for concern, but if the signal-caller is healthy then Tennessee look a great price to earn a place in the playoffs.

Recommendation
Tennessee
1pt 13-8 general

The lowdown
Venue Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
Surface Artificial
Weather Cloudy, 12C
Vegas handicap Tennessee +3
Vegas points line 43.5

Team news
Indianapolis
Centre Ryan Kelly is out with a neck injury while wide receiver Daurice Fountain (ankle) will also be missing.

Tennessee
Quarterback Marcus Mariota is questionable with a neck problem, while the Titans will be without linebacker Brian Orakpo who has an elbow injury.

Key stat
Tennessee have conceded a total of 23 points in their last three games.

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