It's hard to remember when Titans could score

Are the Tennessee Titans the team that time forgot? In a high-scoring 2018 season, the Titans seem stuck in the past. They can’t drive the field consistently and can’t find the end zone. Against quality defenses, they seem to be moving backward.

VSiN was going to set up Monday night’s matchup with the Cowboys (ESPN, 8:20 p.m.) by preparing a chart of Tennessee’s lousy offensive stat rankings. But, the Titans ranked 30th in enough categories that its quicker to just say they’re worse than everyone but the Cardinals and Bills — two expansion-caliber teams starting rookie quarterbacks (or worse).

Titans QB Marcus Mariota is in his fourth season as a starter. Granting that Mariota has been slowed by a pinched nerve in his elbow, this offense still shouldn’t be at a standstill. He’s supposed to make things happen with his legs. Look at these recent lowlights vs. quality defenses.

These are very relevant stats because the Bills entered the weekend ranked sixth in the NFL in total defense, the Jaguars second, and Ravens first. The Cowboys are third — putting them in the class that’s already known to bully the Titans’ limited offense.

Betting markets have been adjusting Tennessee down since it lost 13-12 at Buffalo.

The Titans were +2¹/2 at home against Baltimore. That’s the same as 5 ¹ /2 points worse on a neutral field (if you accept the standard three points for home-field advantage). You’re not a playoff contender if you’re that much worse than the Ravens — particularly if you then lose the game 21-0!

Tennessee was +7 on a neutral field in London against the Chargers. Same market theme there. Being a touchdown worse than the Chargers is basically 6-10 caliber (though Tennessee did cover on a late TD).

The Titans will be around +5 at kickoff Monday in Arlington. That’s a nod to their effort in London, but still not a point spread that would reflect a playoff contender visiting the Cowboys.

While there is understandable appeal to betting “defensive ’dogs” who have a chance to keep a game close with great defense, a team normally has to get something on the board to cover short or medium spreads.

Can the Titans do enough to cover on the road against an elite defense? That’s the question bettors must answer here.

VSiN returns Tuesday with our first college basketball Tip to get you ready for Michigan State vs. Kansas and Duke vs. Kentucky. If you’re new to legal sports betting, you’re going to love the month of November!

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