Titans (1-1) at Browns (1-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland TV: CBS
Spread (BetMGM):
Browns by 4
Titans’ keys to victory: For the Titans to have a shot, they have to get pressure on QB Deshaun Watson. Tennessee sacked Justin Herbert three times in a Week 2 win over the Chargers after sacking the Saints’ Derek Carr four times in Week 1. Through two weeks, Watson’s play has been uneven with his passing. The injury to Nick Chubb will make things easier for Tennessee.
Browns’ keys to victory: The Browns have the interior offensive line to run on anyone. Cleveland has to continue to find sustained success through the air. While the Tennessee offense is not a lethal one, the Browns have to continue to prove they can control the game and the clock without Chubb.
Matchup to watch: Titans OLs Andre Dillard and Chris Hubbard vs. Browns DEs Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith. Hubbard, who was a member of the Browns from 2018 to 2022, has not been a starter since 2019. Dillard, despite being a first-round pick, never beat out Jordan Mailata with the Eagles. If the Titans don’t get them help, which will require pulling tight ends and running backs out of the passing game, QB Ryan Tannehill will be under constant pressure.
Who wins? While Titans head coach Mike Vrabel continually gets the most out of his players, the disparity in talent between these teams appears too deep, though it’s shortened with the loss of Chubb. The Cleveland defense is too tough, and the offense should find favor against a lackluster Tennessee secondary. Can Tannehill, 35, keep pace with the Browns?
Browns 28-17