Seahawks (7-7) at Titans (5-9)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee TV: CBS
Spread (FanDuel): Seahawks by 2.5
Seahawks’ keys to victory: If the Seahawks can keep QB Geno Smith upright against a talented Titans pass rush, he shouldn’t have issues pushing the ball downfield to WRs DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, both of whom can dominate the Titans’ banged-up cornerbacks group. The Titans have also struggled against the run of late, so feeding RBs Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet should prove fruitful. Seattle should win the battle in the trenches against a Tennessee offensive line that is bad at run blocking and even worse in pass protection.
Titans’ keys to victory: The Titans aren’t certain to have QB Will Levis after he injured his ankle late in Week 15, but no matter who is under center, the offensive line has to do a better job protecting the quarterback. Also, offensive coordinator Tim Kelly must do a better job of adjusting to what’s in front of him after sticking with the run for far too long in Week 15. On defense, Tennessee needs big performances from DL Denico Autry and OLBs Harold Landry and Arden Key in order to help a suspect secondary that is shorthanded.
Matchup to watch: Titans’ edge rushers vs. Seahawks’ offensive tackles. The Titans’ interior defensive line isn’t likely to put up much of a fight in the pass rush, but the Seahawks still have to worry about Key, Landry and Autry. The Titans need to keep this a lowscoring affair thanks to their struggling offense, so those three having a big game is crucial.
Who wins? Seattle will be too much to overcome for the Titans’ inconsistent offense.
Seahawks, 27-16