Minnesota Vikings on upset alert against Tennessee Titans

The Titans immediately gained the respect of bookies after a surprisingly strong first half against the Vikings.

The Tennessee Titans immediately took advantage of an injury-ravaged Minnesota Vikings team by taking a 10-0 first-half lead. The Vikings are missing starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for the entire 2016 season, and the offense seems to be hurting without him. The Titans’ strong first half has turned them into 6.5 point favorites, according to Bovada.

The Titans have done a good job at stopping Vikings running back Adrian Peterson so far, holding the All-Pro to a measly 20 rushing yards in the first half. Meanwhile, Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota is clearly enjoying his much-improved supporting cast on offense.

Running back DeMarco Murray has been a force in both the running and passing game, hauling a six-yard pass from Mariota to notch the sole touchdown of the game. The Titans’ second-year quarterback is looking to establish himself as one of the top young quarterbacks in the league after being selected second overall in the 2015 draft.

Vikings quarterback Shaun Hill has not made any glaring mistakes and has been fairly efficient overall with 124 yards on 11-of-19 passing. However, he has not made any game-breaking plays, with the Titans essentially daring him to win with his arm.

First-round pick Laquon Treadwell has yet to make his first NFL catch, while Stefon Diggs continues to be the top receiving weapon for the Vikings, finishing the first half with four catches for 46 yards. It remains to be seen whether the Titans defense can continue to hold off Peterson and force Hill to endure growing pains in his first start for the Vikings.