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Jaguars at Titans Week 8: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Russell S. Baxter

Oct 23, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs for a short gain in the red zone during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs for a short gain in the red zone during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tennessee Titans look to get back to the .500 mark when they clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night at Nashville.

This offseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars were anointed as one of those up-and-coming teams that could make a big move. On Thursday night, the club looks to put things together against the improving Tennessee Titans.

Granted, there has been movement. But it’s been more of the lateral kind to date. At 2-4, Gus Bradley’s team is all alone in the AFC South basement and continues to shoot itself in the foot. The Jaguars have committed a dozen turnovers in six games, 11 of those by quarterback Blake Bortles.

On the other hand, it’s the Titans that look like a team on the rise. In his second season, Marcus Mariota looks a lot more comfortable in the offense. In his past three games, he’s thrown for eight touchdowns and only one interception. He’s had some issues with fumbling but he’s certainly making strides.

It helps when you have veteran running back DeMarco Murray at your disposal. He ranks third in the league in rushing and leads his club with 27 receptions and seven total touchdowns. The talented performer takes aim at a Jaguars’ defensive unit but one that has been mediocre when it comes to stopping the run (18th in the NFL).

Odds

Line: Titans (-3.5)

Over/Under: 44

You will recall when these teams met in Nashville last season, Mariota ran wild and Mike Mularkey’s squad escaped with a 42-39 victory. At the moment, both of these clubs are playing respectable defense and neither team’s attack looks capable of an offensive explosion.

More fansided.com: NFL power rankings, Week 8: Vikings fall, Lions rise

Tennessee squandered an opportunity last week to get over the .500 mark by dropping a home divisional game. They won’t blow the chance to get to 4-4 in the standings. Murray and the Titans’ ground attack set the tempo for this contest. Look for the Jaguars to move the football but settle for field goals while at least one turnover will prove to be Jacksonville’s undoing.

Pick: Titans 24, Jaguars 19

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