Titans at Bears: Game preview, odds, prediction

Nov 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis Colts beat the Tennessee Titans 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Tennessee Titans look to get a road win as they square off against the struggling Chicago Bears on Sunday, Nov. 27.

By Thanksgiving, fans can usually separate the contenders from the pretenders. On Sunday, Nov. 27, a surprising contender will take on a pretender when the Tennessee Titans (5-6) visit the Chicago Bears (2-8) at Soldier Field starting at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Despite their record, the Titans are merely a game out of a share of first place in the AFC South. Led by the NFL’s eight leading offense, Tennessee isn’t out of the playoff hunt just yet. Running back DeMarco Murray has 1,268 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns. Meanwhile, second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota has over 3,000 yards from scrimmage with 23 passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Tennessee has, however, struggled defensively. Their secondary has allows 266.2 passing yards per game (24th in the NFL) and 25.0 points a game. Tennessee shouldn’t be in too much trouble against the Bears offense, though. The Titans have a 2-3 record this season on the road.

Chicago will be without quarterback Jay Cutler and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who is out with a suspension. Their offense scores a mere 15.7 PPG, which is 31st in the NFL. Chicago isn’t impressive on the ground or in the air, ranking below average in rushing and passing yards per game. They allow 340 yards per game, which is the 10th fewest in the league. However, they have been subpar at keeping opponents off the scoreboard, allowing 23.7 points a game. Chicago is 2-2 at home this season.

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Odds

Line: Titans (-4.5 spread, -120 moneyline)

Over/Under: 45.5

This is an interesting over/under. While the Titans have been scoring at will, the Bears are a very low-scoring team. However, the Titans defense allows a lot of points, so take the slight over in this one. Mariota and Murray should prove to be too much for the Bears defense to handle. That said, Tennessee’s defense should keep the game interesting.

Prediction: 30-17 Titans. Expect a big day for Murray, as Chicago has struggled to stop the run this season.

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