NFL Week 17 picks against the spread

Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) @ Tennessee Titans

It’s a battle for the playoffs, and there is a lot going on with this Tennessee Titans-Indianapolis Colts matchup. The biggest cloud sitting over this game is the status of Titans QB Marcus Mariota. He missed the second half of last week’s game, and Blaine Gabbert was forced to play the rest of the game. Mariota has come out and said he will be ready for this weekend’s game, but it’s not really up to him.

That’s likely why this line looks the way it does. Questions about a QB’s status will force a team to lose plenty of points from the oddsmakers. This probably is Colts -1 if Mariota is healthy. However, that’s not the reality.

I expect the Colts to take care of business here, because Andrew Luck has been rolling since starting the season 1-5. Think about that for just a minute. The Colts were heading towards playing for the number one overall pick in October, but by the time December rolled around they are now a playoff team with one win. They’ve even beaten the Texans and Cowboys along the way.

The Titans are an average team with an injured quarterback. The Colts have some very good qualities, and Andrew Luck back at the peak of his powers. This Colts offensive line can keep Luck clean, and the Titans will struggle to stay on their receivers every play. Marlon Mack looks like he’s coming into his own, while the Titans face a must-win game in Mike Vrabel’s rookie coaching season. To be fair, Frank Reich is also a rookie, but he’s got more experience overall. I trust him after last year’s run with the Eagles.

Go with the Colts, even with the points. There are too many question marks, especially if Gabbert ends up having to play.

Indianapolis 31, Tennessee 24