Bengals vs. Titans Prediction: Trust Mike Vrabel as a Home Underdog in Playoff Rematch

Ryan Tannehill has a chance at redemption for his playoff disaster against the Cincinnati Bengals last season. The 7-3 Tennessee Titans are quietly rolling through the AFC and once again occupy one of the top spots in the conference. The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh last week to move to 6-4 for this crucial matchup with the Titans. Not to mention, Joe Burrow should be getting his favorite weapon back this week, so it’s not surprising that Cincy is the favorite on the road in Tennessee. 

Bengals vs. Titans Odds, Spread and Total

Bengals vs. Titans Odds, Spread and Total Movement in NFL Week 12

This game opened as a pick’em and now the Bengals are 2.5 or 3 point favorites depending on the book. The total has only gone up a half a point to 43.5. 

Bengals vs. Titans Prediction and Pick

The Bengals offense looked really good last week even without Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Mixon. They put up 37 points on Pittsburgh even with TJ Watt back for the Steelers, and it was actually Samaje Perine who caught three touchdowns. Burrow threw for 355 and 4 TDs, with two picks. They got away with only rushing for 62 yards, and they will need the same recipe against Tennessee’s run defense that is second best in football. The Titans do allow 266.8 pass yards a game, which is third worst in the league and just barely ahead of the Steelers. Chase was limited in practice this week and may not be back, but seems to be trending in that direction.

When I look at Tennessee, it’s not really all about the numbers, there are certain teams and coaches that are just tougher and smarter and that really matters in the NFL. It didn’t work out in the playoffs because Tannehill played about as bad as you can play in that game, but Derrick Henry can carry this offense in the regular season and Mike Vrabel is amazing as an underdog. 

If Tannehill can even play decent instead of terrible, then I love the Titans as a home dog. 

Pick: Titans +3 (-115)

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change