We’ve crossed into some sort of bizarro universe this week as the Seattle Seahawks (1-1) are somehow underdogs as they travel to the southern United States to take on the Tennessee Titans (1-1).
You can see the game yourself on your local FOX station at 4:05 p.m.
The Game: Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans (-2.5)
O/U: 41.5
The History
There isn’t much history between the Seahawks and the Titans. Most of their games happened back when Tennessee was the Houston Oilers and both squads were in the AFC. In fact, the two teams have only met three times since the Oilers converted to the Titans with Seattle winning two of the three games, most recently a 20-13 victory in October,2013.
The Seahawks lead the all time series 10-6 and have piled up wins in the latter half of the “rivalry,” if you could call it that. They won five straight from December, 1994 to December, 2005.
They did meet one time in the playoffs back on January 3, 1988. The then Oilers beat Seattle 23-20 in overtime with Warren Moon completing 21 of 32 passes for 273 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Seahawks wide receiver Steve Largent caught seven passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns.
The longest Titans/Oilers win streak was just three games from October, 1981 to that playoff game in January, 1988.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-1)
It’s been an inglorious start for the Seahawks this season as teams have continually eaten their offensive line alive in the first two games. Last week, Seattle was lucky to escape with a win over the San Francisco 49ers. Russell Wilson has yet to feel comfortable in the pocket and managed to complete 23 of 39 passes for 198 yards and the game winning touchdown last Sunday.
The most notable name to show up on Seattle’s injury report is tight end Jimmy Graham, who was a full participant in Friday’s practice. He’s listed as questionable, but my guess is he’ll play.
Right before the season started, the Seahawks added Sheldon Richardson in a trade with the New York Jets and I think this gives them their most formidable defense since 2014. Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor are all healthy and that will limit what the Titans can do downfield on offense. Michael Bennett, Richardson and Bobby Wagner will be slamming into the offensive line and bottling up the run most of the day.
The concern is still that offensive front. The Seahawks spent money trying to upgrade it this off-season and, needless to say, it has not come together. Week Three can flip a lot of scripts and I think we’ll see a better performance from Seattle’s starting five.
TENNESSEE TITANS (1-1)
I say it every week, whether it be here in my Get More Sports previews, my radio show on WCRK and WMTN or in out GMS NFL Podcast, Mike Mularkey is the worst head coach in the NFL. The fact that the Titans, as loaded as they are in talent, are saddled with this stooge has to impact every game in a negative way. You have to factor it into your pick.
As far as injuries go, it looks like Tennessee will go with Derek Henry as its starting tailback with DeMarco Murray still dealing with a hamstring injury. Corey Davis hasn’t practice all week and neither has safety Johnathan Cyrprien. As difficult as it is to get a passing game going against Seattle, it’ll be a hell of a lot harder with Davis sidelined. Cyprien would have drawn plenty of coverage duties on Graham and now Tennessee will have to use a back up for that.
I like Marcus Mariota and it wouldn’t surprise me if he still managed a decent game. Delanie Walker will be the guy he leans on in the passing game and I’m not sure how many shots they’ll take downfield, especially with Davis out.
The Pick
It’s still shocking to see the Seahawks as underdogs against the Titans, even on the road. It’s so shocking that I just don’t buy it. The coaching match up between Pete Carroll and Mularkey is laughable and I think Seattle finds a way to better cover up its flaws this week. Seahawks 24, Titans 20
This week
Straight up: 1-0
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 11-5
Against the spread: 8-8
Season
Straight up: 21-10
Against the spread: 16-15
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