Cowboys vs. Titans: Thursday Night Football Odds, Picks & Predictions (Week 17)
The Titans’ situation for their game against the Cowboys on Thursday is one of all-risk with very little upside. The Titans (7-8) can improve their record but will be making no progress toward the playoffs until their winner-take-all AFC South matchup with the Jaguars on January 8.
If Tennessee loses on Thursday, the division title would still be up for grabs when the two teams square off even if the Jaguars defeat the Texans to go to 8-8.
The Cowboys are currently NFC’s top wild-card team at 11-4. They have the slimmest chance of overtaking the Eagles in the East division, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be going for it.
Let’s see how this one might play out in Nashville.
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
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NFL Week 17 Thursday Night Football Odds, Picks & Predictions (Cowboys vs. Titans)
Overview
Injuries to key players – most notably QB Ryan Tannehill (ankle) – plus a winless December may be enough to convince Titans head coach Mike Vrabel to utilize certain starters sparingly on a short week. Tennessee’s last victory came on November 17 at Green Bay.
Due to remarks questioning players’ devotion outside of their regulated work schedule at team headquarters, Vrabel is on thin ice heading into the week. That is in addition to placing nearly 40 percent of the active squad on the injury report last week. This situation makes cutting back on practice at this point in the season problematic.
There’s good news around the Titans’ secondary, as CB Kristian Fulton took part in practice this week after missing three straight games due to a groin ailment. Safety Amani Hooker also practiced for the first time in three weeks despite having knee limitations.
With Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry out for this one, the Titans will be prepping rookie Malik Willis to start once again. Willis has completed 31 of 61 passes for 276 yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions while taking 10 sacks in his limited action.
The Titans have averaged just 15.2 points per game since their meeting with the Packers. On the flip side, the Cowboys have scored an average of 37.2 points per game over their last six.
Following a 40-34 comeback victory over the Eagles last week, the Cowboys are still on the rise, as they continue to improve on both sides of the ball, The body of work is formidable with 49 sacks and a plus-12 turnover differential. Though, the pass rush has slowed down with just one sack in the last three games.
Bottom Line
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy isn’t concerned about the decline in pass-rush output. He also hasn’t given a thought (publicly) to sitting important players to match Tennessee’s starting lineup woes. However, the Cowboys’ own injury worries may have an effect on both sides of the ball.
Offensive tackle Zack Martin (knee) participated fully in practice this week. Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (neck) and running back Tony Pollard (thigh) did not.
LB Micah Parsons (hand), safety Jayron Kearse (elbow/back), defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and Sam Williams were all restricted in their participation. I expect all of them to give it a go Thursday night. I think the Titans’ injury woes will continue to compound as they get rolled in this one.
Pick: Cowboys -12.5
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