Tennessee Titans vs Jacksonville Jaguars: NFL Thursday Night Football Schedule, Predictions, Stream & Preview
The Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars face off in an AFC South game on Thursday Night Football. This may not be the huge matchup that every NFL fan wanted to see, but the reality is both teams are actually still in the playoff race because the AFC South has been terrible this season.
These teams will play each other two of the next three weeks.
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6)
Normally a 3-6 team wouldn't garner any attention, but the Jacksonville Jaguars aren't out of this playoff race just yet. Their last-second win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday has them just one win back in the AFC South behind the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans.
There are not really many great things to show off this season for the Jaguars, but they have won two of their last three games. They've yet to win a divisional game, and if they're going to win the AFC South, this game is a must win. Defensively, the Jaguars must get better as they rank 30th in points allowed, and their secondary has been terrible as well.
Running back T.J. Yeldon is having a productive rookie season, but he is questionable to play because of a foot injury. Surprisingly, Denard Robinson hasn't been very involved in the offense this season. Last year Robinson ran the ball 135 times, but he has just 15 carries this season.
The Jaguars play the San Diego Chargers next week.
Tennessee Titans (2-7)
The Titans will be the road team, but don't let that fool you. This franchise hasn't won a single home game in over a calendar year. Both of their wins this season have come on the road, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Titans only have two wins, but if they can beat the Jaguars on Thursday night, they will only be one win behind the Colts and Texans in the division.
Marcus Mariota has looked pretty good for a rookie quarterback with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. Unfortunately, he's not getting much help. The Titans running game ranks 24th overall in yards and 20th in totals scored.
The biggest advantage the Titans have over the Jaguars is defense. The Titans run defense is very good, and Wesley Woodyard leads a young and impressive linebacker unit. The Titans linebackers will have to stay aware at all times of the possible threat of Jaguars spread option plays.
The Titans play the Oakland Raiders next week.
Schedule
The Titans and Jaguars will play each other on Thursday night at 8:25 p.m. EDT on the NFL Network. The game will be played at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. You can watch a live game stream here.
Prediction
This game is a tossup. Neither team has looked impressive at all this season, and both teams have their share of flaws. Mariota has looked good when the Titans offensive line gives him time. Three touchdowns and a field goal should be able to win this one.
Titans win 24-23
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1