New England Patriots will host Tennessee Titans in Sunday’s action of the NFL 2021 Week 12. Both sides top their divisions and look forward to locking a playoffs spot as the regular season nears the end. The hosts are on an excellent streak, while the away side comes to Massachusetts after the last weekend’s defeat.
New England had a slow start to the campaign, and it seemed they would miss a chance to enter the post-season. However, the home side improved its game and is the master of its fate. On the other hand, the visitors have also been very good lately, but they need to deal with a long injury list.
New England Patriots – Can they keep the streak going?
The Patriots have improved their form significantly in the past few weeks, as they celebrated five times in a row. That run launched them to the top of the AFC East, being one win ahead of the Bills. They go to this match after beating the Falcons on the road, holding the rivals to only 165 yards in the offense. On the other hand, Mac Jones led the Pats to a 25-0 victory by throwing for 207 yards on 22-26, with one touchdown and an interception.
New England’s first-choice QB Mac Jones has gone 2,540 yards through the air, with 14 TDs and eight interceptions, while he was sacked 22 times. Damien Harris is the leading rusher with 603 yards and seven scores, while Rhamondre Stevenson has contributed with 305 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Kendrick Bourne and Jakobi Meyers have combined for 1,084 receiving yards and four scores, while Nelson Agholor and Hunter Henry generated 300+ receiving yards each. On defense, Kyle Dugger logged 71 total tackles, while Matthew Judon sacked the opponent’s quarterbacks 10.5 times.
Expected Line-Up (Offense): Damien Harris, Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry, Jakob Johnson, Isaiah Wynn, Ted Karras, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Trent Brown
Expected Line-Up (Defense): Deatrich Wise Jr., Lawrence Guy, Davon Godchaux, Chase Winovich, Matt Judon, Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, J.C. Jackson, Kyle Dugger, Devin McCourty, Jalen Mills
Quarter Back: Mac Jones
Kicker: Nick Folk
with best odds
Tennessee Titans – Can they cope with injuries?
The Titans enjoy a successful campaign, as the visitors are first in the AFC South with an 8-3 record. They are two wins ahead of the Colts, but they will have a challenging couple of weeks due to a high number of injured players. Tennessee goes to this clash after losing 22-13 to the Texans at home, and that defeat broke their six-match winning run. Although the Titans gained 420 yards in the offense, they made five turnovers, which cost them a failure. On the other hand, Tennessee held Houston to only 190 yards.
Ryan Tannehill has thrown for 2,681 yards this season, with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Matt Forte dominates the rushing department with 898 yards and four TDs, and Jeremy Langford has gained 537 yards on the ground with six scores. Alshon Jeffery leads the receiving corps with 807 yards and four touchdown receptions, while Marquess Wilson, Zach Miller, and Martellus Bennett generated 400+ receiving yards each. On the other hand, Christian Jones has 86 total tackles, while Lamarr Houston logged eight sacks.
Expected Line-Up (Offense): D’Onta Foreman, Dez Fitzpatrick, Chester Rogers, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, MyCole Pruitt, Tory Carter, Taylor Lewan, Rodger Saffold III, Ben Jones, Dillon Radunz, David Quessenberry
Expected Line-Up (Defense): Jeffery Simmons, Teair Tart, Denico Autry, Harold Landry III, Jayon Brown, Monty Rice, Nick Dzubnar, Chris Jones, Amani Hooker, Kevin Byard, Kristian Fulton
Quarter Back: Ryan Tannehill
Kicker: Randy Bullock
Expert Pick #1 – New England Patriots -6.5 @-110
The Pats seem to have found their momentum, and they look forward to continuing their winning streak. On the other hand, the Titans face severe selection troubles, and Derrick Henry’s injury greatly affected their performances. I’m backing New England to win and cover the number for my first pick.
Expert Pick #2 – Over 44.5 @-110
Although the Patriots have been very disciplined in the back, I think the margin is slightly lower than expected, and the value is in the Over. Both teams have been very good in the offense, and I see this match going over a 44.5 margin. That’s going to be my second bet.
Expert Pick #3 – Patriots & Over 38.5 @+100
We can double our stake with the moneylines and totals combo, which brings us the plus money odds. I believe the Patriots will win this match, while the sides will produce at least 39 points, so I’m going with this as the third pick.
