The New Orleans Saints will be hosting the Tennessee Titans for their final preseason outing on Sunday afternoon. Let's preview the game and dive into my Titans vs. Saints predictions and NFL picks for Sunday's NFL preseason game.
Everything surrounding the Saints right now is concerning. From their lack of depth on the offensive line, to the abundance of positional battles, to different coaches calling plays from different areas of the field. I will be fading this team until further notice.
Titans vs Saints Prediction
- Titans vs Saints pick: Titans -4.5 (-110)
My Titans-Saints best bet is on Tennessee to cover the spread, which is available at Caesars, according to our live NFL odds page.
Titans vs Saints Odds
Titans Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -115 | 36.5 -115o / -105u | -230 |
Saints Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -105 | 36.5 -115o / -105u | +190 |
- Titans vs Saints point spread: Titans -4.5 | Saints +4.5
- Titans vs Saints total: Over/under 36.5
- Titans vs Saints moneyline: Titans -230 | Saints +190
While the spread has only moved one point from Titans -3.5 to -4.5 since open, the total has risen from 34.5 to 36.5.
There was some optimism surrounding this Saints offense after their Week 1 preseason performance, mainly headed by Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener, but after seeing their most recent performance, there simply is more cause for concern. New Orleans averaged a putrid 4.1 yards per play against the 49ers in Week 2, converting only one out of 11 third downs the entire game. Through two games, the Saints are 6-of-26 on third down (23%).
With both offensive tackle positions still in limbo, I wouldn’t expect an extended look with Derek Carr in the lineup. Even if he plays a full quarter, that would not necessarily swing the handicap of this game in either direction. As Luke Hubbard of SB Nation pointed out, the offensive line cannot be trusted. As a unit, they rank 26th in PFF passing blocking grade. All five potential starters have a grade below 45, meaning the Saints have actually fared better with their backup lineman in protection. The team, in total, has allowed 26 pressures and 4 sacks thus far in the preseason.
It won’t be easy for Rattler or Haener to move the ball against a Titans defense that has played quite well. The Titans have only given up 28 points in two games, and have done so by getting ample pressure on the quarterback to the tune of 6 sacks and 28 pressures. The two backup QBs for the Saints combined to average only 5 yards an attempt a week ago, and they didn’t receive any help from the running game. New Orleans stuck with the run relentlessly, rushing 34 times, but averaged only 3.4 yards per carry.
More confidence can be had backing the Titans offense. Will Levis is expected to play two or three series, and in his only preseason appearance thus far, he led a scoring drive. Even after Levis exits, Malik Willis and Mason Rudolph will continue their battle for the backup quarterback spot. Both averaged over 7 yards per attempt last week in the Titans’ win. Oddly, Rudolph has been exactly 10-of-17 passing for 7.4 yards per attempt in both of his games. While his completion percentage hasn’t been elite, he has shown a willingness to push the ball down the field more often, creating several explosive gains through the air.
How to Watch Titans vs. Saints Live: Start Time, Channel, Location
Location: | Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA |
Date: | Sunday, August 25, 2024 |
Time: | 2 p.m. ET |
TV Channel/Live Streaming: | NFL+ |
Titans vs. Saints will be broadcasted live on NFL+, as well as local television coverage. Titans-Saints is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Use Quickslip to Bet Titans vs. Saints
My Titans vs Saints Picks
For the duration of the game, I expect the Titans to move the ball no matter which quarterback is under center. Neither team has run the ball very well as the offensive lines continue to take shape. Siding with the team that can protect their passer more consistently is the right play to make.
Titans vs Saints bet: Titans to cover the spread (-4.5)
Titans vs Saints Betting Trends
- 42% of bets and 92% of the money are on the Titans to cover the spread.
- 73% of bets and 58% of the money are on the under.
All data via Action Network's public betting percentages.
Titans vs Saints Weather
Titans vs Saints is being played inside the Caesars Superdome, so weather will not be a factor.