Titans vs Raiders (The most hyped team...?)

Fantasy Rankings – Titans Week 3

1. M. Mariota
2. D. Murray
3. C. Davis (Maybe I have the rookie flu with that Kareem Hunt game)
4. D. Walker
5. E. Decker

The Titans officially have the most hype in recent memory. Las Vegas has the Titans at a 20-1 odds to win the super bowl. Our team and city, for the first time in a long time, actually have to live up to expectations rather and over performing them. The Titans can't simply go 8-8 and feel ok about it. This year the Titans need to win the division; it is almost expected everywhere we look.... and that puts pressure on a team who has not played in a lot of high pressure, high stakes games to this point.

But.... I think we are up to it! And it really starts with a tough test between two teams the NFL desperately wants to be competitive. What is better for the NFL than two golden boy QBs to begin a true rivalry and compete to be the best in the AFC as Brady gets older?

Derek Carr vs Marcus Mariota

This is the prize fight the football media would love to see work out... (hence CBS trotting out oft injured but new addition to the number one announcing crew Tony Romo and Jim Nantz)

If it wasn't clear it is Friday and I understand Nantz is not 'oft injured' but you get it.

Will we live up to the hype?

This is tough for Titans fans, we haven't been this giddy since the late 90's; okay maybe 2008 but our QB was Kerry Collins for most of that season... again stay with me.

(Finally, he starts talking about the game) With a lot of NFL fans watching I think this could be a huge week for our quarterback and our offense. The Raiders’ defense is improved but still gave up a lot of yards last year. The Raiders will definitely be prepared for our Exotic Smashmouth Offense (I don't know why but I always picture it italicised) which is inevitable at this point. The Titans are not stupid so they will use the brand they have created to ensure open passing lanes. This is where the Titans take a huge step, almost like a well-rounded boxer, you want to stop my jab well here's my upper cut and so on and so forth. In the past, we were not a threat at all on the out side with our WR play. We had to out muscle and run the ball (which we did) and we will continue to do. But when they stack eight in the box in the words of Lee Corso "See ya sweetheart" over the top. And if you are reading this and thinking wow this guy is biased... then this isn't the blog for you!

I predict a high scoring affair with the Titans having a late lead and the ball. At this point, we will rely on our O-Line and our two workhorse backs. If the Titans are able to score points, maintain a lead, and punish people with the run this will be an 11 win team at least. I will go Titans over Raider 34-28.

I am terrified of Cooper and Crabtree against our new secondary but hey, it isn't Parrish Cox, Blidi Wreh-Wilson and more so cross your fingers and pray Adoree' Jackson has a huge day.

TD Predictions and then I'm out!

Mariota 2
Murray 1
Henry 1
Davis 1
Walker 1

See you on Sunday!

TITAN UP!

P.S. Almost forgot...

Matchup of the week: Kahil Mack vs Taylor Lewan / Jack Conklin

This could decide the game: if Lewan and Conklin can hold off Mack and give Mariota any time at all we could see an offense with tons of potential come to fruition.