The Titans finished strongly last season going 8-2 after the bye week.  The Titans look to avoid another slow start this weekend in the season opener against the Raiders.  Here is a close look at the match-ups:

When the Titans have the ball:  The Titans don’t change the gameplan for any team as they play to their strength which is running the football.  Charles Johnson is a freak of nature due to his blazing speed and willingness to lower a shoulder when need be.  He has goals of rushing for 2,500 yards this season and he will likely get off to a good start Sunday.  Vince Young will likely keep the passing game short rolling a lot off play action.  The Raiders are deep and talented at CB so the smartest move might be getting the ball a lot to Bo Scaife to challenge the safeties.

When the Raiders have the football:  The Titans will likely try to stop the Raiders’ running game only using the front seven.  That is because the Raiders are probably going to try to go deep to their fast fleet of receivers early and often in this game.  That means the Titans are going to have to put pressure on Raiders’ QB Jason Campbell with the blitz.  Titans’ safeties Michael Griffin and Chris Hope are going to be challenged quite a bit in his game also as TE Zach Miller is the Raiders’ best receiver.

PREDICTION:  TITANS 20, RAIDERS 17