The Tennessee Titans (7-8) are disappointed they are missing the playoffs this year after going 13-3 last year, but after an 0-6 start they should be proud of the way they fought their way back into contention.  An 8-8 season looks much better than 7-9, so the Titans should come out and try and crush the Seattle Seahawks (5-10) on Sunday.  There is a lot the Titans can be proud about, including Chris Johnson’s monster season of1,872 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.  Vince Young’s resurgence gives Titans’ fans a lot of hope for next season, but he still has not solidified his spot for next season.  Another strong game this season would go a long way for his season next year.

The Seahawks are not particularly good at stopping the run, so the Titans should give the ball to Chris Johnson as much as they can and let him run into the record books.  Young can provide some support in the passing game, as well as with his own legs.  Johnson is the key to the Titans success though, so he should get a ton of carries.  Seattle gives up 110 rushing yards per game, but I expect the Titans to run up a lot more yardage than that.  If the Titans come out ready to play, they should get a convincing win.

PREDICTION:  Tennessee Titans 28, Seattle Seahawks 20

The Tennessee Titans (4-6) have been a completely different team ever since Vince Young took over as the starting quarterback, and they will be looking for their fifth straight win this week against the Arizona Cardinals.  I’m expecting Young and the Titans’ running game to continue their success, but the defense is what concerns me for the Titans.  The Cardinals’ offense, led by Kurt Warner, have the ability to put a lot of points on the board.  Warner suffered a concussion last week though, but he will play.  The Cardinals are not a very good running team (only 94 rushing yards per game), so if the Titans can keep Warner from having a big game they should win.  They can’t let Warner and receiver Larry Fitzgerald connect too often, or they will be in trouble.

The Titans offense has been causing problems for every team they have faced ever since Young took over at quarterback.  They have an amazing running attack, which at times looks more like a college style offense than an NFL one.  Young and Chris Johnson should be able to get a lot of yards on the ground, as the Cardinals give up over 100 rushing yards per contest.  Young’s athleticism brings so many options to the Titans offense and defenses are struggling to adjust.  Since the Cardinals don’t have a particularly good defense, especially against the run, I like the Titans in a close game.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Tennessee Titans 24, Arizona Cardinals 21

The Tennessee Titans (3-6) have had their season rejuvenated ever since Vince Young became the starter, and they are looking to continue that success this week in Texas against the Houston Texans (5-4).  Young’s passing numbers are not going to blow you away, but he has been doing a very good job managing the game and taking care of the ball.  Chris Johnson has been the main reason for the Titans success, as Young’s athleticism at quarterback seems to have open things up for the running game.  In the Titans past three games (all wins) Johnson has rushed for at least 132 yards and 2 touchdowns in each game, including a 228 yard effort against the Jaguars.  If the Titans offense can continue this type of play against the Texans, they will have a great shot at winning their fourth straight game.

The Titans defense needs to be ready to slow down Matt Schaub and the Texans’ passing game.  Schaub and the passing game are averaging 284 passing yards per game, and the Titans give up 270 passing yards per game, so it could be a big day for Schaub.  Schaub has thrown 4 interceptions in his past two games though, so the Titans may get some turnovers.  The Titans best defense is their offense though, as their run-first offense can eat up the clock and keep the ball out of Schaub’s hands.  That is why I think the Titans will pull out a close win.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Tennessee Titans 34, Houston Texans 28

The Tennessee Titans (1-6) finally decided to start Vince Young and they got their first win of the season last week.  Young and the Titans are on the road this week against the San Francisco 49ers (3-4), who have also made a quarterback change recently.  If Young can manage the game and play like he did last weekend, the Titans will have a good shot at winning this one.  Chris Johnson had a huge game last week rushing for 228 yards, and if he is able to repeat anything near that performance the Titans will be in great shape.

The 49ers offense has had a little bit of a resurgence with Alex Smith as their quarterback, but he has thrown two picks in two games.  The Titans are giving up 282 passing yards per game, so Smith may have a big day.  They also give up way too many rushing yards (112 per game) so they need to make sure 49ers’ Frank Gore doesn’t get any big runs.  I think the Titans have a fresh take on the season with Vince Young under center and I think they will get their second win in a row.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Tennessee Titans 28, San Francisco 49ers 24

The Tennessee Titans (0-6) have finally benched Kerry Collins and Vince Young will be starting his first game of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3).  The Jaguars are coming off a close OT win over the weak St. Louis Rams, so this could be the Titans chance to get their first win of the year.  The Jaguars beat them 37-17 earlier this month, but Young gives the Titans offense a much different look.  His athleticism and running ability will add to the Titans solid running attack led by Chris Johnson.  He had a great game last week, getting 128 yards on 17 carries.

Although in my opinion Young should have been the starter long ago, I don’t think he will make a big enough difference for the Titans to win.  He will be rusty and he still doesn’t have an accurate arm so he may turn the ball over.  Young is a good football player with the physical gifts, so if he can get himself ready mentally then the Titans may have chance. Its a fresh look for the Titans though, so they may be sloppy.  I think they will battle the Jaguars better than they did last game, but the Jags running game led by Maurice Jones Drew will be too much for the Titans to handle, and the Jags should win again.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Jacksonville Jaguars 28, Tennessee Titans 21

The Tennessee Titans (0-5) are on the road against the New England Patriots (3-2) Sunday.  They’re still looking for that first win, but things never look good when you are going up against Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the rest of the New England Patriots.  Kerry Collins has struggled all year and head coach Jeff Fisher insists on keeping him as his starting quarterback.  Collins is not the sole reason the Titans are so bad, as it has been a team effort.  But, things are obviously not working with Collins, and I don’t see the 36-year-old starting for them next year, so why not start the talented Vince Young?  Young proved he has what it takes to be a good quarterback in this league when he won the 2007 Offensive Rookie of the Year.  They are going with Collins though, so expect another poor performance from the Titans’ offense.

The Titans secondary better be prepared to be challenged often, as they are one of the worst in the league at stopping the passing game.  I think Tom Brady will finally have a game like the  pre-knee injury Brady.  The Titans do a decent job at stopping the run, but with the dangerous offense the Patriots have, I don’t think they will be able to stop much of anything against the Pats.  I don’t think this game will be close at all, with the Patriots blowing out the Titans.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  New England Patriots 34, Tennessee Titans 14

The Tennessee Titans (0-4) are still without a win this year and will be trying to spoil the Indianapolis Colts (4-0) undefeated season.  The Titans have not looked good at all this year, but they always play the Colts tough and will be desperate for a win this weekend.  Chris Johnson will have a good game, as the Colts give up over 100 rushing yards per game.  The Titans really need Kerry Collins to get out of the funk he is in and finally have a good game.  They will be sticking to the running game though, at least they should, so Peyton Manning has the ball in his hands as short as possible.

The Titans defense have a big challenge facing Manning, as he has thrown for over 300 yards in every game this year.  The best defense for the Titans will be their running game.  If they can keep their running game going and eat up the clock, it will keep the ball out of Manning’s hands.  Peyton is still going to put up his numbers though, so they need to make sure they stop the Colt’s running game.  That is one of the few things the Titans are doing well at though, as they are holding opponents to under 80 rushing yards per game.  Most people might think this game will be a blowout, but I think the Titans are going to battle and keep it close.  The Colts offense is too potent though and they will pull away in the fourth quarter.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Indianapolis Colts 31, Tennessee Titans 23

The Tennessee Titans (0-3) have not looked like the team that won 13 games last year and are still looking for their first win of the year this week on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2).  The Titans have lost all three of their games by a touchdown or less, including a week one three points overtime loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers.  The Jaguars have played inconsistently this year, but are capable of going toe to toe against some of the league’s best teams as they held the Colts and Peyton Manning to only 14 points in week one.

The Titans need to get quarterback Kerry Collins going, and the best way to do that is to get Chris Johnson some effective carries early and often.  Collins is at his best in the play action, so if Johnson is able to get going early then the Titans passing game can be productive.  Johnson has had a good year so far, as he has 351 yards and two touchdowns on 53 carries (6.6 avg).  That average is a little skewed though, as Johnson had a monster game against the Houston Texans and their league worst run-defense with 197 yards on 16 carries, including a 91-yard touchdown run.  Johnson has been effective in the other two games, but has failed to reach 100 yards and is averaging 4.2 yards per carry in those two games.  Jacksonville has a solid defense, but they have been giving up a lot of yards with an average of 381 yards per game.

The Titans run defense has been one of the few bright spots so far this season, as they are only giving up 60 yards on the ground per game.  The Jaguars Maurice Jones-Drew has been the Jaguars main weapon and is averaging 4.9 yards per carry, but the Titans strong run defense should slow him down.  With the Titans needing a win badly, I think they will come out ready to play.  This will be a close, hard fought game but I think the Titans are finally get themselves a win with their ability to stop the run.  I see the Titans getting a late field goal to win it.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Titans 24, Jaguars 21

I just don’t think that the Titans have what it takes to repeat their success of last season.  I think the Titans have the look of a 6 or 7 win team in 2008 so I have to suggest betting the under.  Still, I like Coach Fisher and I wouldn’t be surprised if he waves his magic wand and makes me look bad with this prediction.

The Titans got better quick last season behind QB Vince Young. Don’t expect miracles this season as the Titans did nothing to help the offense in the off-season. They also let RB Travis Henry leave to Denver as a free agent. The Titans defense also doesn’t look too great for 2007. So, I’m betting the under.