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.