The Tennessee Titans roll into Ohio to take on the Cleveland Browns in a battle of two 1-1 AFC teams looking get over .500.
Week 3 is full of very interesting matchups all over the NFL, and while this one may not be a shootout or the sexiest of games, it will surely be a dog fight in the Dog Pound on Sunday.
Before we dive into this game as a whole, there was really big news that came out today about Browns Running Back Nick Chubb after he sustained what looked to be a catastrophic knee injury on Monday Night Football.
#Browns RB Nick Chubb’s prognosis is far more optimistic than it originally appeared. Sources say he suffered a torn MCL and while there is damage to the ACL, it’s not a given it’ll need to be fully repaired. He plans on a full recovery.
My story: https://t.co/tUh5XJrERP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2023
According to multiple reports today, Chubb sustained a torn MCL in his knee and considering what looked to be possibly a career threatening injury, this is incredible news for the Browns lead back.
Chubb still has a long road ahead of him to a full recovery, but this prognosis surely caused rejoicing in the Browns locker room, front office and fan base.
And the entire NFL.
I am so happy for Chubb and wish him the best on his road to recovery.
Now, let’s talk some football 😉
It’s Titans vs Browns. Let’s dive in.
Titans vs Browns Game Information
- Game Date & Time: September 24th, 2023. 1:00 PM EST
- Game Venue: Cleveland Browns Stadium. Cleveland, Ohio.
- Where to Watch: CBS, NFL+, Youtube TV
Titans vs Browns Betting Odds
Odds available at Bovada Sportsbook
Spread
- Cleveland Browns -3 (-120)
- Tennessee Titans +3 (+100)
Moneyline
- Cleveland Browns (-175)
- Tennessee Titans (+150)
Total
- Over 38 (-115)
- Under 38 (-105)
Titans vs Browns Analysis
As I mentioned above, this game is going to be a dog fight.
The Titans were able to grab their first victory of the season in week 2 at home against the Chargers in overtime.
After a disappointing 1 point loss to the Saints in Week 1, the Titans were able to put together a nice performance in all three phases to take down the talented Bolts in Week 2.
Alternatively, the Browns impressed in Week 1, thrashing the Bengals but then came back down to earth on Monday Night football in Week 2, losing to the Steelers.
Both of these teams now sit at 1-1 and in more ways than 1, are very similar. Both teams rely on a consistent run game and a talented defense to grind out victories.
This is going to be a battle all game long and both defenses are going to have their fair share of opportunities to make plays and affect this game.
Can the Titans historic Run Defense hold the Browns in check?
For the Titans, their defense has done something no other team has done. Ever.
The #Titans run defense is on a historic tear right now
No defense in the NFL has been better against the run over a 17-game stretch since 2007. They’ve allowed just 2.9 YPC over that timespan. pic.twitter.com/mpDfA5fuRk
— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) September 21, 2023
Through the last 17 games, the Titans have allowed 1,098 yards, 64.6 yards/game and 2.9 yards per carry, good for the best in NFL history in that stretch.
Given that, it is going to be very tough sledding on the ground for the Browns in this game, with or without Nick Chubb. But especially without him.
Running back Jerome Ford will handle a good amount of the load, as well as new signee Kareem Hunt, but given the Titans stout front, I don’t see the run game having a big impact on this game for Cleveland.
The Browns offensive success is going to rely on $200 million dollar man, Deshaun Watson and the Browns passing attack.
And that could spell trouble for the Browns.
Through the first 2 games of the season, Watson has a 55.1% completion percentage, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 3 fumbles and has taken 9 sacks.
Watson has looked careless with the football in both games to start the year, and his carelessness was the main reason why the Browns are 1-1 and not 2-0.
If Watson is not able to take advantage of the Titans sub-par secondary, this could be a long day for the Browns offense.
Titans vs Browns Prediction
Both of these defenses are going to have plenty of opportunities to make plays in this game, and I truly believe it will be which team is able to execute better in some key moments that will walk away 2-1.
A costly turnover, explosive play or ill-timed mistake will be the difference in this game and it could come down to the last possession to decide it.
I have taken the Titans +3 Week 1 and 2 to start the season and it cashed both times. And I think it does again here.
For plus money and the push potential, give me the Titans with the points to hang around in this game and possibly even win a gritty one on the road.
Best Bet: Titans +3 (+100) BetUS
Titans vs Browns Player Prop
Jeffrey Simmons o3.5 Tackles+Assists (-114) Bovada
Sorry if you were looking to take an exciting touchdown or rushing yards prop here. I will be posting every prop I take in this game on X leading up to kick-off. (there will be multiple so follow along 😉 )
I am also betting on Derrick Henry ATTD and wrote about that earlier this week so go give that a read as well.
But for this, I am going with one of the best defensive tackles in football to keep playing at a Pro-Bowl level to start the season.
Jefferey Simmons has 5+ tackles+assists in both games to start the season and is by far the most dominant defensive linemen that this Browns offensive line has seen so far this season.
Simmons is so disruptive. Pushes his man back so far he disrupts Everett on the split flow block. Can't get Autry, who makes the play.
This gets you zero stats, but coaches see it. Simmons is a monster. #Titans pic.twitter.com/hVPH627U8P
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) September 18, 2023
Simmons isn’t always credited with every single big play he makes, as it is hard to see the sexy plays in the middle of the defensive line, but when you watch the tape, Simmons is a game wrecker.
In a game that is going to be won or lost in the trenches, I am going to bet on the big man to have to make countless plays and numerous tackles.
Player Prop: Jeffrey Simmons o3.5 Tackles+Assists (-114) Bovada
Enjoy Week 3 and Thanks for stopping by!
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