Titans at Falcons
THE STORY: The second-guessers were out in force after Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith opted to go for a fourth-and-1 situation on his own 30-yard line in last week’s overtime loss to New Orleans. The decision backfired, costing the Falcons the game and leaving what was initially a promising season on the brink of ruin. Atlanta needs to roll off a string of wins to get back in the playoff chase as it hosts the enigmatic Tennessee Titans, who are still in the hunt in the AFC South despite a 1-2 division mark.
TV: CBS. 4:15 p.m. ET. LINE: Falcons -6, O/U 44
ABOUT THE TITANS (5-4): Running back Chris Johnson regained his stride as Tennessee walloped Carolina 30-3 last week. While the result was a bit surprising, Johnson’s success was even more of a stunner. Johnson has been vilified after signing a huge deal in the offseason and struggling mightily on the season, but he gained 130 yards last week in helping the NFL’s last-ranked rushing team amass 170 yards on the ground. It was just Johnson’s second 100-yard game of the season. The Titans are healthy aside from linebacker Barrett Ruud (groin) and defensive end Dave Ball (concussion). Both are questionable. Damian Williams has touchdowns in consecutive games for Tennessee. The wide receiver out of USC posted a career high with 107 yards receiving last week.
ABOUT THE FALCONS (5-4): Harry Douglas picked up the slack for injured wide receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) last week. Douglas caught eight passes for 133 yards as Matt Ryan posted career highs in attempts and yards. But that isn’t necessarily a good thing for the Falcons who had won nearly all of the games when running back Michael Turner had carried the ball over 20 times. Turner toted the ball 22 times last week for 97 yards but Atlanta couldn’t hold off the Saints in the back-and-forth contest. Turner has six TDs in his last six games for the Falcons, which rank 12th in the NFL in total offense. Jones is doubtful for Sunday and reserve running back Jason Snelling is questionable.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. The Falcons haven’t lost two straight games this season.
2. Tennessee has won 18 of its last 20 games against NFC foes.
3. Tennessee has beaten Atlanta five straight times.