Last season, the Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans ran into each other in the AFC Divisional Playoff. The game was in Baltimore, and the Ravens entered as the top seed and on a 12-game winning streak, while the 9-7 Titans were coming off beating the Brady-led Patriots and ending that era. In a shock, the Titans shut down Lamar Jackson and took down the 14-2 Ravens, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of Lamar and Company. Duplicating 14-2 is unrealistic, as the Ravens' 2020 campaign was very difficult--with the main obstacle being the team's COVID-19 outbreak. Part of Baltimore's struggle was an OT loss to the Titans this season, but they managed to go on a winning tear at the right time and reach the playoffs at 11-5.
The Titans entered the 2020 season on a huge high; for one, they nearly made the Super Bowl last season. Secondly, they have the best running back in the league in Derrick Henry, the MVP of many Fantasy Football teams (including mine, who won for the 2nd straight year). And that weapon is included along with a receiving core led by AJ Brown, and Ryan Tannehill throwing and running the ball in amazing fashion. Both teams also have great kickers in Justin Tucker (BAL) and Stephen Gostkowski (TEN), though it was Tennessee's backup kicker who won the AFC South for the team in Week 17.
2020 Statistics
Tennessee Titans
Total Offense: 6,343 yds; 396.4 ypg (T-2nd) Passing Offense: 3,653 yds; 228.3 ypg (23rd) Rushing Offense: 2,690 yds; 168.1 ypg (2nd) Total Defense: 6,372 yds; 398.3 ypg (28th) Passing Defense: 4,439 yds; 277.4 ypg (29th) Rushing Defense: 1,933 yds; 120.8 ypg (19th)
Baltimore Ravens
Total Offense: 5,810 yds; 363.1 ypg (19th) Passing Offense: 2,739 yds; 171.2 ypg (Last) Rushing Offense: 3,071 yds; 191.9 ypg (1st) Total Defense: 5,276 yds; 329.8 ypg (7th) Passing Defense: 3,536 yds; 221 ypg (6th) Rushing Defense: 1,740 yds; 108.8 ypg (8th)
Numbers are a funny thing. The two best running games in the NFL; though Baltimore's running game is actually Lamar Jackson. And as I've said for a while, Baltimore is basically Lamar, Tucker, and that defense--nothing else. Because of this, Tennessee's suspect defense will look nearly flawless against Baltimore, and Derrick Henry, well, nothing more needs to be said about this season's 2000-yard rusher.
Prediction: Titans by 7
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