Choo-choo, Henry coming through
After what happened last season, all the Titans' opponents will try to find a solution on how to stop Derrick Henry. He was pretty much unstoppable, bullying his way through opposing defenses and basically carrying this team on his back into the AFC championship game. Not many teams managed to slow him down, so I believe that Tennessee will get back to the old recipe until the NFL finds the cure for it. They kept pretty much the same personnel on offense, expect Jack Conklin, who was lost in the free agency. Dennis Kelly will replace him at the right tackle spot. A veteran player that was their swing tackle for years prior.
Money that got freed up after Conklins signed with Cleveland, they spent in sweepstakes for Jadeveon Clowney. He will be a great fit for their 3-4 scheme and will provide an immediate pass-rushing boost, that they lacked at times last year. Their depth at cornerback will be tested tonight though. Adoree Jackson is out, which means somebody else will help to step up to No.2 spot on the opposite side of Malcolm Butler. Will that be rookie Fulton or proven veteran Joseph, we shall see.
Everything on Lock now
That is why Denver's injury report is so important these days. They have couple of receivers on there that are questionable for the opener. Courtland Sutton has hurt his shoulder, will KJ Hamler is dealing with a hamstring related issue. Their 2nd year QB - Drew Lock would dearly miss them tonight, if they'll be unable to go. Since Ja'Wuan James decided to opt-out, his protection probably won't hold up for too long vs Clowney and the rest of the bunch. That is why he needs an entire group of receivers, so he can get the ball out of his hands fast.
They are not dealing with injuries only on the offensive side of the ball. Von Miller is out as well. He's a leader and one of the best players in the league. With him, they could really test Dennis Kelly on the right side of that OL, but with Bradley Chubb being pretty much the lone threat, Tennessee will deal with the Broncos' pass rush more easily. But, we shall not forget on Jurrell Casey, who was drafted by the Titans in 2011 and spent 9 seasons there. He felt that he was disrespected by the organization, for letting him go in the summer, so he'll be fired up for this one.
Broncos vs Titans betting tips
It's really difficult to pick something out here, especially with so much uncertainty about who is going to play and who's not. The main markets seem to be pretty dead on with their numbers at the moment, but I like some spots in player props section.
With Sutton and Hammler questionable, Jerry Jeudy could become a very important piece in this offense from the very beginning. At Alabama, he was used in many different ways. They liked his ability after the catch, so they were drawing many short and screen passes to him in order to get the ball into his hands as much as possible. Broncos probably liked that about him, otherwise, they wouldn't draft him this high. And Drew Lock will need some easy throws to get some completions and find some rhythm.
Speaking of Drew Lock, he's a pure gunslinger. He plays with a lot of flair and confidence. And that thing can come back and bite you in the ass, when you're an NFL QB. He's not afraid to take chances and fit it through tight windows. Ball-hawking secondary (Kevin Byard, Malcolm Butler) like Titans' will try to take advantage of that for sure.
