NFL Betting Preview: Can Titans beat Rex's relentless defence?

NFL / Andy Richmond / 25 September 2009 / Leave a Comment

Recommendation: Ryan’s revolution rolls on – New York Jets @ [1.72] 1 ½ pts win.

Rex Ryan has built a sturdy, athletic New York Jets defensive line. Does Andy Richmond believe Tennessee can breach it this weekend?

Tennessee at NY Jets

Coach Rex Ryan's brash and charismatic attitude is certainly making an instant impact on the New York Jets, especially the now-stifling defence. The unbeaten Jets look for another dominating performance from the NFL's top-rated defence Sunday when they host the winless Tennessee Titans.

Ryan spent 10 years on Baltimore's staff, helping create one of the most ferocious and mouthy defences in the NFL. He's brought that philosophy to the Jets and it's paying off in a big way.

In Week 12 of last season, the Jets handed the 10-0 Titans their first loss of the season with a 34-13 rout of host Tennessee. Fortunes are rather different this time around.

Apart from Ryan, much of the focus at the start of the season was on the Jets rookie QB - Mark Sanchez, he's played exceptionally well in the first two weeks and is the toast of New York right now. The young signal-caller has displayed a deft touch on his passes and made smart decisions to help the Jets to their 2-0 start. He now gets to face the worst passing defense in the NFL through two weeks. Expect the rookie to connect with Jerricho Cotchery and Chansi Stuckey frequently.

The Titans rely heavily on their running game and whilst RB Chris Johnson bounced back last week with 284 yards against the Texans he was easily held in check by the Steelers in Week 1. The challenge for Johnson this week will be proving he can put up big numbers against the Jets and their top-ranked defense. I can also see problems for Titans QB Kerry Collins, he lacks mobility and will be the next pocket quarterback to be hit relentlessly by the attacking Rex Ryan defence -- Matt Schaub and Tom Brady were the first. No one has an answer for what Ryan is doing and it all starts with his understanding of how you pass protect. The Jets possess a sturdy and athletic offensive line.

New York has won four of the last five meetings and while it will be hard to envisage the Titans going 0-3, it's a real possibility here.

Recommendation: Ryan's revolution rolls on - NYJ at [1.72] 1 ½ pts win.

Miami at San Diego

Notching a win Sunday against a strong team may prove to be a tough task for the Dolphins, who are coming off a short week. Though they have had little trouble stopping the run, the Miami Dolphins are winless after two games once again. The Dolphins, 0-2 for the fourth straight season, look to extend a seven-game winning streak against the injury-riddled Chargers on Sunday.

The Chargers defence will have its hands full tying to stop the Wildcat offence. The Dolphins rushers could make it extremely hard to prevent a home loss. After allowing a handful of explosive plays on Monday night against Peyton Manning and the Colts, the Dolphins defence must take to the road on a short week to face QB Philip Rivers, who passed for more than 400 yards last week against Ray Lewis and the Ravens.

The Chargers have been steamrolled physically twice already and I look for the Dolphins to give them a heavy dose of the Wildcat offence here.

Both sides have defects, the Dolphins are coming off a short week and mentally the Chargers look weak and vulnerable at various points of their game.

Rcommenation: Split stakes here in a tricky punting game - ½ pt on Miami +6.5 points at 1.92 and ½ point on over 43.5 match points at 1.95

Indianapolis at Arizona

After coming into the season with high expectations, the Indianapolis Colts and the Arizona Cardinals looked vulnerable in their openers. With Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner leading their respective offences, however, both teams' early concerns looked unfounded last week.

Though they won on Monday night, Indianapolis endured a physical battle against Miami -- especially defensively. The Cardinals, meanwhile, were able to generally coast against Jacksonville after taking a big early lead. Will the Colts have enough in the tank on defence to deal with the rested and high-powered Arizona offence?

QB Kurt Warner was at his best in last week's win over the Jaguars. He began the game on fire and set the regular-season record for completion percentage (min. 20 attempts), connecting on 26 of 28 passes. He could have a tougher time against the Colts' top-ranked pass defence. If he does it could be a long evening for the Colts defence.

The Colts have the league's longest active regular-season winning streak at 11 but that may come to an end this week in a very tight affair.

Recommendation: Cards to end the Colts streak in a close one - 1pt win Arizona at [1.75].