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The New Orleans Saints must hit the road for the final two weeks of the regular season, visiting the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Week 16 and then the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in the Week 17 finale. The Saints have traveled exceptionally well this season, losing just one of their first six road games. But they’re facing a desperate Titans squad that needs a win to remain in the AFC playoff picture, and without the benefit of a normal week after playing on Monday night.
Per the opening line from BetMGM, the Saints are still favored over the Titans, but barely. The Titans are 2.5-point home underdogs against New Orleans, with an over/under of 50.5 points — one of the week’s highest. That suggests a final score around Saints 27, Titans 24. That’s as close as wins get in the NFL.
It’s going to be fascinating to see whether Ryan Tannehill can continue making magic for Tennessee. The backup-turned-savior has played well since being named the starter, going 6-2 while leading the NFL in yards gained per pass attempt (9.5). He’s scored 17 touchdown passes while throwing just 6 interceptions, and added 4 touchdown runs on the ground. But he hasn’t exactly been challenged often, with just two of his last eight opponents owning a winning record.
Pressure couldn’t be higher on each of these teams. The Saints must win to keep their hopes of securing a top-two playoff seed alive. The Titans need a win to even get to the playoffs. Neither squad is going to give up an inch.
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