Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET Saturday, CBS
Records: Titans 9-7, Patriots 12-4
Line: Patriots by 4½
Satellite radio: Titans feed on Sirius 82 (streaming 830), Patriots feed on Sirius 83 (streaming 820)
Titans’ keys: They’ll need QB Ryan Tannehill to attack Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore, who looked like the NFL’s best cornerback until Week 17. RB Derrick Henry should find success between the tackles against the Patriots’ spotty run defense. The Titans would do well to make sure they set up LB Harold Landry to generate pressure – he’s had a few quiet weeks despite finishing the season with nine sacks.
Patriots’ keys: They need to feed WR Julian Edelman and RB James White in the passing game. They’ve gone away from the two skill players in recent weeks, whether to try to get others involved or to save the health of the trusty tandem. Once they’re involved, the Patriots can establish a balanced offense with RB Sony Michel and the ground game.
Who wins? Strong defensive play should keep this game close, but the Patriots aren’t likely to stumble again after Week 17. Patriots 24, Titans 21
— Henry McKenna