Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 22nd 2024

Preview and Prediction

Despite still holding onto slim hopes for a playoff spot, the Indianapolis Colts may have their chances dashed by the Tennessee Titans, who are looking to make a statement with a new starting quarterback.

In place of second-year pro Will Levis, Titans coach Brian Callahan has turned to veteran backup Mason Rudolph for their AFC South matchup on Sunday in Indianapolis.

This isn't Rudolph's first time as the team's starter this season. He was called upon for three games in late October and early November when Levis was sidelined with a shoulder injury. Levis returned on November 10th and played well until last week's 37-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, where he struggled with turnovers and was ultimately replaced.

"I felt like it was the best decision for our team to see what Mason could bring to our offense in these last few weeks of the 2024 campaign," said Callahan. "In certain situations throughout the season, I felt like we needed a spark at the quarterback position."

Rudolph has completed 97 of 154 passes for 1,015 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions, while Levis has completed 181 of 284 passes for 1,916 yards with 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Titans currently rank 26th in passing yards per game, 27th in total yards per game, and 27th in scoring.

Rudolph expressed sympathy for Levis but is excited for the opportunity to get back on the field.

"I'm grateful for another chance to play with this team," he said. "It will be enjoyable to play football again on Sunday. I know what it's like to be replaced and we've always had each other's backs."

The Colts, who are 6-8 this season, have also made a change at quarterback, benching second-year pro Anthony Richardson for two games in November and replacing him with veteran Joe Flacco. Richardson returned to the lineup and played well in a comeback win against the New York Jets, but his performance has since declined, culminating in a 31-13 loss to the Denver Broncos last week where he completed only 17 of 38 passes for 172 yards and two interceptions.

Richardson, who has only made 14 NFL starts due to injuries, has completed just 47% of his passes for 1,683 yards with seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.

"You have to be able to make the right decisions at all times, whether it's handing the ball off correctly, reading coverage, or checking plays," Richardson said. "I always have to make sure my decisions are on point."

Richardson's mistakes were overshadowed by two costly blunders - a failed double pass that resulted in a Denver touchdown and a dropped ball by Jonathan Taylor just outside the goal line, denying the Colts a potential 41-yard touchdown and instead resulting in a touchback.

The Colts currently lead the all-time series against the Titans 38-22, including a 20-17 win in October. In order to have a chance at the playoffs, they will need to win their remaining games and hope for the Los Angeles Chargers to lose two of their last three.

On the injury front, the Colts had several players sit out of practice on Wednesday, including wide receivers Alec Pierce (concussion), Michael Pittman Jr. (back), and Ashton Dulin (ankle), kicker Matt Gay (back), and tight end Mo Alie-Cox (hip). Cornerback JuJu Brents (knee) was limited.

For the Titans, wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot), kicker Nick Folk (abdomen), and linebackers Luke Gifford (concussion), Kenneth Murray (hamstring), and Otis Reese (ankle) were among the players held out of practice on Wednesday. Running back Tony Pollard (ankles) and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (rest) also did not practice.

PREDICTION

Tennessee Titans

20

23

Indianapolis Colts

Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts Recap OCT 8TH 2023