The Tennessee Titans are set to clash with the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. As the game approaches, anticipation builds around several key storylines that could dictate the outcome. For fans eager to catch every play, understanding where to watch Colts vs. Titans is paramount, but equally important is knowing what to expect on the field. This preview dives into the crucial aspects of this AFC South showdown.
Rudolph Takes Center Stage
In a significant shift, Mason Rudolph will step into the starting quarterback role for the Titans, replacing Will Levis. With the season winding down and three games remaining, this change presents Rudolph with a golden opportunity to ignite a Titans offense that has struggled with consistency, currently facing their third three-game losing streak this season. Interestingly, statistics reveal a potentially positive impact with Rudolph at the helm. The Titans have seen an average increase of 85.7 total yards per game in contests where Rudolph has started this season. His previous relief appearance this season was particularly noteworthy. Rudolph joined a very exclusive club, becoming only the fourth NFL quarterback since 1950 to achieve a completion percentage of 80% or higher (minimum 25 attempts) while also throwing multiple touchdowns in a game where he didn’t start. This places him in the company of Gardner Minshew II, Shane Matthews, and Doug Flutie, highlighting his potential to spark the Titans’ offense.
Spears: The Rising Force in the Backfield
While Derrick Henry has historically been the focal point of the Titans’ running game, this season has seen Tony Pollard carry the workload. Pollard is nearing a significant milestone, just 18 yards shy of his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. However, it was another running back who stole the spotlight in the previous game against the Bengals. Tyjae Spears delivered a dynamic performance, etching his name in Oilers/Titans history. Spears became only the third player in franchise history to record a game with six or more receptions, a rushing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown. This places him alongside Chris Johnson and Gary Brown in the team’s record books, demonstrating his versatility and explosiveness. The emergence of Spears provides an exciting dimension to the Titans’ offense and could be crucial in alleviating pressure on Pollard and providing a spark against the Colts.
Tight Ends Aim to Continue Recent Success
The Titans’ tight end group showcased a promising performance in their last outing, and they will be looking to replicate that success against the Colts. Chig Okonkwo led the charge with a career-best eight receptions, marking the most catches by a Titans tight end since Anthony Firkser in 2020. Adding to this positive trend, Josh Whyle contributed with five receptions against the Bengals. This game marked a rare occasion for the Titans, being the first time since 1998 that they had two tight ends achieve such high reception numbers in a single game. Back then, playing as the Tennessee Oilers, Frank Wycheck and Jackie Harris achieved this feat. The question now is whether Okonkwo and Whyle can maintain this level of production and become consistent targets in the Titans’ passing attack, potentially providing Rudolph with reliable options against the Colts defense.
Containing Anthony Richardson: A Defensive Priority
In their previous encounter this season against the Colts in Week 6, the Titans defense faced veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. This week, they face a different challenge in the form of Anthony Richardson. The Titans defense will need to devise a strategy to contain the dynamic but sometimes erratic Richardson. While Richardson possesses immense talent, he also leads the NFL with the lowest completion percentage at 47.0%. Furthermore, he has faced pressure more frequently than any other quarterback in the league, being pressured on 41.2 percent of his dropbacks. His touchdown-to-interception ratio stands at 7-11, indicating potential vulnerabilities. Notably, Richardson has had eight starts this season with a completion percentage of 50.0 or lower, the second-most in a season since 1990. The Titans defense, which ranks among the top in the NFL allowing only 297.4 total yards per game and 182.2 passing yards per game, will aim to capitalize on these weaknesses and add to Richardson’s frustrations, making it difficult for the Colts offense to find rhythm.
Kicker Situation: A Last Minute Decision
Veteran kicker Nick Folk has been a model of consistency and reliability for the Titans throughout the season. He has successfully converted 21 of his 22 field goal attempts and maintained a perfect record on PATs, going 25 for 25. However, a late-week abdomen injury has cast doubt on his availability for Sunday’s game. Titans coach Brian Callahan has indicated that Folk’s status will be a game-day decision. As a contingency plan, the Titans have elevated Brayden Narveson from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Narveson, who spent the preseason with Tennessee and also kicked for the Packers earlier this offseason, will be ready to step in if Folk is unable to play. Callahan emphasized their preparedness, stating, “We’ll have Brayden ready to roll if we need him. He’s kicked in games, and we’ll be ready to have him up if he needs to be.” The kicking situation adds an element of uncertainty for the Titans heading into Sunday’s matchup.
Indy: A Historically Favorable Ground for Titans
Despite recent struggles, the Titans can draw confidence from their historical performances in Indianapolis. They have a strong 5-2 record in their last seven road games against the Colts, although this includes last year’s loss at Lucas Oil Stadium. This represents the Titans’ best road record against any opponent they have faced more than once on the road since the beginning of the 2017 season. Interestingly, two of the Titans’ three wins this season have come on the road, suggesting a potential for them to perform better away from home. In a week where questions have been raised about the team’s resilience, a strong showing in Indianapolis would be a timely statement.
For fans wondering where to watch Colts vs. Titans, the game is scheduled for broadcast on CBS. Local listings will provide specific channel information. Streaming options are also available through Paramount+ and NFL+ for those who prefer to watch online. As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on Lucas Oil Stadium to see if the Titans can overcome their challenges and capitalize on their historical success in Indianapolis.
