NFL Futures: The Tennessee Titans have not made the playoffs since 2008 and their hiring of long time player and coach Mike Munchak proved to be fruitless after an initial 9-7 season in 2011. Munchak turned in records of 6-10 in 2012 and 7-9 last year and the Hall of Fame offensive lineman was shown the door after serving in the organization since its days as the Houston Oilers in the early 1980’s. Ken Whisenhunt, who took over a mess in Arizona and led the Cardinals to their only Super Bowl appearance, will try to revive the team as its new head coach. Tennessee opened as a 100/1 longshot choice to win the Super Bowl and was a 40/1 bet to win the AFC. Tennessee opened with an over under win total of seven at even money over and -130 under.
Locker’s Room
Jake Locker will take over as starting QB of the Titans which should be an upgrade from the erratic Ryan Fitzpatrick. Locker was a first round pick in the 2011 draft that is yet to live up to expectations. The Titans have bolstered their offensive line and have a talented defense that coordinator Ray Horton will transform into a hybrid 3-4 unit.
Handicapper’s Notes
Tennessee has covered the spread in just six out of their last 20 home games to rank as one of the worst bets on the NFL board in that role as seven out of their last nine home games have gone over the total. The Titans have not fared much better on the road as they have come away with the money in just seven out of their last 18 away games with just nine out of their last 20 road games going over the total. The Titans have been a poor board value as a favorite with just six payouts in their last 19 games as a chalk with just five out of their last 12 games as a favorite going under the total. Tennessee has covered seven out of their last 19 games as a dog with six out of their last eight games as a dog going over the total.
Our Prognosis
The Titans are fortunate to play in the weak AFC South where a turnaround is possible. That being said this is an unproven team that would be dangerous to step out with.
