The second match of the NFL Playoffs sees the defending Super Bowl champions New England Patriots looking to take their first step to getting back to the showtime game when they host the Tennessee Titans in the wildcard round.
The Patriots once again dominated the AFC East, but not to the depths that saw them get a first round bye so they have to come through here if they are going to travel to the Kansas City Chiefs next week. The Titans ran hot when it counted to be the last team into the postseason in the AFC.
New England Patriots
We are not used to seeing the New England Patriots at this round which means that they are not used to competing in it, so the first thing they need to do is get their head around the fact that they have to come through here. They are used to having a week off between the regular season and the playoffs so there is a different dynamic to their task this term. The simple fact is they are in this match because they have not dominated the regular season like they usually do.
The main reason for that has been because their offense has not performed to the levels of previous seasons. The safety net and reliable valve of Rob Gronkowski has disappeared and they haven’t really recovered from his retirement. The Patriots are efficient on offense rather than amazing but thankfully for Belichick and co, their defence has been the best in the league this season which has got them out of many a hole.
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Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans were the last team into the field for these playoffs but that might not be the negative that it sounds. It means they have been playing knockout football already and have come through. That confidence can’t be underestimated and while their task looks big on paper, they will know that they can come through under pressure. The negative is that they haven’t had a chance to rest players but I’d rather have the knowledge that a team can win a knockout game than that.
I think it is fair to say that the Titans have made it this far off the strength of their run game and that is something that will be important here for a couple of reasons. Not only does it offer up their best chance of making offensive plays, but it will also churn up the clock and keep the Patriots off the field. The acid test will probably come on whether their defence is up to the test here and whether they can persist with the run should they go behind.
Betting
I’m with the Tennessee Titans here although I will take them with the five point start they are in receipt of. It takes a brave man to go against the New England Patriots completely and I’m not at that level yet, they are daunting in the postseason after all, but I like the fact the Titans won a match that they had to win last week and they look to be trending in the right direction and match up well here.
The Patriots have struggled in stopping the run this season and that is a huge factor going into this match because the Titans have one of the most powerful run games in the league. The other concern is that New England haven’t really fired on offense so them covering a five point start in a match where it is purely about winning rather than running up the score. The Patriots might find a way to win, they often do at this stage of the season but I’ll stick with the Titans on the handicap.
Tips
WON – Back Tennessee Titans (+5) to beat New England Patriots for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with William Hill
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