NFL Predictions: Week 3 Picks and Hot Takes
By Joe Wedra
Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, CBS
Ah, the battle of young quarterbacks in a game that might end up having big playoff implications down the stretch (these AFC games are kind of a big deal).
On Oakland’s side, we have a very good team – on paper – that seemed to play down to their opponent against the Falcons last week. Sure, Atlanta has talent, but they’re not a better football team than the Raiders… or, so we thought. Oakland has no other choice but to get back on track this week against Tennessee, particularly on defense. The secondary has much more favorable matchups against the Titans, a team that boasts rookie fifth-round pick Tajae Sharpe as the featured option for Marcus Mariota. The Raiders match up well, but the execution can’t falter one bit.
Tennessee’s focus should be on continuing to develop a rushing attack that can sustain lengthy drives to give their defense a rest. DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry is no joke of a one-two punch. The O-Line might be young, but the time is now to step up and assist Marcus Mariota in development. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, for the current Titans squad. In the early stages of the race, it’d be wise to continue growing a legitimate run game.
Raiders get back on track, capture 23-17 win against Titans.