The Tennessee Titans (8-6) host the Washington Redskins (7-7) to kick off the NFL’s week 16 in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader that will also feature the Baltimore Ravens visiting the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Redskins, coming off a hard-fought win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday that snapped a four-game losing streak, are now focusing on the resurgent Titans, who last week shut out the New York Giants 17-0 to win their third in a row and fifth of their last seven.
Perhaps the biggest matchup in this contest will be the Redskins front seven against Titans running back Derrick Henry, who in the past two weeks has rushed for over 400 yards and six touchdowns and could break the all-time record set by former Buffalo Bills legend O.J. Simpson for most rushing yards in three straight games if he rushes for 240 yards.
The Redskins are making it a priority to stop Henry after last week’s effort where they managed to keep the Jaguars offense out of the end zone. With a short week to prepare the Redskins defense will have to control the line of scrimmage against one of the hottest backs in the league and a superior offensive line.
The Titans currently are a team that owns the trenches on both offense and defense but in this game, their offensive line will try to help their team run away with the game.
Henry has been able to get downhill because of the lanes and holes created by his offensive line, which allow him to get to the edge quickly, turn the corner, and explode for the big play.
The Titans smashmouth football has been possible because of the guys in front of Henry, who are pushing back and knocking defensive line players down to let Henry roam free.
However, it’s been revealed that Henry’s play also improved after he reached out to Titans great Eddie George, who gave him advice on his running game by telling him he needed to finish his runs and be more aggressive.
That’s bad news for the Redskins, who despite their solid effort last week, own one of the worst run defenses in the league right now as they’re surrendering 162 rushing yards per game since Week 11.
At this pace look for the Titans to feed Henry early and often to try to exploit one of the biggest weaknesses the Redskins are currently dealing with. Even though he may not rush for enough yards to break the record he should be able to get enough yards to lead the Titans to victory.
Prediction: Redskins 10 – 27 Titans
