Oakland Raiders (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) vs. Tennessee Titans (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)
Week 1 NFL
Date/Time: Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 1PM EST
Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
TV: CBS
By Loot, NFL Football Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Betting Odds: OAK -1/TEN +1
Over/Under Total: 51
The Oakland Raiders come to Nashville on Sunday to take on the Tennessee Titans in week one action from Nissan Stadium. Both teams enter 2017 with realistic optimism. The Raiders finally got their act together in 2016 with a 12-4 record, making their first postseason since 2002. But after a bad finish where they lost star QB Derek Carr, they look for a more-complete 2017 season. Getting off to a fast start won't be easy in week one against a Titans team that added 6 wins to their previous season's total, going 9-7. They are a franchise on the rise and 2017 is a critical season for the team.
Don't let Carr's late injury and the Raiders' early playoff exit to the Texans of all teams detract from what was really a renaissance season for this Raiders team, a squad that had been able to extract shockingly little glory out of the last 15 seasons. They were able to mount a slew of 4th quarter comebacks and always seemed to come up with the right answer in games that were up for grabs late. If Derek Carr can stay healthy and pick up where he left off, along with a boost from what might be an improved defense, the Raiders sure look to be the goods.
Helping Carr is a useful and versatile backfield that gets a big boost with Marshawn Lynch coming out of retirement. Look for the season off to have recharged Lynch's batteries, as he tries to make an impact for his hometown team. DeWayne Washington and Jalen Richard give the backfield even more depth and this part of the offense has improved. It also doesn't hurt to have a pair of 1000-yard receivers back with Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.
The Raiders also added tight end Jared Cook and WR Cordarrelle Patterson, who also gives the Raiders a needed dimension in the return game. Left tackle Donald Penn ended his holdout and looks ready to go, along with a line that made a lot of strides the past two seasons. They acquired Marshall Newhouse and drafted David Sharpe to add depth. Along with C Rodney Hudson, RG Gabe Jackson, and RT Austin Howard, this is unit that should help spring loose an offense with a lot of upside.
Coach John Pagano was brought in to help Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr. after the Raiders defense gave up a league-leading 6.1 yards per play in 2016. The defense gets a good pass-rush with Khalil Mack, who is a difference-making presence, along with Bruce Irvin, but more is needed in that area. A healthy Mario Edwards up-front would really help, as would some contributions from the inside with Justin Ellis and rookie Eddie Vanderdoes.
The Oakland linebacking corps added a valuable piece of manpower in Jelani Jenkins, but he is on IR. A secondary that was ranked 24th in 2016 also looks for an upgrade. Reggie Nelson is a playmaker at safety who should be good along with strong safety Karl Joseph. Corner is a bit of a question mark with David Amerson in concussion protocol and Sean Smith not having a good preseason on or off the field. First round pick Gareon Conley offers great potential, but injuries might have him not ready to hit the ground running in game one.
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The Titans also look to pounce on the opportunities that 2016 presented. Five of their last 6 losses were one-score games and they weren't far off from being 11-5 or better. Though injuries have prevented him from finishing either of his first two seasons, Marcus Mariota had a great second season and is one of the better young quarterbacks in the game. With his useful legs, along with running backs DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry, the Titans have a potent run-game. After watching Mariota languish with a substandard aerial attack, they added pieces like Rishard Matthews, along with promising draft picks like 5th pick Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor. Reliable Eric Decker also gives them a nice veteran presence.
The Titans also have one of the more-productive tight ends in the game with Delanie Walker, who has depth behind him, as well. The front will be key. The O-line has two good tackles in Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin—too top youngsters at the position. Center Ben Jones and a good left guard in Quinton Spain fill out a good group. If some youngsters and free agents can make a contribution, this looks to be an improved part of the team.
The Tennessee defense still needs work. Jurrell Casey and Da'Quan Jones occupy the end spots up front, with free agent Sylvester Williams and Austin Johnson looking to pick up the slack in the run-stop department. At outside linebacker, there is some strength with Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan. Wesley Woodyard is inside, but more is needed there. A lousy secondary looks to improve and should with the drafting of Adoree Jackson, who also gives them an interesting return option, along with free agent signing of CB Logan Ryan from New England. Safety still looks dicey after signing Jonathan Cyprien and with Kevin Byard in his second season. There isn't a lot of depth in this category.
Last season, it seemed like the Oakland defense had a lot bigger say on this matchup, with the Raiders winning at Tennessee, 17-10. Mariota threw a couple picks and 3 key turnovers made it so they couldn't parlay good production from Murray and Henry into actual points. We see a deliberate type of game played strategically that is a little on the low-scoring side. We're betting "under."
Loot's Prediction to Cover the Point Spread: I'm betting that the Oakland vs. Tennessee game goes under 51 points. Tired of your credit card not working for sportsbook deposit? End that problem today and bet the Oakland vs. Tennessee game from the comfort of home by signing up at Bovada Sportsbook where your credit card WILL work and where you'll receive a generous 100% sign-up bonus!
