Tennessee Titans beginning quarterback Ryan Tannehill has a severe ankle damage and will miss the rest of the season if he opts for surgical procedure. If Tannehill can’t play on Christmas Eve in opposition to the Houston Texans, the Titans will promote rookie backup Malik Willis because the starter.
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel (proper) attends to quarterback Ryan Tannehill after he suffered an ankle damage in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. (Picture: Getty)
The Titans might need to alter quarterbacks whereas in the midst of a decent race to win the AFC South, with a visit to the playoffs on the road. Head coach Mike Vrabel gave evasive solutions throughout a current press convention when beat reporters requested him who would begin at quarterback in opposition to the Texans in Week 16.
The surging Jacksonville Jaguars are threatening the slumping Titans, who misplaced 4 video games in a row. The Titans are at the moment in first place within the AFC South with a 7-7 file, and the Jaguars are in second place at 6-8.
The Jaguars are in a must-win scenario in opposition to the New York Jets on “Thursday Night time Soccer.” The Jags are a +2 street canine in opposition to the Jets at MetLife Stadium.
On Wednesday, a report surfaced that Tannehill wants season-ending surgical procedure, which affected the betting markets. The road in opposition to the Texans opened -8.5 in opposition to the worst staff within the NFL, the Texans, with a 1-12-1 file. The road moved to -3 upon the information that Willis might exchange Tannehill because the starter.
Tennessee QB Shuffle, Malik Willis Prepared
Tannehill suffered an ankle damage on the opening possession in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. He missed the second possession whereas the coaching workers attended to him within the locker room, however he returned to the sport with a heavily-taped ankle.
Even with Tannehill taking part in the remainder of the sport, the Titans couldn’t pull off a comeback, and their dropping streak was prolonged to 4 in a row.
In 12 video games this season, Tannehill has a 6-6 file because the starter. He accomplished 65.2% of his passes for two,536 yards and 13 touchdowns. He threw six interceptions and received sacked 33 occasions.
Willis began two video games this season and went 1-1 because the beginning quarterback when Tannehill had an sickness. He gained his debut as a starter in opposition to a simple opponent within the Texans in Week 8. He began once more in Week 9, and almost upset the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. However the Titans misplaced by a area aim in additional time.
Willis took all of the observe reps with the primary staff this week, whereas Tannehill hasn’t practiced in any respect.
Persevering with to get these reps, these performs, understanding the ideas and what we’re attempting to perform and who we’re attempting to place in battle,” stated Willis. “Understanding that makes it a bit of bit simpler to go execute.”
Willis accomplished solely 44.7% of his passes for 177 yards this season. He has but to attach on a passing landing and threw one interception. He regarded good as a rusher with 20 makes an attempt for 80 yards.
Throughout Willis’ two begins, the Titans relied closely on their run sport. Famous person working again Derrick Henry rushed for 334 yards and 4 touchdowns in each video games that Willis began.
Titans Now 46% to Win AFC South
The winner of the AFC South will safe a playoff berth and host a house sport within the AFC wild-card spherical. On Monday, FiveThirtyEight projected the Titans had a 57% likelihood to win the division. That quantity slipped to 46% after the Titans confirmed Tannehill’s damage.
The Jaguars noticed their postseason and AFC South title possibilities enhance from 43% to 54%.
Even when each groups win in Week 16, the Jaguars will bounce to a 65% likelihood to assert the AFC South crown, whereas the Titans will see their possibilities lower to 35%.
The Jaguars have the better remaining schedule versus the Titans. The Jaguars play three extra video games, together with the Jets, Texans, and Titans within the closing sport of the season.
The Titans have three remaining video games in opposition to the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, and a Week 18 showdown in opposition to the Jaguars in Jacksonville. The Titans misplaced to the Jaguars a few weeks in the past, which put them on this robust spot.
In keeping with a current replace by DraftKings, the Titans are +7000 odds to win Tremendous Bowl LVII and the Jaguars are proper behind them at +8000.
The Jaguars are the betting favourite to win the AFC South at -145 odds with the way forward for Tannehill doubtful. The Titans are actually +115 odds to win the division.
