This is a key battle in the AFC South Division. The Colts rolled in their season opener 41-10 over the Saints while the Titans stunned the Jaguars 13-10 in Jacksonville. The Titans and Colts split games last season with each team winning on their own turf. The Titans beat the Colts last season in Tennessee by pushing the Colts around as they rushed for 219 yards. The Titans will try to run the football and control the clock against the Colts. They ran the ball 49 times for 282 yards (5.8 ypc) last week against the Jaguars are they held onto the football for 36:55 of the football game! Look for Chris Brown (175 yards, 9.2 ypc) and LenDale White (66 yards rushing) to provide the muscle behind a solid offensive line. QB Vince Young will also take off as he rushed for 22 yards and had a TD run last week. If the Colts can’t stop the running game of the Titans it could be a long day for them this Sunday.Â

The Colts will likely come out throwing the ball against the Titans to try to get a quick lead and take the Titans out of their game plan. Peyton Manning was excellent as always against the Saints last week as he completed 18 of 30 passes for 288 yards with 3 TDs and 0 pickoffs. Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison will cause huge match up problems for the Titans corners who will likely need help from the safeties. That might not be easy for the Titans to do because TE Dallas Clark and WR Anthony Gonzalez could be lining up in the slot. And if the Titans defense didn’t already have enough to worry about don’t forget 2nd year running back Joseph Addai who had 143 combined yards rushing and receiving last week (he also scored a TD).

PREDICTION: This will be a close football game but I have to side with the Colts by a field goal in this one. I wouldn’t be surprised though if the Titans pulled an upset here because they play the Colts tough and they are the more physical team.

Â