Just as things looked bleak for the Titans playoff hopes, they roll out two wins that put them right in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race. The Titans join three teams tied at 7-6 entering Week 15.
Baltimore owns the tiebreakers and the last wild card spot, but another loss by the Steelers versus the Patriots this week could put the Ravens into first place in the AFC North and drop the Pittsburgh (7-6-1) a half-game behind any other winners from among the 7-6 pack.
Back-to-back playoff appearances would make the fans crazy in Tennessee, but so far, they are crazy over the inconsistent play of their Titans. Every time it seems they are ready to go on a streak, they lose an ugly game.
Injuries to Marcus Mariota and others played a small role in the Titans’ rollercoaster season.
For the New York Giants, the season has been more like a valley from which they are trying to climb out. Four wins in their last five games have the players talking about 8-8 and a possible wild-card berth. Running the table would mean turning away three playoff contenders in the Titans, Colts, and the Cowboys.
Even if the result doesn’t put them in the playoffs, the Giants say they would enjoy putting a damper on the playoff aspirations of others.
Behind a revitalized offensive line, Eli Manning and Saquon Barkley have stepped up in the second half. Barkley became the first Giants rookie to top 1,000 rushing yards and he doesn’t want to slow down just yet.
Injuries and notes
Neither team lists any new injuries. Odell Beckham’s bruised quad makes him questionable for the game.
Coaching matchup
Pat Shurmur is suddenly more comfortable in New York as the improved play of his offensive line makes his (and GM Dave Gettleman’s) proclamation that Eli Manning is still an above-average quarterback seem closer to reality. Despite being sacked a record number of times, Manning is completing a high percentage of passes and as the line play improves, so does Eli’s yards-per-attempt. Fans are laying off Shurmur, even as they worry the recent play might mean another year or more of Manning.
Tennessee’s rookie coach, Mike Vrabel, has his team right where he wanted them, despite some disappointing weeks. There is no question about his security, although Marcus Mariota might be feeling a little anxiety about the team’s plans for him.
How to watch the Giants-Titans game
Much of the Northeast and Tennessee will catch this game from the Fox Sports feed delivered by Fubo TV.
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Who will win the Giants-Titans game?
New York Giants has been on a roll. If not for a conservative second half against the Eagles, the Giants could be on a five-game winning streak and threatening to blow past the pack vying for the second wild card.
As it is, they feel they have something to play for, especially in front of their home fans. Tennessee is not to be taken lightly, but the Giants roll on.