Raiders Titans Betting – Renewed Optimism In Oakland, Tennessee Heading Into Season Opener
Both the Oakland Raiders and the Tennessee Titans enter the 2010-11 betting on NFL season with a renewed optimism that they can be legitimate contenders in the AFC playoff race. With Jason Campbell replacing JaMarcus Russell in Oakland, and Vince Young starting the season rather than Kerry Collins in Tennessee, there may be substance to the theory that both have improved enough to be in contention for a postseason spot, a journey that begins this Sunday at LP Field.
NFL Betting: Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans
Online Sports Betting Odds: Tennessee - 6
Why To Bet On The Raiders?
Even with perhaps the biggest bust in NFL history at quarterback in Jamarcus Russell, the Raiders managed to finish 5-11 last year. That’s a testament to the running game and defense, as with a passing game that bordered on the line of non-existent, head coach Tom Cable managed to lead his team to wins over two playoff teams in the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles, as well as in a road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Offseason acquisition Jason Campbell can only improve the play the black and silver get from the position, and with some young talent at receiver the feeling in Oakland is that this team could be on the verge of something good. The Raiders finished 29th in the league in rush defense, but a big part of that was teams couldn’t pass against them, as evidenced by their seventh ranked air defense. Oakland added linebacker Rolando McClain with the fifth overall pick in the draft, and brought in linebacker Kamerion Wimbley and defensive end Quinton Groves as reinforcements to shore up those units.
Why To Bet On The Titans?
The Titans roll in to the 2010-11 season a confident group after going 6-2 down the stretch to nearly miss out on the playoffs last year. After starting 0-6, quarterback Vince Young took over for Kerry Collins as the starter and provided the offense with the spark needed to make up for one of the worst scoring defenses in the league. Young wasn’t the only one responsible for the turnaround, as running back Chris Johnson emerged as one of the best playmakers in the league. With Lendale White exiting in the offseason, Javon Ringer will get his shot backing up Johnson and will need to provide the same tough in-between-the-tackles running White did. There is a reason why the Titans are rumored to be involved in trade talks for Albert Haynesworth after losing a couple of more pieces on their defensive line. With the personnel they have, the Titans will have trouble improving on that side of the ball this season.
How The Game Will Play Out
The Titans did little in the offseason to shore up a defense that finished 28th in the league, and although the Raiders’ passing game may not be one of the best in the NFL, they should be good enough to move the ball against a pass defense that finished 31st in the league last season. The Titans’ offense is predicated on the run, something Oakland has strived to improve this offseason, and should they fall behind early it will be difficult for Young to move the ball against one of the better pass defenses in the league.
Raiders Titans Betting Pick: Raiders + 6
