Colts or Titans? NFL bloggers debate who will cover Monday night

If you're still on the fence about who to back in this primetime matchup we've enlisted the help of expert NFL bloggers Luke Schultheis, from Indiana Sports Coverage, and Terry Lambert, from Music City Miracles. They strap on the pads and debate which team will not only win, but cover the spread on Monday Night Football.

WHY THE COLTS WILL COVER



Luke Schultheis (@LuckAtLuke) is the head blogger for Indiana Sports Coverage. You can follow them on Twitter (@IndyCoverage) and on Facebook (@IndianaSportsCoverage).

With the Indianapolis Colts set to face the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football, both teams may not have their normal fixtures at quarterback.

The Colts have already ruled out star quarterback Andrew Luck, meaning Jacoby Brissett will make his fifth consecutive start of the season. Meanwhile, emerging young Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota is officially ‘questionable’ with a hamstring — but is trending towards playing, as veteran Matt Cassel would otherwise start.

Both 2-3 teams will be playing to remain relevant in the AFC South, where they trail the leading Jacksonville Jaguars by just a game on the still young season. The Colts will look to keep the Titans' ground game of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry in check, while avoiding the big passing plays that have plagued them all season in the secondary. As a result, the Colts young defensive backs will have a challenge against the likes of Titans wide receivers such as Rishard Matthews and Eric Decker, as well as tight end Delanie Walker.

The Colts offense under Brissett figures to ride veteran Frank Gore between the tackles, while featuring rookie running back Marlon Mack’s big play potential on the outside. However, the Colts will also be looking toward the team’s top playmaker, T.Y. Hilton, early and often in the passing game, as he’s third in the NFL in receiving yards.

Brissett has shown a special ability to make plays with his legs, as well as rocket big deep throws down the field, and the Colts will need both to win in what figures to be a tough divisional road game on national television

WHY THE TITANS WILL COVER



Terry Lambert (@TLambertFB) is a Head Writer for Music City Miracles. You can follow them on Twitter (@TitansMCM) and on Facebook (@TitansMCM). Also, check out their Locked On Titans podcast.

Marcus Mariota should be back.

The Titans have proven to be incompetent without quarterback Marcus Mariota. However, Mariota is tracking to play on Monday night at home against the Colts. This offense is built around him, so you'll see Tennessee return to their read-option looks and RPOs. This should bring a spark to both the run game and the passing game against a beatable defense. There's no reason a Mariota led attack can't cover eight points against the Colts.

Colts' Pass Defense Woes

The Colts can't rush the passer and they can't defend wide receivers. That's a recipe for disaster on the road against one of the NFL's best young passers. Mariota might have to shake off some rust, but this is a perfect get right spot for him. Eric Decker, Rishard Matthews and Delanie Walker are all in great spots and should be able to win against the Colts' secondary.

Bounce Back Spot

I'm a big believer in regression to the mean, especially in the NFL. The Titans have dropped two games in a row, each on the road. Now they come home and get their most important player back against a bad defense. Tennessee hasn't beaten the Colts since 2011, but they should be able to get things done without Andrew Luck in the fold. Jacoby Brissett is leading a subpar Indy team that's only managed to beat the Browns and 49ers so far this season. I've got the Titans by ten on Monday night.

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