We saw some more offense out of the New England Patriots against the Packers, as they won, 21-17, behind multiple touchdowns from Bailey Zappe. It was an interesting evening at Lambeau Field, as Zappe completed just 10 of his 22 pass attempts after being very accurate the previous week. Mac Jones (6 completions, 9 attempts, 52 passing yards, 2 sacks) surprisingly had a betting passer rating in what turned out to be a shortened preseason game for Week 2. Fortunately, cornerback Isaiah Bolden seems to have avoided a serious injury. His head injury ended the contest on Saturday.
While it seems like the Patriots know their quarterback ranking order, the Tennessee Titans may be less certain for Week 1. Of course, Ryan Tannehill will be the man under center to start September 10 at New Orleans. However, who will be his backup? Will it be rookie Will Levis and his lifetime mayonnaise contract or rushing specialist Malik Willis? Willis has been the NFL’s most prolific quarterback rusher in the preseason, but will that be enough? Willis once again appears to be throwing interceptions. He did not inspire too much confidence during his three starts in 2022, so it may end up being Levis.
New England Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans Pregame Analysis
The Patriots and Titans last faced each other in 2021 when New England’s defense dominated Tannehill to the tune of 11 for 21 passing for just a touchdown and an interception, as well as a couple of sacks. Mac Jones went for over 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Will it be Zappe who looks strong on Friday night against Tennessee this time around? He sure had some great moments in the second preseason game of 2023:
Bailey Zappe targeted four different receivers on slants and was on the money every time pic.twitter.com/K3cZl7be8Z
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) August 20, 2023
It has been Malik Cunningham who has been the rushing quarterback for New England. Cunningham, who did not play against Green Bay, should be out there against Tennessee. For the Titans, Malik Willis is the quarterback who has legs. He displayed his rushing ability in Tennessee’s 24-16 victory at Minnesota:
🏈 10/17 for 85 yards + 1 TD
🏃♂️ 11 carries for 91 yards@titans QB @malikwillis was a dual-threat in Week 2 of the #NFLPreseason! pic.twitter.com/461X8yJchx— NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2023
Willis threw one touchdown while Julius Chestnut and Tyjae Spears each ran one into the end zone. Willis was the only player to throw a pass for Tennessee in the second preseason week. We will see who is out there for the Titans against New England.
All lines and odds courtesy of BetMGM.
Betting Info for New England Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans
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New England Patriots -140
Tennessee Titans +115
New England Patriots -2 (-110)
Tennessee Titans +2 (-110)
Total:
New England Patriots-Tennessee Titans O/U 38.5 (-110/-110)
Picks and Predictions for the New England Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans
New England Patriots Moneyline
Let us go with the Patriots on the money line again after they were successful against the Packers. New England upset Green Bay, but once again, we do have to remember it is preseason. There will be much more on the table when we get to the regular season. Zappe should get some good time in there and then a change of pace with Cunningham.
