Free NFL Pick: Cincinnati Bengals at Tennessee Titans 1/22/22

AFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF: 3:30 Saturday 1/22/22

This matchup features No.1 seed, Tennessee, against the No.4, Cincinnati Bengals in what should be a competitive game. The Titans appear to be getting the services of Derrick Henry back for this game and that should provide a huge boost for them. How well-conditioned, and how many snaps he will be able to play, are still huge question marks. Cincinnati is riding high after winning their first playoff game in 31 years last week. They are a talented, young team and are quite capable of pulling off an upset in Nashville.

WHO HAS THE EDGE:

Quarterback:
Cincinnati: Joe Burrow 70% Completion Rate, 4,855 yards, 36 Touchdowns, 14 Interceptions
Tennessee: Ryan Tannehill 67% Completion Rate, 3,734 yards, 21 Touchdowns, 14 Interceptions
NO QUESTION THE EDGE GOES TO CINCINNATI

Running Back:
Cincinnati: Joe Mixon 1.252 yards, 4yds. per carry, 13 Touchdowns
Tennessee: Derrick Henry (He only played in 8 games) 937 yards, 4.3 yds. per carry, 10 Touchdowns
IF HENRY IS IN TOP CONDITION THE EDGE GOES TO TENNESSEE

Receivers:
Cincinnati: JaMarr Chase, Tee Higgins, and C.J. Uzomah (220 catches for 3,229 yards and 25 touchdowns).
Tennessee: A.J. Brown, Nick Westbrook, and Julio Jones (168 catches for 1,779 yards and 10 touchdowns).
BENGALS THROW THE BALL A LOT MORE AND CINCINNATI HAS A CLEAR ADVANTAGE

Offensive Line:
Cincinnati: 102 yards rushing per game, allowed 55 sacks
Tennessee: 141 yards rushing per game, allowed 47 sacks
ADVANTAGE GOES TO TENNESSEE

Defense:
Cincinnati: Allowed 22 points and 351 total yards per game. Had 42 sacks and 13 interceptions. Held opponents under 20 points seven times.
Tennessee: Allowed 21 points and 330 total yards per game. Had 43 sacks and 16 interceptions. Held opponents under 20 points eight times.
SLIGHT ADVANTAGE TO TENNESSEE

TOTAL TEAM POINTS:

Tennessee 24.5 Total Team Points The Titans are averaging 25 points per game and love to run the football. From all indications, they are getting Derrick Henry back from a leg injury, and that should only enhance the effectiveness of the running game. Still, it will probably come down to whether Ryan Tannehill can make enough plays in the passing game to make their offense successful. I’m taking Tennessee barely UNDER 24.5 Total Team Points

Cincinnati 21.5 Total Team Points The Bengals are led by 2nd year quarterback, Joe Burrow who has thrown for4,855 yards and 37 touchdowns. He has emerged as a superstar and is a big reason why this team is so dangerous. They have the underrated Joe Mixon at running back and Ja’Marr Chase is a developing star at wide receiver. They are going to be a test for the Titans defense. I like Cincinnati OVER 21.5 points.

OVER/UNDER 47 Total Combined Team Points Tough line to bet on. It is right where it should be. No bet for me.

POINT SPREAD: Tennessee is a 3.5-point favorite This game has tight written all over it. You have a young, explosive Cincinnati team against a veteran, battle-tested Tennessee who aren’t flashy but win a lot of games. Good luck figuring out this one and the DUDES are split.

Aaron’s Pick: Tennessee -3.5

Papa Dudes Pick: Cincinnati +3.5