Titans vs. Saints prediction, pick, odds for Sunday’s NFL preseason Week 3 game

John LanFranca's Titans vs. Saints Preview

There was some optimism surrounding this Saints offense after their Week 1 preseason performance, mainly headed by Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener, but after seeing their most recent performance, there simply is more cause for concern. New Orleans averaged a putrid 4.1 yards per play against the 49ers in Week 2, converting only one out of 11 third downs the entire game.  Through two games, the Saints are 6-of-26 on third down (23%).

With both offensive tackle positions still in limbo, I wouldn’t expect an extended look with Derek Carr in the lineup. Even if he plays a full quarter, that would not necessarily swing the handicap of this game in either direction. As Luke Hubbard of SB Nation pointed out, the offensive line cannot be trusted. As a unit, they rank 26th in PFF passing blocking grade. All five potential starters have a grade below 45, meaning the Saints have actually fared better with their backup lineman in protection. The team, in total, has allowed 26 pressures and 4 sacks thus far in the preseason.

It won’t be easy for Rattler or Haener to move the ball against a Titans defense that has played quite well. The Titans have only given up 28 points in two games, and have done so by getting ample pressure on the quarterback to the tune of 6 sacks and 28 pressures. The two backup QBs for the Saints combined to average only 5 yards an attempt a week ago, and they didn’t receive any help from the running game. New Orleans stuck with the run relentlessly, rushing 34 times, but averaged only 3.4 yards per carry.

More confidence can be had backing the Titans offense. Will Levis is expected to play two or three series, and in his only preseason appearance thus far, he led a scoring drive. Even after Levis exits, Malik Willis and Mason Rudolph will continue their battle for the backup quarterback spot. Both averaged over 7 yards per attempt last week in the Titans’ win. Oddly, Rudolph has been exactly 10-of-17 passing for 7.4 yards per attempt in both of his games. While his completion percentage hasn’t been elite, he has shown a willingness to push the ball down the field more often, creating several explosive gains through the air.

How to Watch Titans vs. Saints Live: Start Time, Channel, Location

Titans vs. Saints will be broadcasted live on NFL Network, as well as local television coverage. Titans-Saints is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

My Titans vs. Saints Prediction

For the duration of the game, I expect the Titans to move the ball no matter which quarterback is under center. Neither team has run the ball very well as the offensive lines continue to take shape. Siding with the team that can protect their passer more consistently is the right play to make. 

Pick: Titans -4.5 | Play to -5

Titans vs. Saints Betting Trends

• 33% of bets and 22% of the money are on the Titans to cover the spread.
• 74% of bets and 55% of the money are on the under.

All data via Action Network's public betting percentages and as of Saturday morning.