Let’s be honest and say so far this season not too many of the Thursday night games have been that fun or entertaining to watch. Either it’s been slow-paced games, low scores, or just one team blowing away their opponent. This week the team’s records may make you think we are going to see just another boring game but this matchup between the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers could be the best of the season so far. Packers coming off a win snapping their 5 games losing streak and on the other side the Titans winning games carried by Derrick Henry with the ground game. Tennessee is currently sitting at the top of the AFC South with Indy right behind by a couple of games. The Titans have won 6 of their last 7 games after losing their first two games of the season. The majority of their games have been close by a touchdown or less except for the week 2 matchup with the Bills being blown out by 34 but really turned it around after that with Derrick Henry leading the charge. Henry has had to carry the majority of the load the past few weeks after injury to Tannehill sidelined him and the Titans had to bring in rookie quarterback Malik Willis who held his own for the Titans to win games. The offense relied heavily on the run in the two games that the Titans played without Tannehill.

Henry ran for over 200 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans and followed up with a 100-yard game and two touchdowns in a tough overtime loss against the Chiefs. With Ryan Tannehill back the workload dropped for Henry last week and Tannehill threw for 2 touchdowns to win over the Broncos. So this week facing the Green Packers will the Titans rely on the run game or passing? The packers have the 6th highest rushing yards for opponents so id expect the workload to increase for Henry this week and have another monster game. On the defensive side, the Titans have the second-highest opponent passing yards per game. And they face a huge test facing the Packers offense who is a pass-heavy offense especially after coming off possibly the best game of the season for the Packers. The Titans’ defense will be the key to winning the matchup against the Packers. The Green Bay Packers may still be alive and in the running for playoffs. Now they may be out of contention trying to catch what looks to be the best team in the NFL and division rival Minnesota Vikings.

The packers are only 2 or 3 games out of the final spot in the playoffs. After finally snapping their losing streak beating the Dallas Cowboys gives some hope to Packers fans and players to make a push for playoffs. And going into Thursday’s matchup with great momentum to start a winning streak to get even closer to that last spot. Not only was it a great win in overtime but it was also a breakout night for rookie Christian Watson. For the majority of the season, the Packer’s young receivers have been criticized for low production in games and even from their veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But something clicked Sunday for Watson after a couple of drops in the early part of the game. Watson huge part of the Packer’s win after racking up 107 yards on four catches and 3 touchdowns. And his final touchdown of the game was the one to help the Packers force it into overtime. In overtime, the Packer’s other young receiver Allen Lazard added a 36-yard completion that put Green Bay in position for the winning field goal by Mason Crosby.

After a game where the young guys stepped up could we expect them to continue to do the same and help this Packers team win more games to get into playoffs? Facing the Titans will be a big opportunity to follow up on a great performance as their defense is second worst in the NFL against the pass. This could be a game where Rodgers lets it fly and has one of his best games of the season and continue that winning momentum. The packers could end up running away with this game if the Titans get no pressure on Aaron Rodgers and force some mistakes. But there will be some pressure on the young receivers to perform just as well as last week if they want to keep winning. While on the other side besides the Titans passing defense is key to a victory the offense for the Titans has to be well-balanced and not just rely on Derrick Henry to carry the workload.

Prediction: Packers 31 – Titans 21