Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Rams Betting Preview: Henry-Less Titans Hope to Handle Rams on the Road

Just like the other top matchup in Week 9 (Packers vs Chiefs), the Sunday Night Football showdown between the Rams and Titans, along with the NFL betting odds for the matchup, has been overshadowed by the unavailability of a star player.

But while Aaron Rodgers’ unavailability is not due to injury, Derrick Henry’s absence is due to a foot injury suffered in last Sunday’s rivalry matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. The Titans won the game in overtime to pad their AFC South lead, but they lost Henry for the next several weeks at minimum.

With the Titans rolling after a couple of early stumbles, this was supposed to be a chance for them to further prove their worth as an AFC title contender and potential Super Bowl contender. A win over the Rams without Henry would certainly show that. But it will be a tall task without their best player.

Tennessee Titans (6-2) vs Los Angeles Rams (7-1), NBC, 8:20 p.m. ET

Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Rams NFL Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Tennessee Titans +265
• Los Angeles Rams -320

Total

• OVER 52.5 (-110)
• UNDER 52.5 (-110)

Spread

• Tennessee Titans +7 (-105)
• Los Angeles Rams -7 (-115)

Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Rams odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Want to see NFL betting odds from several top online sportsbooks for every NFL matchup each week? Check out our NFL odds.

Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Rams NFL Betting Picks

Check out our Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Rams NFL betting picks, betting stats, and other Titans vs Rams matchup info here: Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Rams Matchup: NFL Betting Picks, Odds, Stats and More

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Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Rams Best Bet

Over 52.5

So what is the plan for the Titans without Henry? I gave an optimistic look at their outlook in a piece about the Henry injury a few days ago. But the long and short of it is that you can’t replace Derrick Henry unless you clone Derrick Henry. And unless there are some scientific surprises somewhere, that ain’t happening. But the Titans can still be very productive on offense, and your NFL betting outlay on Titans futures is far from a loss at this point.

Adrian Peterson is active for the game after being signed on Tuesday. Peterson was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster on Friday. It would be unrealistic to expect him to ball out against one of the NFL’s better defenses. But the Rams allow an average of 4.4 yards per carry, so Peterson and Jeremy McNichols could have some success.

With Peterson likely not ready to tote it 20+ times tonight, look for Ryan Tannehill’s arm to get a good workout tonight. Tannehill doesn’t frequently sling it all over the field, as he has had 30 or more pass attempts only 14 times in 36 regular-season games with the Titans. That is no surprise, given Henry’s presence.

But Julio Jones is back after missing the last game, and A.J. Brown is full go after missing Friday’s practice. Brown has been a beast over the the last three games, with 25 catches for 379 yards and two touchdowns. He had a career-high 155 yards against the Colts. Jones, meanwhile, should have a point to prove after a fairly unimpressive start to his time with the Titans. Also, the passing game is where McNichols has made his biggest impact thus far, and look for him to continue to be a regular outlet for Tannehill.

The Titans Need All the Points They Can Get Because…

Their defense is still a big question mark. Don’t let their Week 7 performance against the Chiefs fool you there. The thing that stands between the Titans and a potential challenge in the AFC is their defense, not Henry’s absence (and not only because Henry will probably be back for the postseason, judging by the timelines mentioned in news reports).

On the positive side, they have forced nine turnovers during their current four-game win streak, including three apiece against both the Chiefs and Colts. But the Titans have already surrendered 27 or more points five times already, and that could spell trouble against the Rams. The Rams average 30.6 points per game, which is fifth in the NFL, and are averaging 32.5 points per game in their own current four-game win streak.

Expect Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp to do their usual Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp act against the Titans. And while one running back with the initials of D.H. (not Banes) is out, another one could show out tonight. The Titans may rank eighth in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (100.8), but they allow an average of 4.5 yards per carry, which ranks 23rd. Darrell Henderson had a season-high 90 yards last week against the Texans on only 14 carries. He also had his second multi-touchdown game in the last three weeks. Henderson has scored a touchdown in five of the seven games he has played this season.

NFL Betting Player Props for Darrell Henderson vs Titans

• Rushing Yards: OVER 75.5 (-110), UNDER 75.5 (-110)
• Rushing Attempts: OVER 16.5 (-130), UNDER 16.5 (-102)
• 70+ Rushing Yards: -154
• 80+ Rushing Yards: +104
• 90+ Rushing Yards: +162
• Receiving + Rushing Yards: OVER 91.5 (-113), UNDER 91.5 (-113)
• To Score a Touchdown Anytime: -210
• To Score 2+ Touchdowns: +320

Darrell Henderson player props are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Even with Henry out, the Titans should still be able to move the ball. Tannehill having to do a little more than he usually does could lead to a mistake or two. The Rams lead the NFL in sacks and are tied for the league lead in interceptions, and those two areas will be decisive tonight. But the Titans will still find the end zone at least a couple of times tonight.

It won’t be enough to stop the Rams from comfortably winning their fifth straight, but it will help the over hit.

NFL Betting Prop Watch: A.J. Brown OVER 74.5 Receiver Yards (-113) & Ryan Tannehill OVER 265.5 Passing Yards (-113)

I noted the value in Henderson’s props above, but if you are looking at Titans props, these two have the most value. Tannehill had 270 yards against the Chiefs and 265 against the Colts, and he should top those numbers tonight, especially if the Titans have to play from behind. A big part of that will be Brown, who should have a third straight 100-yard game. Brown is also +115 to score a touchdown tonight, which is worth a look.

Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Rams Score Prediction

Los Angeles Rams 34, Tennessee Titans 20