Zachary Engberg
2 min read • December 28, 2022
Posted in
Because of the impending Week 18 clash with the Jaguars coinciding with their five-game losing streak, this Thursday’s contest with the 11-4 Cowboys won’t have any impact on the Titans’ playoff hopes.
Those hopes remain alive at 7-8 despite starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill suffering a season-ending ankle injury and a string of key defensive starters missing significant time.
The Pro Football Docs expect Derrick Henry, SIC score 92, to sit out this week’s game on short rest after he was listed on the report with a hip issue, just as the Titans did in the 2019 season.
Rookie Malik Willis will make his fourth start and has completed 25 of 49 passes for 234 yards with zero touchdowns, three interceptions, and 10 sacks taken and the Titans have scored 48 total points.
If Henry sits, Willis and fellow rookie Hassan Haskins would be first in line for a high volume of rushing attempts after Dontrell Hilliard was placed on IR. Tennessee averages 35 carries for 223 yards and two touchdowns in Willis’ three starts.
Cornerbacks Caleb Farley and Kristian Fulton have both been out since mid-November while Josh Thompson suffered a concussion and safety Amani Hooker has missed the last two games with a knee injury.
Defensive end Jeffery Simmons missed multiple practices this week and – along with Bud Dupree, Zach Cunningham, Denico Autry, and Dylan Cole – is uncertain for Week 17.
The Cowboys appear to have renewed hope for a division title after defeating one backup quarterback in Week 16, and they will face another backup in Tennessee.
The Dallas defense, which will likely be playing without Leighton Vander Esch once again, has allowed 20.2 points per game with 49 sacks, 30 takeaways, and 81 TFL, all of which are top-6 in the NFL.
Malik Willis, meanwhile, has thrown three interceptions and taken 10 sacks in three starts this season.
Tony Pollard missed multiple practices with a thigh injury but is reportedly expected to play, according to owner Jerry Jones.
In the eight games since Ezekiel Elliott suffered a bone bruise in Week 7, Pollard has 147 touches for 879 total yards and 10 touchdowns and is the No. 2 fantasy running back at 20.2 half-PPR points per game.
Franchise left tackle Tyron Smith returned from a left hamstring avulsion fracture two weeks ago and has shuffled in-and-out with Jason Peters – at right tackle.
Tyler Smith has maintained his starting left tackle spot and Dak Prescott has taken nine sacks for 56 yards and the rushing offense has averaged 3.74 yards per carry on 72 totes.
Armed with a big win and a 27.2 SIC score advantage over the Titans defense, the Cowboys are favored by 12.5 points on the road (-110) and the over/under is set at 40.5 on FanDuel Sportsbook.
Pollard and CeeDee Lamb are each +110 to score an anytime touchdown, while Henry and Haskins are listed at +210, and Willis at +300.
CeeDee Lamb O70.5 recieving yards
The Cowboys alpha wideout will face a Titans defense down their top two corners, expect the Cowboys to blowout the Titans starting with their passing game
Written by Zachary Engberg
