Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

It's an AFC South battle as the Tennessee Titans (7-6) attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Indianapolis Colts (0-13). The Titans currently find themselves one game behind the New York Jets in the wild card race, while the Colts have virtually locked up the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

When: Sunday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Spread: Titans -6.5

Tennessee enters Sunday's game with a boatload of motivation. Another loss would leave their playoff hopes to dangle by a thread. Not to mention, the Titans don't want to be remembered as the team that allowed Indianapolis to get its first win.

The Colts have a completely different outlook. They are playing for nothing but pride at this point. While the role of spoiler appeals to certain cellar dwellers, too many players on the Colts roster have tasted playoff football to be satisfied with ruining another team's chances.

That stark difference should give the Titans a distinct edge, regardless of who's under center. Whether it's Matt Hasselbeck or Jake Locker, Tennessee should cover.

Pick: Titans

Over/Under: 41

When the teams met in Week 8, they put up a combined 37 points. So picking under is the immediate reaction considering the Colts have even less to play for and the Titans' quarterback decision won't be made until late in the week.

It could be argued that playing on the turf inside Lucas Oil Stadium will help boost both offenses. Other than that, though, there just isn't enough supporting information to lean in that direction. With two sub-par offensive units going head-to-head, under is the way to go.

Pick: Under

Titans Key Injuries

RB Javon Ringer (out, hand), QB Jake Locker (questionable, chest), QB Matt Hasselbeck (questionable, calf), WR Nate Washington (questionable, ankle)

Colts Key Injuries

QB Peyton Manning (out, neck), DE Robert Mathis (questionable, knee), TE Dallas Clark (questionable, neck), LB Philip Wheeler (questionable, foot)

Injury reports courtesy of CBS Sports.

Fantasy Big Plays

RB Chris Johnson (TEN)—Johnson is clearly this game's best fantasy option. Even though he hasn't lived up to his usual standards this season, he's started to show off his old burst in recent weeks. That includes a 27-point outing versus the Buffalo Bills two weeks ago. Johnson is a must-start.

WR Pierre Garcon (IND)—Garcon has been one of Indianapolis' lone bright spots throughout the year. He's had three fantasy performances of at least 24 points and caught seven passes against the Titans last time. He's a safe option with the potential to have a huge game.

If Titans wide receiver Nate Washington had a more promising injury outlook, he'd have been the second choice. He continues to deal with a bothersome ankle injury, but should he be ready to go on Sunday, make sure he's in your lineup.

Keys to Titans Win

1. Pressure Orlovsky—Orlovsky proved in his first start of the season against the New England Patriots that if you give him enough time, the Colts have enough weapons to do some damage. The Titans only have one player with more than three sacks. They'll need to find a pass rush on Sunday.

2. Feed CJ2K—Johnson won't live up to his nickname this season, but he's still one of the league's most dangerous running backs. The Titans need to make sure he gets the ball early and often versus a porous Colts run defense.

Keys to Colts Win

1. Control the clock—Just like a bad college basketball team will try to limit possessions when playing a strong opponent, the Colts should do the same. They are poor in all three phases of the game, so they should try to burn as much time off the clock as possible on offense.

2. Utilize play-action pass—When Peyton Manning is directing Indianapolis' offense, play-action is his favorite weapon. If the Colts, led by Donald Brown, can establish any semblance of a running game, Orlovsky should try to emulate Manning's approach.

Prediction

Titans 20, Colts 10