MNF: Titans vs. Broncos odds, picks & predictions (Sept. 14)

As is tradition during the opening week of the NFL season, we will have two match-ups for Monday Night Football with the Pittsburgh Steelers facing the New York Giants, followed by the Tennessee Titans taking on the Denver Broncos.

Join as now as we break down the second game of the night. Click here to read our detailed analysis of Pittsburgh vs. New York.

Tennessee Titans vs. Denver Broncos, 10:20 p.m. ET, ESPN

Tennessee is banking on Tannehill

The very late game will see the AFC runner-up Titans head to the Mile High City to face a Denver team that many believe has a chance to break out this season. The Broncos defeated the Titans in Week 6 last year, losing 16-0 in a game that saw Ryan Tannehill spell Marcus Mariotta. Tannehill completed 13 of his 16 passes, and took over the starting job the following week.

Now, Tannehill returns with a massive contract under his belt, and monster running back Derrick Henry lining up behind him. He no longer has Delanie Walker to throw to, but Tannehill will hope that TE Jonnu Smith takes a big step forward and becomes the weapon they need in the passing game as they make a push for the Super Bowl—a mission they helped by adding Jadeveon Clowney to the roster this week.

Drew Lock made huge strides in 2019

Meanwhile, Denver saw terrific development from QB Drew Lock, who developed a great relationship with WR Courtland Sutton (who suffered a shoulder injury on Thursday and is day-to-day) to the tune of more than 1,100 yards receiving. The team also added a serious weapon in WR Jerry Jeudy in the draft to help him even more.

Defensively, Von Miller suffered an ankle injury last week and will miss the season after surgery, which is a huge blow for their pass rush. However, that might not matter as must against a Titans team that will want to pound the football. They have the talent up front to slow down Henry, and force Tannehill to beat them.

The Titans will struggle playing at altitude

If Sutton plays, not only do I think the Broncos cover, I am betting on them to win this one outright. Playing in Denver’s altitude is never easy, and not having a preseason will make it tougher. Take the Denver moneyline, and hope you are able to stay awake long enough to see your bet hit.

Score Prediction: Denver Broncos 24, Tennessee Titans 20

NFL pick: Broncos moneyline