All week we’re been wondering if the Tennessee Titans would sit key players who are the least bit banged-up for the Week 17 contest against the Dallas Cowboys since it has no impact on the AFC South.
Well, we got our answer on Wednesday with the Titans listing several starters as either out or doubtful on their final injury going into Thursday night.
Among those ruled out are Ryan Tannehill, Jeffery Simmons, Nicholas Petit-Frere, Amani Hooker, Bud Dupree, Zach Cunningham, Dylan Cole and Josh Thompson.
Players such as Derrick Henry, Kristian Fulton and Denico Autry haven’t been ruled out yet, but each is doubtful.
The deck was already stacked against the Titans to win this game, but Tennessee not having its best players out there takes away whatever puncher’s chance the team would’ve had.
Sportsbooks have the Titans as massive home underdogs, and our staff doesn’t see things going well for Tennessee, either.
But what do experts from different media outlets think? Let’s see if there’s a brave soul among them in our round-up.
ESPN
Mike Clay: Cowboys
Dan Graziano: Cowboys
Sam Wickersham: Cowboys
CBS Sports
Pete Prisco: Cowboys 33, Titans 20 – “This game means little to the Titans, while the Cowboys still have an outside shot at the top seed in the NFC. The Titans are a mess right now with Malik Willis at quarterback. The Cowboys have had some defensive issues, but that won’t matter in this one. The Cowboys roll.”
Jason La Canfora: Cowboys
Will Brinson: Cowboys
Jared Dubin: Cowboys
Ryan Wilson: Cowboys
John Breech: Cowboys
MMQB
Albert Breer: Cowboys
Mitch Goldich: Cowboys
Gary Gramling: Cowboys
Conor Orr: Cowboys
John Pluym: Titans
Sporting News
Vinnie Iyer: Cowboys 27, Titans 13 – “The Cowboys got their mojo back with Dak Prescott recovering from an early pick six to light up the Eagles with a successful fourth quarter. The Titans keep fading harder offensively with inexperienced Malik Willis trying to operate a limited passing game. Dallas should continue Derrick Henry early and game-script him out with plenty more success for Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and the rest of the passing game.”
Bill Bender: Cowboys 26, Titans 20 – “The Titans are on a five-game losing streak, and they have a -5 turnover ratio in that skid. With Ryan Tannehill out, the passing offense has been limited. The Cowboys are 3-3 S/U on the road, and Tennessee ranks second in the NFL against the run. Dak Prescott must deliver through the air in a tight one.”
Los Angeles Times
Sam Farmer: Cowboys 28, Titans 17 – “The Titans are reeling. Dallas is riding high after a big win over Philadelphia. Tennessee’s offense will have a tough time keeping pace, even though Dak Prescott is having issues with turnovers.”
Arizona Republic
Jeremy Cluff: Cowboys – “This game doesn’t have any impact on the Titans’ chances to make the playoffs, so we expect them to rest up for Week 18’s clash with the Jaguars. Dallas will win big.”
Overall expert tally
Cowboys: 17
Titans: 1
