The Tennessee Titans got bad news with the latest Ryan Tannehill injury update. Bettors must seriously consider whether the quarterback will play this weekend before backing the Titans.
With a one-game lead in the AFC South, the Titans (7-7) had every reason to leave Tannehill in their starting lineup. But he reportedly is not able to play, which should swing the NFL betting markets in favor of the Houston Texans. Bettors looking for an edge should heed this advice or check out the OddsShopper tools for sharp NFL bets.
Ryan Tannehill Injury Update – NFL Betting Impact
Ryan Tannehill got knocked out of Sunday’s game but returned and gritted out an ankle injury in a 17-14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. However, ESPN reported Wednesday that Tannehill is likely out for the season and will need surgery on his right ankle.
It’s not unprecedented for quarterbacks to get injured, return to the game, then miss time afterward. Mike White came back in the game for the New York Jets only to miss their next two games with a rib injury. Jalen Hurts is expected to miss this week’s game for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys with a shoulder injury that he toughed out last Sunday.
The Titans went out and signed quarterback Joshua Dobbs, a former Tennessee Volunteers player, from the Detroit Lions practice squad Wednesday. Dobbs was Jacoby Brissett‘s backup with the Cleveland Browns earlier this season. Although the Titans already suspected that backup quarterback Malik Willis would start, the Dobbs signing is virtual confirmation that the front office doesn’t expect to have Tannehill this week.
After the ‘is Ryan Tannehill playing’ question is answered, who benefits that the answer is no?
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With Tannehill out, the Titans will lean heavily on their running game against the Texans. Willis will start, but he has struggled as a passer. Of the 54 NFL quarterbacks to play at least 50 snaps this year, Willis ranks 54th in expected points added (EPA) per play and 53rd in completion percentage over expected (-16.8%). The rookie has completed only 17 of his 38 passing attempts for an embarrassing 3.65 net yards per attempt (NY/A).
The Titans have managed to go 1-1 with Willis as a starter because of running back Derrick Henry. Henry ran 49 times for 334 yards and four touchdowns in Willis’ two starts. His 219-yard, two-touchdown performance carried the Titans to a 7-point road win over the Texans in Week 8. The Titans have suffered numerous injuries along the offensive line and on defense since then. In contrast, the Texans nearly knocked off the Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs in consecutive weeks but lost both.
Texans-Titans betting tips & DFS advice after the latest Ryan Tannehill injury update
The Titans are a team to fade without their starting quarterback. Although Willis helped Tennessee to a 2-0 record against the spread as a starter, Henry carried the load. The Titans will need to lean on Henry again, this time behind an offensive line that might be without starting guard Nate Davis. Two of Tennessee’s starters along the offensive line received a non-participant designation for practice Wednesday, and the other three received a limited designation.
With the Texans building some team chemistry and momentum after back-to-back near-wins over strong teams, Lovie Smith’s team should put up a fight as a 3.5-point road underdog (per FanDuel). This number could tick down as the week progresses, so bettors who expect the Texans to cover should get their action down shortly.
