The Falcons are hosting the Titans for a preseason matchup Friday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Tennessee is favored by 4.5 points and this game presents a total of 38.5 points.
Below, I break down this matchup between the Falcons and Titans and give a pick for the game.
Falcons vs. Titans prediction
The Falcons missed the playoffs last season with an 8-9 record and Atlanta is looking to hopefully improve in 2025, with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. under center, after Kirk Cousins was mediocre in his 14 starts a year ago. Penix Jr. made three starts at the end of last season and Atlanta was only 1-3 in those contests. That being said, after operating as the Falcons’ starter for training camp this summer, Penix Jr. certainly has the potential to have a solid sophomore campaign, especially when you consider the elite group of young, talented playmakers surrounding him in this offense, with Bijan Robinson and Drake London at the helm.
Unfortunately, just like in the first preseason game for Atlanta, Penix Jr. is not expected to play. Cousins is also not expected to be available, leaving the Falcons with Easton Stick and Emory Jones at quarterback. Stick started the first preseason game vs. the Lions and then Jones followed, which should be the case again Friday. The two quarterbacks collectively only threw for 198 yards and one touchdown vs. Detroit, and the Falcons ultimately lost this game 17-10.
After finishing in a tie for the worst record in the NFL last season at 3-14, the Titans earned the first overall pick in the draft and used that selection on quarterback Cam Ward of the University of Miami. The standout threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns last year with the Hurricanes and he was named the ACC Player of the Year. Ward is an elite talent that has a real chance to turn things around for Tennessee.
Just like the first in the Titans’ first preseason game, the rookie is expected to play two series Friday vs. the Falcons, per Titans’ HC Brian Callahan. Ward completed 5-of-8 passes for 67 yards last week vs. the Buccaneers, but Tennessee got blown out by Tampa Bay 29-7. After Ward exits Friday, Brandon Allen and newly signed Trevor Siemian will handle most of the work at quarterback for the Titans.
Falcons vs. Titans pick, best bet
Both these clubs had poor outings in Week 1 of preseason and while Ward playing two series gives the Titans an edge against this Falcons team that won’t have either of it’s top two quarterback available, Tennessee -4.5 is a risky bet with the Titans being the road team for this matchup.
Instead, backing Tennessee to win the first quarter on the moneyline at a -180 price has merit, as Ward should be able to move the ball pretty well in those first two series against this Atlanta squad that clearly doesn’t wasn’t to risk much in this preseason tilt.
