Event of the Day: Tennessee Titans versus Indianapolis Colts
Our event of the day is the NFL fixture between the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Tennessee. In the final week of the season, it’s all to play for as the two teams, both with a record of 9-6, face off for the final playoff place in the AFC. The two teams have fought hard to get to this point and neither will want to miss out on the playoffs. Be sure you don’t miss this thrilling end to the NFL season. This week 17 game carries big implications for the NFL postseason. The winner of today’s game will clinch the final playoff place in the AFC and play a wildcard game next weekend, the loser will have played the final game of their season.
For the Titans, they are eager to prove that last season was not a fluke. Their wildcard appearance snapped an eight-year playoff drought. To return to the playoffs for a second consecutive year would show the league that the Titans are a team to be taken seriously. It would also serve as a statement on the performance and effectiveness of head coach Mike Vrabel. The Titans are the three-time Super Bowl champion’s first tenure as a head coach. He will be eager to prove that he can bring success to Nashville. However, the Titans may be without starting QB Marcus Mariota, meaning they may have to rely on backup Blaine Gabbert to see them into the postseason. While the Titans do come into the game on a 4-game win streak, three of the four teams they beat are competing for top-5 draft picks, meaning they haven’t faced a competitive team in over a month. Overall, the Titans are on the edge of a precipice and are determined not to fall in. Meanwhile the Colts, who bounced back from a 1-5 start to the season to be in contention today, will be eager to put away the Titans for the second time this year. In mid-November, the Colts thoroughly dominated the Titans in a 30-10 rout at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts are eager to snap a 3-year playoff drought, as well as recording their first winning season since their last playoff appearance. They will also fight with extra tenacity to ensure that the miraculous recovery of their season does not go to waste. Like the Titans, the team is led by a first-year head coach who is eager to prove his mettle in the NFL. Due to the previous meeting between the two sides, expect a grudge match between these two sides. Notably, Titans cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, who was completely lit up by Colts QB Andrew Luck, and will look to deliver some hard hits and shut down the Colts’ potent aerial game. It is all or nothing for these two sides so expect one of the best games of the season.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to international cricket, where the Third Test between Australia and India continues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. On the final day of play, Australia, who are 258/8, must score 141 runs to win the Test. A tough day of cricket lies ahead for Australia so be sure you don’t miss the thrilling conclusion to this Test. Elsewhere, in the NBA, the Dallas Mavericks host the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center. The semi-finals of the World Darts Championship takes place at Alexandra Palace in London. In the Premier League, Manchester United welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NFL