For the Tennessee Titans, it’s a simple win and you’re in scenario for qualifying for the NFL post season. The regular-season finale could decide the fate of the Titans’ playoff push.
When Tennessee goes into Houston on Sunday, Dec. 29, it could be a playoff preview. Whether that ends up being the case is a secondary concern to bettors who put money on the Titans making the playoffs, however.
Looking back on the Titans’ playoff push this season
Before the season began, FanDuel listed some futures odds on Tennessee. Those included:
- +270 to make the playoffs as either the AFC South champion or a wild card
- +550 to win the AFC South
- +2300 to win the AFC championship
- +5000 to win Super Bowl LIV
FanDuel set its win expectancy for the Titans this season at eight. Going into Week 17, that’s exactly how many wins Tennessee has. For those who bet the under at +110 at that book, that ship has sailed.
One of the bets on the list has already been settled, as the Houston Texans clinched the AFC South division title. The other three are still in play, however.
The Titans still control their own destiny as far as a wild card spot goes. If they can make that happen, then reaching and winning the Super Bowl are both outstanding possibilities as well.
What the Titans need to make the playoffs bet a win
To nab the AFC’s second wild-card spot, all Tennessee has to do is get the road win over the Texans on Sunday. Houston is locked into either the third or fourth seed, so the Texans have a decision to make.
Winning the game would get Houston a shot to finish as the third seed in the AFC bracket, which would mean the difference between hosting the 10-5 Buffalo Bills or a 9-7 or 8-8 team in the wild-card round. The Texans would also need the Kansas City Chiefs to lose their regular-season finale at home against a listless Los Angeles Chargers team in order for that to happen, however.
With a home playoff game secured regardless of Sunday’s outcome and the preferred scenario unlikely to play out, Houston may make a different decision. The Texans might decide the injury risk to their players isn’t worth the possible gain, a decision that would benefit the Titans.
A loss or tie in Houston wouldn’t eliminate Tennessee on its own, though. The Titans could make the playoffs at 8-7-1 or 8-8 if the Pittsburgh Steelers lose to the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sportsbooks expect Tennessee to take care of business on Sunday, whether as a result of the Texans resting their starters or not. That could make some bettors in other states very happy.
Tennessee’s playoff push coincides with action toward launching legal sports betting
DraftKings opened with the Titans -4, and most other books agree. None of the books have action on how soon legal sports betting in Tennessee will go live, however.
There is momentum toward that reality. The Tennessee Sports Betting Council has a meeting scheduled for next month, and the public comment period on draft regulations ends soon.
While the rollout won’t happen before the Titans end their season, Tennessee legal sports betting should be live in time for the next NFL campaign. Whether the Titans open next season celebrating their first Super Bowl win will be determined in the next few weeks, beginning with a pivotal regular-season finale.
