Titans vs Saints prediction and analysis

Game Info

Sunday, December 28, 2025 • 1:00 PM ET • Nissan Stadium, Nashville
Line: Tennessee +2.5 (as listed) • O/U: 39.5

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Quick Context

Both clubs arrive with losing records but differing momentum profiles. New Orleans (5-10) rides a three-game winning streak behind an efficient passing attack led by Chris Olave and a situationally explosive Taysom Hill. Tennessee (3-12) has shown flashes over the last three weeks — including a comfortable win over Kansas City — with Cam Ward developing chemistry in the passing game and Tony Pollard providing a reliable ground presence.

Key Factors and Matchups

• Quarterback play: Tyler Shough has stabilized the Saints’ offense, getting the ball to Olave and leaning on designed runs from Taysom Hill. Cam Ward’s accuracy and short-field timing have lifted the Titans, but he’s yet to sustain long, consistent drives across a full game.
• Running game & tempo: Tennessee leans on Tony Pollard (949 yards this season) to control pace and set up play-action. The Saints average under 100 rushing yards per game, so limiting Pollard will be crucial for New Orleans’ defensive plan.
• Receiving threats: Chris Olave is the most reliable vertical weapon here; his 1,000+ yard season makes him the matchup focal point. Tennessee’s secondary has been susceptible to explosive plays, which benefits the Saints deep passing game.
• Special teams & turnover edge: Titans’ return game (led by Chimere Dike) is a top-5 weapon in field-position swings. Conversely, New Orleans has struggled converting inside the red zone all year, which can mute offensive efficiency.
• Coaching and motivation: Saints have momentum and roster continuity on offense; Tennessee has been inconsistent but plays with low external pressure. Week 17 timing magnifies rest-of-season evaluation for both clubs.

Trends and Situational Angles

There are several league-wide and team-specific tendencies that matter here:

• New Orleans has been a tighter defensive unit the past three weeks and has covered recently as favorites.
• Tennessee tends to struggle following wins (long skid historically after victories this season) and has had trouble with first-quarter starts versus NFC opponents.
• The total (39.5) leans low given both offenses’ uptick in recent weeks, but New Orleans’ red-zone inefficiency and a strong Titans special teams/return game argue for a game that could see field-position battles rather than constant scoring.

What I Expect

This game projects as a close, complimentary-football contest rather than an outright shootout despite recent multi-score wins for both clubs. Tennessee will try to grind with Pollard and use the return game to tilt field position; New Orleans will attack vertically to get Olave isolated and use Hill’s versatility to create mismatches. Defensively, the Saints should be able to generate enough stops to force longer drives from Tennessee’s offense.

Prediction Summary

Given the matchup advantages — a steady passing attack with a true No. 1 receiver, New Orleans’ recent winning form, and Tennessee’s inconsistent performance after wins — I expect the Saints to eke out a road victory. The final sequence will likely come down to late-game situational execution and special teams plays, but the Saints’ offensive balance and defensive improvements are the difference-makers.

Final Score Projection: New Orleans 23, Tennessee 20

Prediction: New Orleans Saints -3