Welcome to a Titans at Commanders gambling preview via SoBros Network. This will focus on the 2022 NFL Week 5 matchup between the Tennessee Titans and Washington Commanders. Every week, SoBros Network contributor Joshua Huffman will provide a weekly betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) guide on Titans games.
Titans at Commanders: Week 5 Spread & DFS Gambling Preview (2022)
Introduction
The Titans (2-2) entered this contest tied for the AFC South lead and having won their last two games. Whether winning or losing, Tennessee has been a tale of two halves. Through four games, the Titans have been outscored 64-7 during the second half of their games. This ineptness hasn’t been enough for them to lose either of their last two games where they built a 24-10 halftime advantage.
The Commanders (1-3) started their season with a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars but have lost three straight games. With the other teams in the NFC East at least 3-1, the Commanders need to right the ship before their season spirals out of control. Newly acquired quarterback Carson Wentz needs to bounce back from two bad performances that have the fan base wishing for another quarterback change.
Early Lines (as of October 7, via FanDuel)
DFS Prices
Titans
- RB Derrick Henry $8,200
- WR Ryan Tannehill $5,800
- WR Robert Woods $5,200
- WR Nick Westbrook–Ikhine $4,200
- WR Kyle Philips $3,900
- De Titans $3,000
Commanders
- WR Terry McLaurin $6,200
- RB Antonio Gibson $5,900
- WR Curtis Samuel $5,800 (questionable)
- QB Carson Wentz $5,700
- RB J.D. McKissic $5,200
- WR Jahan Dotson $4,500 (questionable to doubtful)
- TE Logan Thomas $3,200
- De Commanders $2,700
Key Injuries
Titans at Commanders Injury Report
- Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. could make NFL debut. This would eat into what’s already a two-man committee with Gibson and McKissic.
Titans at Commanders: Best Bet, DFS Picks
First Half Bets (Titans Spread -0.5 at +100, Titans Total Points over -10 at -125
As previously mentioned, Tennessee has been far better in the first half than the second half. They’ve scored touchdowns on all four of their opening drives. They’ve scored 24 first half points in each of their last two games. They’ve entered halftime leading 13-plus points in three of their four games. Washington’s defense has struggled so I see no reason that Tennessee wouldn’t score at least 10 points.
Derrick Henry
Washington has been hit or miss with their run defense. While they’ve allowed 134 rushing yards in their last two games combined against teams with quality ground games (Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys), Henry is more than capable of continuing his DraftKings streak of 25-plus fantasy points.
Logan Thomas
Through four games, Washington’s clear No. 1 tight end hasn’t made much of an impact. In Week 5, he’ll face a defense that just allowed a trio of Indianapolis Colts tight ends (Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Jelani Woods) to combine for 11 receptions on 11 targets for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee had no answers for a group of tight ends that had barely done anything before that game.
There’s an argument that Thomas is better than all of these guys. With Jahan Dotson and possibly Curtis Samuel missing this contest, can Thomas eat some of that workload as a $3,200 punt tight end?
Terry McLaurin
Tennessee doesn’t expect nickelback Elijah Molden to return in Week 5. This means that they’ll likely still have Roger McCreary in the slot while either Terrance Mitchell or Caleb Farley (questionable) holds down the outside cornerback position opposite No. 1 Kristian Fulton. On the other side, two of Washington top-three wide receivers are questionable with their No. 2 outside receiver (Dotson) leaning toward doubtful.
According to Pro Football Focus, Fulton should see most of his snaps against Terry McLaurin. Based on PFF and the Football Guys snap count summary, Dyami Brown could see increased snaps, especially if Dotson is out. He’d probably see those against either Mitchell or Farley.
At $6,200, McLaurin is the cheapest that he’s been all year in a solid matchup. I’m not sure Brown is good enough or high enough on the priority order to take advantage of his matchup. Washington will have McLaurin, three running backs, a tight end, and possibly slot receiver Samuel (questionable) to target.
Titans at Commanders: Final Thoughts (Keys to Victory)
Washington has allowed at least 22 points in each of their first four games. If that happens again, then Tennessee will probably win. A Treylon Burks absence doesn’t mean much because he hasn’t established himself as much of a presence. Robert Woods has been the wide receiver who has been breaking out. The offense runs through Henry.
The weather shouldn’t play much of a factor. This is the kind of game where Tennessee’s worst case scenario is a last-minute loss but the best case scenario is a blowout win. The range of outcomes will favor Tennessee. The primary concern is whether the second half blues continue because that will eventually cost them a win.
I’d ride the momentum and put my faith in Tennessee to improve to 3-2.
What Are Your Thoughts on Titans at Commanders? Comment Below!
Joshua Huffman provides Tennessee Titans and broad sports coverage for SoBros Network. His personal blog, Armchair Prudence, offers sports editorials and a gambling diary that should help new DraftKings / FanDuel / MGM bettors. His content has been published on websites including Yahoo! Sports (via Contributor Network) and Titan Sized.
