The New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans are days away from their Week 16 kickoff, and it’s an important game for all involved. Some players — like Saints running back Alvin Kamara — need the opportunity to reassert themselves as NFL stars. Others, such as Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, could really benefit from a strong day to cement their status as more than a flash in the pan.
And that’s just the individual performances to worry about. This game is rife with playoff implications for both the NFC and the AFC. If the Saints lose, it’ll be almost impossible for them to earn a top-two seed and the bye week that comes with it. If the Titans lose, they run the risk of getting eliminated from the playoffs altogether. Both sides are going to take this one very seriously, and it’ll come down to who can win more individual matchups across the field on Sunday. Here are six battles worth watching.
Titans CB A.J. Brown vs. Saints CB Marshon Lattimore
Brown has been one of the NFL’s breakout stars this season, averaging over 19 yards per catch and consistently getting behind defenses for big gains. Lattimore has bounced back from some early-season struggles and a mid-season hamstring injury to perform like one of the best cover corners in the league. This all sets up for a collision between two of the NFL’s brightest young stars.
Saints WR Michael Thomas vs. Titans S Kenny Vaccaro
Vaccaro has put together two nice years with Tennessee since leaving the Saints after his rookie contract expired, but he’s in for a tough day at the office against Thomas. Thomas has been on fire recently when targeted deep downfield, taking advantage of the free space awarded when safeties line up too far ahead of him. Vaccaro will have to make some difficult adjustments to avoid being caught in the same position.
Titans RB Derrick Henry vs. Saints LB Demario Davis
Henry is a monster, but Davis is a monster too. Henry is an upright, physical runner who relishes contact but has the speed to find a seam to outrun defenders that underestimate him. Davis has the lateral agility to track Henry from one sideline to the other and maintain his gap discipline, rarely overrunning his assignments. Expect some loud meetings between the two of them to ring out at the line of scrimmage.
Saints LT Terron Armstead vs. Titans LB Harold Landry
Landry has gone on a tear in his second season, and he currently leads the Titans in both sacks (9) and quarterback hits (13), having run the cycle with an interception, forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He also ranks high on the Titans defense with 65 combined tackles, 12 of them dropping opponents for loss of yards. Armstead put in his first full day of practice after suffering a high-ankle sprain back before Thanksgiving, and should be in good position to lessen Landry’s impact when rushing against him.
Titans TE Jonnu Smith vs. Saints DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Smith has emerged as a dangerous weapon for the Titans as the year has progressed, currently ranking third on the team in receiving yards (376) while showing an ability to pick up yards on the ground with some creative play designs — he sprinted for 57 yards on an end-around run last week against the Houston Texans. If Gardner-Johnson is able to return from his recent concussion, he’ll have the tall task of tracking Smith across the field in a variety of alignments.
Titans Special Teams vs. Saints PR/KR Deonte Harris
The Titans have one of the league’s worst special teams coverage units, and it’s not helped by their sudden change on kickoffs. Kickoff specialist Ryan Santoso was waived this week, opening the door for ex-Carolina Panthers practice squad project Greg Joseph to step in. Unfortunately, he won’t get an easy start against Harris. If Joseph kicks too many balls out where Harris can return them, the rookie Pro Bowler has proven he can take advantage of the opportunity.
