Why They Will Win: Tennessee Titans

Sometimes it just requires a little change. Since the Tennessee Titans made the switch to Ryan Tannehill at quarterback, the team has gone 7-3. Their hot streak could not be more opposite of their opponent, the defending Super Bowl champions. The Patriots’ offense has limped it’s way to the playoffs; looking absolutely dreadful in a stunning loss against the Dolphins to end the season. The Titans are red hot and could pull off the ultimate upset.

Ryan Tannehill

Ryan Tannehill didn’t just thrive when he became a starter for Tennessee, he dominated. Finishing the season with a passer rating of 117.5 which is the fourth highest in NFL history. He finished the season being named Offensive Player of the Month. He threw twelve touchdowns to just two interceptions in the month of December. It’s hard to believe, but Ryan Tannehill might have just needed a different scenario to become elite.

This will be Tannehill’s playoff debut and it couldn’t be against a bigger test than the seasoned Patriots.

Derrick Henry

Running the ball efficiently is one of the most important components to a playoff team. Coming off another huge performance, Derrick Henry had one of the best, if not the best, season for a running back. Henry rushed a for a league high 1,540 yards and was tied for first in rushing touchdowns with sixteen. Even Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had to tip his hat to Henry saying,

“He really does everything well as a runner. He’s got good vision. For his size, he sees things well. He has good quickness. He can get into space quickly and make the right cuts. He’s elusive in the open field, but he’s also very strong and powerful, and he can run through tackles and he has the speed to make long runs. He’s got a good stiff arm. He’s got good lower-body strength. He’s a very hard man to tackle, but he’s got excellent quickness, vision and speed for his size, so he’s not just a one-dimensional runner at all. He’s the best back we’ve seen this year. He’s having a great year, and he’s a tough player to handle.”

-Patriots head coach Bill Belichick

The Patriots do have the top defense in the NFL, but if their offense stays in neutral from the start of the game, they can easily get worn down. Henry is a tough man to tackle and he can easily wear down a defense, especially one that is on the field majority of the game.