Saints vs. Titans NFL injury report, spread, odds: Alvin Kamara doubtful, Ryan Tannehill expected to play despite illness

Oddsmakers really aren't sure what to do right now regarding Sunday's New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans game because Saints star running back Alvin Kamara, easily the team's best offensive player and a four-time Pro Bowler, is in serious doubt because he didn't practice this week and now Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is dealing with an illness – although apparently not COVID-related. This spread has been bobbing up and down all week between Titans -2.5 and -3.

So far at Caesars Sportsbook, about 67 percent of all tickets sold on the spread for this game are on the Titans and 59 percent of the money wagered.

New Orleans is reportedly preparing that Kamara will not play due to a knee injury – it wasn't a coincidence the team worked out free-agent running backs this week. Coach Sean Payton has said he's fine with Kamara playing without practicing. His loss would be devastating to an offense already starting third-string QB Trevor Siemian. Kamara has rushed 146 times for 530 yards and three scores and caught 44 passes for 310 yards and four TDs.

Kamara has accounted for 59.8 percent of the team's rushing attempts and 19.6 percent of its passing targets as well as 32.2 percent of its total scrimmage yards. Kamara has played 78.4 percent of all New Orleans offensive snaps, which would shatter a career high. He is the Saints' Derrick Henry.

The Saints' second-leading rusher? Out-for-the-season QB Jameis Winston with 166 yards. Mark Ingram would be the primary back if Kamara sits (and probably would be the primary runner if a hobbled Kamara plays). He has 15 carries for 70 yards since being reacquired from Houston. Ingram is 20 yards from passing Deuce McAllister for the most rushing yards in Saints history. 

Payton, incidentally, confirmed on Friday that Siemian will start at quarterback again, but Taysom Hill should be more involved under center.

We apparently will have to take the Titans at their word with Tannehill as Mike Vrabel said his QB would be listed with an illness today regarding participation but no injury designation and is playing Sunday. These days, though, one can take nothing for granted. His backup is Logan Woodside, who has attempted three career NFL passes.

Tennessee is 5-0 straight up and against the spread since being shocked Week 4 by the Jets. The Titans enter having won four straight games against teams that made the playoffs last season (which New Orleans did). In NFL history, only one team has won five such games in a row: 2003 Eagles. The Saints are 3-0 SU & ATS this season as dogs. 

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