Titans have lost consecutive games to the 49ers and Cardinals, and they have not beaten a good team since Nov. 5. Even that game was over a Ravens squad that had not hit its offensive stride yet. Forget the Rams' most recent 42-7 road win against the Seahawks. They were impressive in that loss to the Eagles and have proven to be one of the top teams in the NFL this season. I could see Tennessee taking down an unfocused playoff contender; I just don't see Los Angeles as that in any way, shape or form.

The Titans have seen their playoff hopes take a massive hit following consecutive losses to the Cardinals and 49ers. But they are still virtually assured of a playoff berth if they finish the season with wins over the Rams and Jaguars, It's a tall order for this erratic club with a banged-up quarterback, but Tennessee provides value Sunday getting this many points against a Los Angeles team that could be in for a bit for a letdown following high-profile games against the Eagles and Seahawks.

The fate of a kicker factors into, oh, one out of a thousand games. This is one. L.A.’s Greg Zuerlein (back), who has wielded the most effective foot in the league, is finished for the season. His replacement is the undrafted Sam Ficken. The offense’s security blanket is gone. It comes as no surprise that the Rams are trending upward ATS, but the Titans are no slouch at home, having gone 7-2-1 in the past 10 outings.

The Rams are coming off a statement win against their division rivals and now have to go east for a 1 p.m. game against a team everyone expects them to annihilate. This has the makings of a terrible spot for them. The Titans haven't looked great lately, but they've played just one of their last five at home, where they've won five straight since losing in Week 1. Their defense is better than you realize, giving up 100 yards rushing just once since Week 5. The Rams can be run on, and they rank 30th in yards per rush allowed. That gives the Titans a blueprint to churn out first downs and keep this game close.

The Rams have that Super Bowl look with a good defense and an elite offense. They can beat you in so many ways, including special teams. They average 31.3 points per game and have been more effective on offense the past three weeks. During the past nine weeks, they've covered seven times; meanwhile, the Titans are falling fast. Two weeks ago, they were 8-4 and comfortably in the AFC playoff hunt, but then proceeded to lose at Arizona and San Francisco in successive games. The Titans want to make the postseason, but they don't know how to get in. The Rams cover and keep their first-round bye hopes alive.