Broncos at Titans
THE STORY: With the Indianapolis Colts down – and probably out – in the AFC South, the Tennessee Titans have an opportunity to step up and win the division. The Titans proved last week they are capable and hope to continue their momentum when they host the Denver Broncos on Sunday. They will need a healthy Chris Johnson, though. The Pro Bowl running back missed practice Wednesday with sore ribs, but expects to play. Denver also rebounded from a poor Week 1 result, but doesn’t appear to have the same potentially bright future. The Broncos, though, have won three straight over the Titans, including a 26-20 victory at Tennessee for their only road win in 2010.
TV: CBS, 1 p.m. ET. LINE: Titans -6.5, O/U 42
ABOUT THE TITANS (1-1): Tennessee followed its dismal 16-14 Week 1 loss at Jacksonville with an impressive 26-13 victory over Baltimore. Johnson, who has 77 yards on 33 carries, missed all four preseason contests while holding out for a new contract. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has thrown for 621 yards – third in the AFC behind Tom Brady and Philip Rivers – with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Kenny Britt has been Hasselbeck’s top target with 14 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Britt, though, was limited in practice Wednesday (hamstring).
ABOUT THE BRONCOS (1-1): Denver’s rush defense, which was 31st in the NFL in 2010, allowed 190 yards in Week 1 to Oakland and 72 against Cincinnati last week. The Broncos held Johnson to 53 yards last season. Willis McGahee stepped in for the injured Knowshon Moreno and rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals, and must be ready to again carry the load as Moreno (hamstring) probably won’t be at full speed. Cornerback Champ Bailey (groin) is questionable and will likely miss his second straight game, while defensive end Elvis Dumervil will remain out (shoulder). Wide receiver Eric Decker had career highs in catches (five), yards (113) and touchdowns (two) last week. The Broncos are 399-365-10 all-time.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Broncos No. 1 wide receiver Brandon Lloyd missed last week (groin), but is expected back. Eddie Royal, though, injured his groin against Cincinnati and will likely miss four games as the Broncos continue to have injury problems at the receiver position. Demaryius Thomas, a first-round draft pick in 2010, remains out as he recovers from Achilles’ tendon surgery and a broken finger.
2. The Titans worked out Clinton Portis among five running backs Tuesday – he would only sign if someone suffered a severe injury.
3. Johnson led the NFL with 4,598 rushing yards in his first three seasons. He had 1,364 in 2010, fourth-best in the NFL.