Titans-Saints expert picks: Mardi Gras comes early for Tennessee pass rush vs. Derek Carr
The Tennessee Titans open up the 2023 season with a road trip at the New Orleans Saints.
Tennessee is not the reigning AFC South champion nor the 2023 division favorite — those titles belong to the Jacksonville Jaguars. But the Titans still have Derrick Henry (in new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly's offense), and the ferocious pass rush is healthy going into Week 1.
The Saints will be without Alvin Kamara, who is suspended three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy stemming from a February 2022 incident in Las Vegas during Pro Bowl week. New Orleans does have new starting quarterback Derek Carr and a now-healthy former All-Pro receiver in Michael Thomas.
As Week 1 games go, this one is filled with unknowns. Here's how our experts predict the Titans opener:
Tennessee Titans vs. New Orleans Saints expert predictions
Nick Suss, Titans beat reporter
Titans 17, Saints 14
Both newly reconstructed offenses take a little while to get going against good defenses. The Titans build enough of a lead for Henry to ice the game late, but the defense deserves most of the credit for this win.
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Gentry Estes, columnist
Titans 24, Saints 23
If there’s reason to give the Titans a slight edge in what looks to be a close game, it’s Alvin Kamara’s absence.'If there’s reason to give the Titans a slight edge in what looks to be a close game, it’s Alvin Kamara’s absence.
Paul Skrbina, sports reporter
Titans 24, Saints 17
Derrick Henry will have plenty of places to run to and DeAndre Hopkins will leave New Orleans’ defense with nowhere to hide.
Mike Organ, sports reporter
Titans 21, Saints 17
Ryan Tannehill’s return with an improved receivers corps but still suspect offensive line is enough for the Titans to sneak by in the season opener.
Nick Gray, trending sports reporter
Saints 24, Titans 17
Sunday's game is one of many toss-ups in the first half of the Titans schedule. If this game was being played in Nashville, I'd pick Tennessee. But Derek Carr will quickly come to enjoy the dome setting of the Superdome, while the Saints defensive line will make an impact against Ryan Tannehill.
Tom Kreager, Tennessee high school sports editor
Titans 20, Saints 17
A late field goal wins the game and saves the opener. After the preseason the Titans have had with kickers, this only seems right.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Titans predictions vs New Orleans Saints: Defense exposes Derek Carr
