The Coach's NFLX Week 1 *BLOCKBUSTER*
(NFL) Tennessee vs. Atlanta, 08/14/2015 3:00 PM, Score: 24 - 31
Point Spread: 3.00 | -120.00 Tennessee (Away)
Result: Loss
The Tennessee Titans will visit the Atlanta Falcons in the first pre-season game for both teams on Friday, and Atlanta is a slight favorite. The Falcons aren't likely to give their starters much action, while I think Tennessee will be eager to see what their 1st team offense looks like with Marcus Mariota at quarterback.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Quarterbacks - Matt Ryan is likely to play one series at most for the Falcons, leaving T.J. Yates and Ryan Renfree to split the remainder of the game. The duo combined to throw for 235 yards on 13-of-31 passing for no TDs and no picks in the first pre-season game last year. The Titans are expected to give Mariota plenty of time under center, with Zack Mettenberger and Charlie Whitehurst also likely to see time.

2. Falcons Defense - Atlanta ranked dead last in the NFL in total defense last year, allowing opponents to average just shy of 400 yards per game. This isn't something that is going to fix itself overnight, and defensive breakdowns could open things up for Tennessee to pile on the points.

3. X-Factor - The Titans are 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between the two teams.

Selection: This is a play on the Tennessee Titans (10*)