The AFC South is a two-team race between the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts. The upcoming matchup between the rivals could go a long way in determining the division winner.

Tennessee hosts Indianapolis on “Thursday Night Football” in arguably the most important matchup on the Week 10 schedule. The Titans are a game ahead of the Colts atop the AFC South, though the teams are considered to be just about even.

The betting line favors Tennessee by just two points at home, according to odds compiled by OddsShark. The over/under is 48.5.

Indianapolis is coming off a Week 9 loss, falling to the Baltimore Ravens, 24-10, while Tennessee held off the Chicago Bears, 24-17.

Both the Colts and Titans are on pace for 10-plus wins. They’ve found success in the 2020 season in very different ways.

For first-place Tennessee, the offense has carried the team. The Titans rank seventh in the league in both scoring and yards per play. Derrick Henry is the AFC’s leading rusher, while Ryan Tannehill’s 109.4 passer rating is good for sixth in the NFL.

The Titans haven’t played much defense on the way to their 6-2 record. Tennessee is 25th in yards allowed per game. The unit just played its best game of the year against Nick Foles and an anemic Bears’ offense.

Defense has been the top reason for Indianapolis’ success. The Colts are first in yards allowed per game, second in yards allowed per play and third in points allowed per game.

Teams have been able to score against Indianapolis when Philip Rivers turns the ball over. Rivers threw a pair of interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, when the Colts lost to the Cleveland Browns 32-23 and gave up a season-high in points. The quarterback was picked off twice when the Jacksonville Jaguars upset Indianapolis 27-20 in Week 1.

The absence of starting left tackle Taylor Lewan hasn’t gone unnoticed since he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 6. Tannehill was sacked once per game with Lewan protecting his blindside. Tennessee’s quarterback has been sacked twice per game in the three games since Lewan got hurt.

Indianapolis has recorded nine sacks in their last three games. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has a strong chance to be named an All-Pro this season.

The Colts lead the NFL with 11 interceptions. They are giving up an NFL-best 78.5 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks.

As long as Rivers can protect the football, Indianapolis and its defense can put the Colts in first place.

Prediction: Indianapolis over Tennessee, 24-20

Indianapolis Colts Jordan Glasgow
Linebacker Jordan Glasgow #59 cornerback Isaiah Rodgers #34 and safety George Odum #30 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrate after Rodgers scored on a kickoff return during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Colts 32-23. Jason Miller/Getty Images
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