For the uninitiated outside of the American Midwest, these two teams are only separated by about four hours, and have had a budding rivalry in recent years because both fanbases can get (more than a little) salty. The players on the field, too, tend to play with big chips on their shoulder and both groups will be playing heavily into the “nobody believes in us” mantra—even though the Titans are hosting a playoff game as the favored, No. 1 seed.

The Bengals come into this game, flying high, after a home victory against the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend which saw their defense ramp up, create turnovers and keep the Raiders from scoring for most of the game outside of a few drives here and there. The offense, too, played keep-away and while it is known for quick, over-the-top shots to wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, controlled the time of possession.

The Titans come into off a bye, but perhaps with even more momentum thanks to the potential (bordering on likely) return of running back Derrick Henry. The Titans were able to keep this ship afloat after Henry’s season-ending injury and his rehab has been just as superhuman as he otherwise is. Wide receiver A.J. Brown has played fantastic in big moments—including in wins against both the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers—and the defense finished the year sixth in scoring (20.8) and 12th in defensive DVOA.

The tenor of this game is going to depend on Henry’s availability as well as that of Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, but all things being equal and the status of both still up in the air, I’m leaning Bengals in what could end up turning into a bit of an offensive shootout. Both defenses are sound, but prone to giving up explosive plays and the Bengals are built to better create those moments.

Pick: Bengals

Nissan Stadium

Week 20 01/22/2022 16:30 ET

30° Clear Sky