NFL Week 14 TNF pick: Take host Titans, who need game more than disappointing Jaguars 

JAGUARS (4-8) AT TITANS (6-6)
TV: Ch. 5, NFL, 8:20 p.m.
Line: Titans by 4.5; O/U: 37.5
If you like points, watch a replay of Chiefs-Rams. This isn't the game for you. Jacksonville and its 30th-ranked scoring offense (16.9 points per game) faces off against Tennessee's 28th-ranked outfit (18.4 ppg) in what should be a defensive battle.

The Titans are in the hunt for the final AFC wild-card spot, and after Sunday's comeback win against the Jets from 16-0 down, they should be able to strengthen their chances. Tennessee has owned the AFC South series of late, winning three in a row and five of six. It won, 9-6, at Jacksonville in Week 3.

The Jaguars (5-6-1 against the spread) have been one of the NFL's most disappointing teams. They snapped a seven-game skid with a 6-0 shutout of the Colts Sunday. The players — and Tom Coughlin — were pumped and you have to wonder if they'll be as up for this game now that the losing streak is finally over.

This easily could be a three-point decision but the Titans (6-6 ATS) have more to play for, and on Thursday nights, it's best to back the home team on a short week. The hosts are 11-2 and 10-2-1 ATS. Furthermore, the Jaguars haven't won a road game since Week 1 at the Giants. Marcus Mariota and Derrick Henry make enough plays to grind out a 20-13 type of win.

The pick: Titans

Staff picks

Bob Glauber: Titans

Tom Rock: Titans

Al Iannazzone: Titans