The New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans meet Friday in NFL action from Nissan Stadium. The Patriots are 1-1 so far in exhibition action, losing to the Texans before a win over the Packers. As for Tennessee, they’re 1-1 as well with a loss to the Bears and a win over the Vikings. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.

New England Patriots 

The Patriots kicked off their preseason versus the Texans, scoring just three points in the first half on the way to a listless 20-9 loss. QB Bailey Zappe posted 79 yards passing, and Malik Cunningham was the top rusher with 34 yards and a score. Tyquan Thornton added 31 yards off two catches. 

In game two, things went a little more smoothly for the Patriots. New England was down 17-14 going into the second half but bounced back with a third-quarter TD in a 21-17 win. Zappe put up 117 yards passing and a TD in the victory, with Kayshon Boutte grabbing the scoring catch among 49 yards and two receptions. 

Tennessee Titans 

Over on the Titans’ side, they matched up against the Bears in their first preseason game. Tennessee had a 17-14 lead at halftime but didn’t score again in a 23-17 loss. QB Malik Willis had 189 yards and a pick, while Julius Chestnut led the rush on 46 yards from seven carries. Racey McMath had three catches for 53 yards as well. 

Back on Saturday versus the Vikings, Tennessee scored in three of four quarters on the way to a pretty consistent 24-16 win. Willis had 85 yards with one TD and one interception. Chestnut had a good game as well with 98 rush yards and a score, and Mason Kinsey led the receivers on 37 yards from four grabs. 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stick with the Patriots in this one. Also probably not touching it, though. New England gave up a lot of ground to the Packers in their last game, allowing 340 yards (221 passing), 23 first downs and 6.1 yards per play. That said, New England held Green Bay to just 4-of-10 on third-down tries and the Packers didn’t help themselves with 11 penalties for 85 yards. On the other side the Patriots were pretty solid, giving up one fumble and notching 245 yards total. This one could go a lot of different ways but New England is probably in the driver’s seat if they play well.