49ers vs. Titans Week 16 Picks: San Francisco Will Cover, Stay in Playoff Hunt

The 49ers are favored on the road against the Titans, but can they cover? Here are my 49ers-Titans picks and predictions.

Despite Trey Lance mostly staying on the bench this season, the San Francisco 49ers have stepped up. The 49ers (7-7 against the spread) have earned a shot to make the playoffs thanks to a few upsets and their solid defense.

They'll face the Titans this week. Tennessee (8-6 ATS) has been struggling without Derrick Henry, and the Titans haven't been at their best in recent weeks while losing three of their last four games.

San Francisco is favored despite being the visiting team. Can the 49ers cover?

Here are my 49ers-Titans picks and predictions for their Week 16 NFL matchup (odds via FanDuel, and pick confidence is based on a one-to-five star scale).

49ers vs. Titans Game Info

Date/Time: Thursday, Dec. 23, 8:20 p.m. ETTV: NFL NetworkLocation: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TNWeather: 61 degrees, 16-mph winds, no rain

49ers vs. Titans Odds Analysis

San Francisco was a 3-point favorite when this line opened. Most sportsbooks have moved it to 3.5 points since, and the payout is even at -110 on each side of the spread.

The total has remained steady at 44.5. There's no lean either way, and the weather likely won't be a huge factor. This is a low total, but both teams love to run the ball and rely on defensive play.

49ers vs. Titans Picks

49ers -3.5 (-110)Over 44.5 (-110)

SEE ALSO: 49ers vs. Titans Prop Picks

49ers vs. Titans Predictions

49ers -3.5 (-110)

The crowd at Nissan Stadium isn't known to be overly intimidating. Combine that with the weather being relatively calm, and the traditional three-point swing actually adds value to the road team.

San Francisco’s offense boasts plenty of weapons. Deebo Samuel is among of the NFL's most dynamic players, and he's logged 1,088 receiving yards this season. Brandon Aiyuk has shown flashes on the outside, and George Kittle finally looks healthy and has been white-hot with 425 receiving yards over his last three games. Finally, Jimmy Garoppolo has been able to distribute the ball well.

The Titans could still earn a playoff bye, but they're low on offensive options with Julio Jones likely out. Their defense is solid, but they won’t be able to churn out long drives to keep that unit rested. Instead, I expect the Titans to be gassed by the fourth quarter.

In normal times, I'd be very confident here. However, anything can happen with COVID-19 cases rising, and an issue could lead to major line movement. For now, I like the 49ers to easily win.

Over 44.5 (-110)

Both teams can score with ease. The Titans have been inconsistent, but they can at least post a couple of touchdowns. 

The 49ers should be able to produce a few explosive plays. They rank second while averaging 8.3 yards per pass attempt. However, they can also win by sustaining long drives that end in points. With that versatility, they can score at least 31 points on their own. If that happens, the Over will almost certainly hit. 

Neither team will struggle to reach the red zone. Kicking may be a concern, but the line is small enough to allow for a few errors. As long as the offenses dictate the pace, the Over will hit.

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49ers-Titans picks made 12/21/2021 at 10:51 p.m. ET