SportsLine analyst backs Titans in 2026 NFL preseason Week 1
The Titans are listed as a 2.5-point favourite in the Thursday nightcap, with the analyst citing a strong historical preseason performance under the new head coach.
SportsLine analyst Larry Hartstein has identified the Tennessee Titans as a primary betting selection for the opening week of the 2026 NFL preseason. The Titans are currently listed as a 2.5-point favourite against the San Francisco 49ers in the Thursday nightcap scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.
Hartstein points to the debut of head coach Robert Saleh as a significant variable in the matchup. Saleh previously served as the defensive coordinator for the 49ers last season before taking the helm in Tennessee. The analyst notes that Saleh has maintained a strong historical record in preseason games, citing a 10-2-1 straight-up record and a 10-3 against-the-spread record dating back to his tenure with the New York Jets.
The selection is also grounded in the Titans’ roster composition, specifically regarding their backup quarterback positions. Hartstein highlights that both Mitchell Trubisky and Will Levis possess substantial NFL starting experience, providing the team with veteran depth that may influence the outcome of the contest.
This Thursday features five NFL preseason matchups, with kick-off times ranging from 7 p.m. ET to 9 p.m. ET. The schedule includes the Lions against the Bengals, the Packers against the Steelers, the Colts against the Patriots, and the Cardinals against the Raiders, alongside the Chargers and Texans.
Hartstein, who finished the 2025 season with a 50-37-1 record, combines analytical methods with insights from Vegas sources. He suggests that the Titans’ status as the only road team favoured on Thursday reflects a strategic advantage derived from their coaching stability and personnel depth.
