The Patriots open the playoffs by hosting the Tennessee Titans. The Patriots are prohibitive favorites in a game that most experts did not see coming. Instead,  pundits had the Chiefs coming to town but Marcus Mariota and the Titans spoiled the party with a big road win in Kansas City. 

Here are five keys for the Patriots in this game. 

1. Contain Mariota: The Patriots cannot allow Marcus Mariota to hurt them on zone read plays or busted plays out of the pocket.  They must keep him in the pocket and make him a passer first. The Patriots need to make the Titans running game one dimensional.

2. Tackling: The Patriots need to be fundamentally sounded when they tackle, especially when they tackle Derrick Henry. Getting multiple hats to the ball will be important tonight. 

3. Pick Up the Zone Blitzes: The Patriots are facing Dick LeBeau and his vaunted zone blitz package. Tennessee will bring pressure from all over the yard. The Patriots offensive line must identify the pressure and pick it up. Tom Brady has to also read it and not throw the ball into tight areas. 

4. Spread and Sling It: Tennessee had the number one run defense in the NFL this season. The Patriots need to spread the Titans out and throw perimeter screens, three step passes and intermediate pass plays. Get the ball out of Brady’s hands quickly!

5. Hold Serve: The Patriots are expected to win tonight and they should. As long as they don’t turn the ball over or get off to a slow start, they should be fine.

Final Prediction: Patriots 38 Titans 17: Tennessee will hang around for a quarter, maybe a half but let’s face it. They are not good enough to win this game. The Patriots will win and advance to their 14th AFC Championship game.