Preview: 2018 Tennessee Titans Season
Alright, everyone, I miss football. Surely you all are missing it too, I don’t even know what to do with my Sundays right now. So here I am, writing this article to get all of you Titans fans ready for the 2018 season. There is a lot to look forward to, including the 2019 draft. Some news outlets are reporting that Nashville will, in fact, be the home of the draft next year. If people thought Dallas was wild, wait until they get to Nashville. Moving on, let’s talk about the Titans first 8 games. According to the strength of schedule, the Tennessee Titans season starts with the second easiest schedule, only behind the Texans.
Week 1: @ Miami Dolphins 1 PM
Last year, Miami had a mediocre run defense, finishing 14th in rushing yards allowed per game. Their pass defense was even worse than that, coming in at 16th in the league. I’m going to be brutally honest with you guys. This is a game we should absolutely win. Expect the Titans to come out the gate and run the ball down Miami’s throat. The Titans success in the run game will open up some play-action passes for Marcus Mariota. This game isn’t going to be close. The Titans take this one by a final score of 34-13 and start the year off 1-0.
Week 2: VS Houston Texans 1 PM
This is where the Titans season begins, against an explosive offense, assuming Deshaun Watson is healthy. This will be a big test for the Titans defense. I’m sure we all remember the pounding Houston gave us last year, and I’d like to leave it at that. Houston is going to be a scary team new year. Unfortunately for the Titans, Watson and Hopkins will be too much in this game as the Titans fall 24-20.
Week 3: @ Jacksonville Jaguars 1 PM
Let’s just get this out of the way real quick. The Jaguars like to talk about that “mighty” defense that they have. Yes, their defense played extraordinary well last season. However, their run defense was just mediocre. The Jaguars gave up 116 yards per game to opposing running backs. Oh, and I should probably mention that the Titans swept Jacksonville last year. The Titans have won 3 of the last 4 meetings between the two. The Titans take this game by the tandem of Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis. The Jaguars get a nice piece of humble pie at home early in the season. Titans take this 28-17 and move to 2-1 on the season. We’ve got news for you Jacksonville, you’re still the little brother.
Week 4: VS Philadelphia Eagles 1 PM
The Titans come off a big win against Jacksonville and have to face the Super Bowl Champions. This will be a tough game for Tennessee to come out of on top. Philadelphia is great at stopping all of Tennessee’s strengths. One of the best offensive lines in the NFL paired with a phenomenal run defense is bad news for the Titans. Assuming Carson Wentz is healthy, the Titans are going to be overpowered in this game. The Titans defense will improve throughout the year, but the Eagles win this game 34-20 in Tennessee.
Week 5: @ Buffalo Bills 1 PM
New Era field is a tough place to play, especially in front of the angry Buffalo fans. However, seeing as the Bills do not have a proven quarterback, look for Tennessee to dominate in this game. The Titans defense will finally start getting things going with the pass rush, recording multiple sacks in this one. The Titans win this game 24-10 and stifle whatever quarterback Buffalo tries to throw out there. Tennessee is now 3-2 and on the way back home to face Baltimore.
Week 6: VS Baltimore Ravens 4:25 PM
The Ravens have one thing going for them, they are consistently inconsistent. Who knows what team the Titans will get, I’m looking for their defense to make another strong statement. 6 weeks into the season, the Titans secondary is clicking on all cylinders. Mariota is going to use his legs early and often as he leads the Titans to a 27-17 victory.
Week 7: @ Los Angeles Chargers 9:30 AM
The Titans are riding a two-game winning streak as they face off with the Chargers. The Chargers added some key defensive pieces in the offseason, really filling some big holes. This is the game people start talking about Tennessee, asking if we are legit. The Titans shut down Phillip Rivers and the Chargers and walk away with yet another win in faraway London. Starting the season 5-2 will be big for Tennessee and they’ll carry huge momentum into their bye week.
Week 8: Bye Week
The bye week comes at a great time as they get to game plan for ways to stop Ezekial Elliot.
Week 9: @ Dallas Cowboys 8:15 PM
Primetime baby! Tennessee is sitting at 5-2 and coming off a bye week. Going to Jerry World is always a fun game. Who is Dallas going to throw the ball to though? Look for Tennessee’s secondary to shut down the mediocre Cowboys receivers. The key to winning this game is to make Dallas one-dimensional. Take away Prescott’s options in the passing game and focus on Elliot. If the Titans are able to successfully do this, they are leaving with a big win. Titans take this one 21-17 thanks to a big interception by the worlds greatest fan, Kevin Byard. The Titans are sitting at 6-2 after the first 9 weeks and are in prime position for another playoff appearance.
