The Tennessee Titans have recorded an overall record of 9-7 over the last three seasons, and even won a playoff game in 2017 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
While the Titans have made improvements during the offseason, so has the rest of the division.
The Houston Texans will begin 2019 fully healthy again, and have added several pieces to the secondary. The Indianapolis Colts will have Andrew Luck back to 100 percent for a full season, and also look to be stronger on the defensive front.
The Jacksonville Jaguars shouldn’t be left out of the equation either. The Jags may have finally found a franchise quarterback in Nick Foles to pair with their stout defense.
So, do the Titans stand a chance at winning the AFC South? The answer to that question is yes.
However, the team’s past inability to defeat the Colts when Luck is at the helm has proven to be a major setback.
If the Titans can’t win the division, who are the rivals they’ll need to beat out for a wildcard spot? That’s what we’re here to discuss.
Here’s a look at some teams the Titans should watch out for.
Power Houses of the AFC West
As long as the Kansas City Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, they’re a threat to score on any given play. They made it all the way to the AFC championship game in 2018. In 2019, teams will have more tape on Mahomes and company. However, knowing what to do, and knowing how to do it are two separate things.
The Chargers still have quarterback Philip Rivers sniffing around for his first Super Bowl victory. Rivers heads into the upcoming season with a solid supporting cast of dependable receivers, a powerful run game, and a formidable pass rush led by Joey Bosa.
The Titans will play the Chiefs in Week 10, and the Chargers in Week 7. Winning these head-to-head matchups could prove vital for the Titans’ postseason chances.
The Steel Curtain and the rising Browns
Many were shocked last season when the Pittsburgh Steelers were left on the outside looking in during the playoffs. While the Steelers were drowning in drama last season, and lost some key talents because of that, don’t bet on Ben Roethlisberger missing the playoffs two seasons in a row.
Another team to take into consideration is the quickly rising Cleveland Browns.
After taking a large step forward in 2018, and finishing with an overall record of 7-9, some are already predicting the team could seriously contend in the postseason. With the influx of talent from free agency and the promise quarterback Baker Mayfield and some members of his offense showed in 2018, who could blame them?
The Titans will open up the season in Cleveland against the Browns in what’s sure to be a fun matchup. Again, this is an important contest that could push them into the playoffs or eliminate them from contention.
While the Titans have certainly raised the bar, so has the rest of the AFC South and the AFC in general. If one thing’s for sure,it’s that a fourth straight season of 9-7 won’t cut it. The Titans are going to have to find away to get over the hump, or they could find themselves in the basement once again.
