Based on the 2019 records of their 2020 opponents, the Tennessee Titans own the 20th most difficult strength of schedule.
While that doesn’t seem too bad, there are some matchups on the team’s 2020 schedule that will be a lot tougher than others.
Of course, divisional games are always tough no matter where they are played, so we’re going to exclude those from this list and focus on the five toughest non-divisional games on the Titans’ slate.
Week 1: at Denver Broncos
The Broncos are a team on the rise after finishing the 2019 season with four wins in their last five games, which coincided with the team making the switch to their new franchise quarterback, Drew Lock.
Denver has added several new weapons on offense for Lock to utilize, and their defense will be its normal stingy self despite the loss of cornerback Chris Harris, Jr.
What makes this matchup even tougher for Tennessee is that the Broncos are 22-2 when playing home games in the first two weeks of the season since 2000 — and this game will be on Monday Night Football.
Tennessee lost to Denver 16-0 in Week 6 last season, but that was also before the Titans named Ryan Tannehill as the starter. Tannehill did see his first action with the Titans in that game after being substituted in for Marcus Mariota in the second half.
Week 4: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers finished just behind the Titans for the sixth and final playoff spot a season ago, and that was without their franchise quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, who missed all but two games in 2019.
With Big Ben back in the mix and the Steelers sporting a stout defense, this game will be arguably the toughest contest the Titans play at Nissan Stadium this season.
If not for the Ravens, the Steelers would be easy favorites to win the AFC North and should be considered a playoff contender.
Week 5: vs. Buffalo Bills
The Titans and Bills met in Week 5 of last season also, with Buffalo emerging victorious over Tennessee, 14-7. This was before the Titans made the switch from Mariota to Tannehill.
The worst part about that game was how well Bills fans traveled and made it seem like a road game for the Titans. It wouldn’t be surprising to see that happen again in 2020, which could make this game feel like a ninth road game for the Titans.
Buffalo will bring its elite defense to Nissan Stadium and quarterback Josh Allen has a shiny new toy to throw to in wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who should help make things more difficult for the Titans’ defense.
The Bills should be a playoff team in 2020 and are considered favorites to win the AFC East. As a result, Buffalo will be one of the tougher opponents Tennessee faces this coming season.
Week 11: at Baltimore Ravens
As if playing one of the favorites to win the AFC in 2020 wasn’t difficult enough, the Titans will have to hit the road and play the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
And Baltimore might actually be better than last season, as they’ve made improvements to their already stellar defense and have added extra weapons on offense for reigning NFL MVP, Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens will be motivated and their fans will be extra hostile after the Titans bounced Baltimore from the playoffs last season. This game will have no shortage of juice, both leading up to and during it.
Week 16: at Green Bay Packers
This will be the third and final prime-time game the Titans play on their 2020 slate, and it might be the toughest
Facing Aaron Rodgers and the Packers is difficult enough — especially after they proved to be good enough to make it to the NFC Championship Game last season — but the Titans will have to do so in the frigid conditions of Lambeau Field in late December.
Adding to that, there will be extra pressure if the Titans are still battling for a playoff spot late in the season.
Check out game-by-game score predictions from around the NFL Wires network:
Buf / Mia / NE / NYJ // Bal / Cin / Cle / Pit // Hou / Ind / Jax / Ten // Den / KC / LV / LAC //// Dal / NYG / Phi / Was // Chi / Det / GB / Min // Atl / Car / NO / TB // Ari / LAR / SF / Sea
