The NFL regular season is on the horizon, and with three weeks of preseason action down, the landscape of the league is much clearer. If the Tennessee Titans are able to find their way through the tough games in their schedule, they should find themselves right in the playoff mix.
The Titans have a fairly tough schedule in 2019. They drew the NFC South for the year, meaning they will play each team in that division once. They will also clash with the AFC West, one of the best divisions in the league, during the season.
Some of the major highlights in the schedule for the Titans include Week One on the road against the Cleveland Browns, Week 10 at home against the Kansas City Chiefs, and Week 16 at home against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. They highlight the Tennessee Titans most difficult games during the 2019 season.
Check out the eight easiest games of the Titans 2019 schedule.
Tennessee Titans Most Difficult Games of 2019
1. Week 10: vs Kansas City Chiefs
This was an obvious choice to be the toughest game for Mike Vrabel and the Titans. The defending MVP Patrick Mahomes will lead a loaded Chiefs squad into Nashville for this contest against Marcus Mariota and the Titans. These two teams didn’t meet last year so there’s going to be a feeling-out process as the Titans defense sees Mahomes for the first time and vice versa. The key for the Titans in this game will be the defense, and specifically the secondary. We’ve seen what Mahomes can do in the passing game so it will be up to the Titans secondary to limit Tyreek Hill and the rest of the Kansas City pass-catchers in this game.
2. Week Seven: vs Los Angeles Chargers
The Titans run into the Los Angeles Chargers in Week Seven in what should be an excellent matchup. Despite the injuries to the Chargers in recent days, they are still a tough opponent. They have weapons on both sides of the ball with players such as Keenan Allen and Joey Bosa. The biggest key for Tennessee in this game is going to be getting the ball out quickly. The best way to neutralize the Chargers elite pass rush is to not give them time to get home. This will be up to Mariota to make quick decisions, and the offensive line to protect him.
3. Week 16: vs New Orleans Saints
Tennessee’s home schedule is anything but a walk in the park this year. In addition to facing two tough AFC West opponents at home, they also see the New Orleans Saints come to town. Veteran quarterback Drew Brees along with running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Michael Thomas will be a tough task for the Titans defense to handle. The Saints can attack a defense at all three levels, which means the Titans will have to be on their game. The key for a Titans win in this one will be a slow-paced offense. The longer the Titans offense can keep Brees off the field, the better. Dominating the time of possession battle should put the Titans in a good position to win.
4. Week One: at Cleveland Browns
This opening week matchup should be fun to watch. The Browns have been one of the most hyped-up teams in the AFC after adding Odell Beckham in the off-season. The stadium should be rocking for the opening game, creating a tough atmosphere for the visiting Titans. Tennessee will certainly have their hands full trying to contain the Browns high powered offense. Despite this, the Titans should be able to win a close one here due to the pressure of expectation being solely on the shoulders of the Browns in this game.
5. Week Four: at Atlanta Falcons
In week five the Titans will begin their tour through the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta is a much better team than many think, and they will no doubt be a tough matchup for the Titans. Although the Falcons have a fairly well-balanced team, Tennessee should have no issues moving the ball on offense. The biggest key to a Titans win in Atlanta will be the effectiveness of their ground game. If they run the ball effectively and keep it away from Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense they will be in good shape to win in Week 4.
6. Week Three: at Jacksonville Jaguars
Now we’re beginning to get into the area of the schedule where the games are neither easy nor hard. The Titans beat the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars in both of their matchups last year. Despite this, the Titans will still have their hands full with the Jags, particularly in this road matchup. Jacksonville went out and signed quarterback Nick Foles, a clear upgrade over Blake Bortles. This addition should allow their offense to function properly, and they have the talent to give Tennessee some headaches. With that being said the Titans shouldn’t have much issue here as long as they don’t beat themselves.
7. Week Nine: at Carolina Panthers
The seventh most difficult game for the Titans comes in Week Nine on the road against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers boast a solid group of skill players, and all signs point to Cam Newton being healthy for the regular season. With this being said, the Tennessee defense will need to be on the top of their game in this one. Containing running back Christian McCaffrey will be the key to winning in Carolina.
8. Week 17: at Houston Texans
Rounding out the list of the Tennessee Titans most difficult games this season is Week 17 on the road against the Houston Texans. Although the Titans and Texans are fairly even as far as talent level, the aspect of going on the road makes this a tough game. The most obvious issue for Tennessee in this game is the Texans front seven. Being able to contain the likes of J.J. Watt will be no easy task. Despite the tough defensive front of Houston, the Titans should be able to get a win in this game. The main key to a victory in this game is going to be the offensive line. If they can slow down Watt and the Houston pass rush they should be able to escape with a win.
