Tennessee Titans predicted to slug their way to playoffs

The Tennessee Titans are one of those teams that are sort of hovering in the background. Not a lot of people are noticing them at this point.

It’s not hard to understand why. They haven’t exactly looked like a world beater despite their 2-1 start to the season. Each of their wins was close and they’re dealing with a ton of question marks at the quarterback position. Most notably a nerve issue with Marcus Mariota in his elbow. Everybody knows how unsettling it can be hearing about players with nerve issues. They all remember how affected Peyton Manning was towards the end of his career.

That aside, this is a battle-tested club that isn’t yet getting the respect they think they deserve. Perhaps that will serve as motivation for the rest of the season. They have a good defense and still have a talented rushing attack that should pick up as their top tackles Jack Conklin and Taylor Lewan recover from injury.

Former Super Bowl-winning exec Gil Brandt is a big believer in the Titans. He thinks their tough-as-nails mentality will serve them well in what should be a playoff trip.

"“They know how to win ugly. In fact, the Titans have done so not once but twice this year. Marcus Mariota hasn’t exactly developed to the point I thought he would, but he can still be a winning quarterback. When Mariota (who has been dealing with an elbow injury) and the O-line (Taylor Lewan missed Week 2 because of a concussion and Jack Conklin is poised to make his season debut this week after tearing his ACL in the playoffs) are healthy and back at full strength, the offense will be fine. The defense is very good, and I love coach Mike Vrabel, who knows how to get it done.”"

Upcoming schedule could determine that fate for the Titans

Then again the NFL never makes it easy. It’s likely the upcoming four games that the Titans have will likely determine their season. First, they have to tangle with the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, followed by a clear trap game situation against Buffalo. Then it’s two teams they could end up battling for a wild card spot in the Ravens and Chargers before they reach the bye week.

This is dangerous because they still have most of their divisional games left to play in the second half of the season and the AFC South is looking quite competitive this year. This is a stretch they must escape at least 2-2 to have a reasonable chance for a run to the postseason. Thankfully the AFC doesn’t look nearly as stacked as the NFC this year, but that doesn’t offer any excuse for them to let up. Things are about to get interesting.