The Tennessee Titans are coming off a potentially momentum-building 32-27 victory over the Houston Texans in a classic AFC South battle.
This week, the 3-8 Titans will take on the Washington Commanders in Week 13 action. The Commanders have been struggling and come in needing a win to get back on track.
The Titans are playing some of their best football of the season and have another chance to stack wins. Here are three reasons to be optimistic they can pull this one out.
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Rushing attack
The Titans could still be without Tyjae Spears, who remains in the concussion protocol. But that will mean a bigger dose of Tony Pollard.
Pollard has been the one constant for the offense in 2024 and is coming off his best game of the season. The Commanders rank near the bottom of the league in rush defense and have struggled all season.
Pollard has averaged 4.5 or more yards per carry in four of his past five games, including his 119-yard performance against the Texans. If the Titans can keep Pollard involved, they will have a chance to control the clock and hit some explosive plays.
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Passing defense
The Titans rank first in the league in passing defense and are inside the top five in all major categories against the pass. The Commanders boast an explosive passing attack but quarterback Jayden Daniels is a rookie and appears to be cooling off after a hot start and could be hitting the dreaded rookie wall.
The Titans got to C.J. Stroud in Week 12 and forced him into multiple turnovers and could do the same this week. Yes, Daniels’ running ability could cause problems, but in the passing game, the Titans may have an advantage.
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Hope and confidence
It’s hard to believe, but the Titans still have a slight chance to make the playoffs in 2024. It’s a long shot, but it is possible when looking at their remaining schedule.
On paper, this game with the Commanders and their rematch with the Texans appear to be the toughest on the schedule. The Titans are playing well and there is confidence inside the locker room that they can pull off the impossible. To keep that hope alive, the Titans need to stack wins starting this week and will be motivated to prove the doubters wrong.
Making the playoffs is unlikely at this point, but it is the NFL, and stranger things have happened.
