The Tennessee Titans are a team on the verge of transformation entering the 2023 NFL season. After three consecutive years of playoff berths and two straight AFC South titles, their 2022 season was a disappointing detour as the Titans fell to a 7-10 finish, ending their streak of playoff appearances and forcing them into a period of reflection and reconstruction. With an offseason filled with important changes and a schedule that presents unique challenges and opportunities, the Titans are set to embark on a new era in the 2023 season.
Tennessee Titans Schedule 2023
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff time | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept. 10 | at New Orleans Saints | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 2 | Sept. 17 | vs. Los Angeles Chargers | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 3 | Sept. 24 | at Cleveland Browns | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 4 | Oct. 1 | vs. Cincinnati Bengals | 1 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 5 | Oct. 8 | at Indianapolis Colts | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 6 | Oct. 15 | vs. Baltimore Ravens (London) | 9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Network |
| 7 | Oct. 22 | BYE | – | – |
| 8 | Oct. 29 | vs. Atlanta Falcons | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 9 | Nov. 2 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | 8:15 p.m. ET | Amazon Prime |
| 10 | Nov. 12 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 11 | Nov. 19 | at Jacksonville Jaguars | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 12 | Nov. 26 | vs. Carolina Panthers | 1 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 13 | Dec. 3 | vs. Indianapolis Colts | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 14 | Dec. 11 | at Miami Dolphins | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 15 | Dec. 17 | vs. Houston Texans | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 16 | Dec. 24 | vs. Seattle Seahawks | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 17 | Dec. 31 | at Houston Texans | 1 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 18 | Jan. 7* | vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | TBD | TBD |
Offseason Developments
During the offseason, the Titans focused on building for the future. The spotlight was on the quarterback position, which saw Ryan Tannehill, their main signal-caller for the past few seasons, facing potential replacement. The Titans drafted Will Levis with the 33rd overall pick in the second round, presenting a compelling quarterback conundrum alongside Tannehill and Malik Willis. The goal is clear – to inject fresh energy and dynamism into the offense, and to take some pressure off star running back Derrick Henry.
Another area of focus has been the defensive unit. Jeffery Simmons, the talented defensive end, remains a key piece of the Titans’ defensive puzzle. The team is banking on Simmons and other defensive stalwarts to step up and improve a unit that had struggled at times in the previous season.
Analysis of the Season
The 2023 season presents an intriguing set of challenges for the Titans. They find themselves in a transitional phase, with uncertainty at the quarterback position, an aging running back in Derrick Henry, and a defense that needs to step up its game. The season will be a true test of the team’s resilience and adaptability. It will also be a platform for young, promising talents to make their mark and cement their place in the team’s future.
Strength of Schedule
The strength of the Titans’ 2023 schedule stands somewhere between challenging and manageable. Based on the 2022 record and winning percentage of their 2023 opponents, the Titans have the fifth-easiest schedule in the NFL. However, this analysis might not capture the true rigor of the schedule. The Titans face tough away games against teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, and Cleveland Browns. They also have to confront strong teams at home, like the Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Key Matchups
Several games in the Titans’ 2023 schedule could have significant implications on their season. In Week 1, they travel to New Orleans to face a Saints team that is also navigating a transition at quarterback. This will be a chance for the Titans to set the tone for their season.
Here are the Key Matchups to look out for.
Titans vs. Saints (Week 1)
The Titans initiate their season with a crucial match-up against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints, amid a quarterback transition, maintain an adaptive offense that could test any defense. The Titans, to prevail, will need to leverage their revamped offensive squad and strengthened defense. This season opener could establish the rhythm for the Titans’ season and offer an essential early assessment of their playoff aspirations.
Titans vs. Ravens (Week 6)
Mid-season, the Titans will face off against their arch-rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, in an overseas showdown in London. The Ravens, known for their dynamic run game and staunch defense, can pose a significant hurdle. The Titans’ ability to neutralize the Ravens’ offense and simultaneously unlock their own offensive potential could be the key to victory. This international encounter could reignite their rivalry and serve as a litmus test for the Titans’ resilience and adaptability.
Titans vs. Colts (Week 5 & 13)
The Titans have two high-stakes battles against their divisional rivals, the Indianapolis Colts, in Week 5 and Week 13. The Colts, having demonstrated a balanced team, can challenge the Titans on multiple fronts. The Titans will need to optimize their offensive and defensive strategies to outpace the Colts. These inter-division clashes could play a pivotal role in determining the Titans’ place in the AFC South and provide key measures of their divisional dominance.
Titans vs. Jaguars (Week 18)
The Titans conclude their regular season with a potential playoff decider against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars, while in a rebuilding phase, carry an emerging offense that could trouble the Titans’ defense. To secure a victory, the Titans will have to leverage their seasoned players and fresh talents effectively. This season finale could either be a path into the playoffs or the end of the line for the Titans’ season, adding a potentially thrilling conclusion to their regular season journey.
Predicted Season Outcome
Given the Titans’ offseason changes and their strength of schedule, the predicted outcome for the Titans is a slightly improved but still challenging season with a projected win total of 7.5. There are too many variables at play, including the quarterback decision and the potential for Derrick Henry’s performance to decline, to confidently predict a strong rebound for the Titans. However, if they can successfully navigate their key matchups and capitalize on the more manageable games, the Titans could potentially exceed expectations.
Conclusion
The Tennessee Titans face a crucial 2023 season filled with uncertainties and opportunities. After a disappointing 2022 campaign, the team has made significant changes, particularly at the quarterback position, and will face a schedule that presents both challenges and opportunities. While there are many unknowns going into the season, one thing is certain – the Titans will be an intriguing team to watch as they seek to chart a new path forward.
FAQS
The Tennessee Titans will kick off their 2023 season on September 10 against the New Orleans Saints. The game will take place at 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS.
The Titans’ bye week falls on Week 7, which is the week starting October 22, 2023.
The Titans will be playing the Baltimore Ravens in London during Week 6. The game is scheduled for October 15, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. ET and will be broadcast on NFL Network.
The Titans have two prime time games in the 2023 season. They will play against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 2nd, 8:15 p.m. ET, broadcast on Amazon Prime. Later, they will also play against the Miami Dolphins on December 11th, 8:15 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN.
The Tennessee Titans will play their final game of the regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The date of the game is January 7, 2024, with the kickoff time to be determined. The game will be broadcast on a to-be-determined network.
The Titans have six divisional games in the 2023 season. They will play against the Indianapolis Colts (Week 5 and Week 13), Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 11 and Week 18), and the Houston Texans (Week 15 and Week 17).
Throughout his career, James has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including major sports networks and media outlets. He has written for television shows, news programs, and online platforms, and has a talent for crafting engaging stories that resonate with viewers.
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