The Tennessee Titans playoff scenarios are becoming slim as they continue to lose games. It has been a rougher start to 2022 than what someone would expect from the AFC’s top seed in the playoffs a season ago. The Titans currently have a record of 0-2 as they stare down a revamped Raiders team they will be matching up against Sunday at 1:00 (EST). Just over two weeks into the season and the Titans are already being counted out of any playoff conversation there is to have. While chances have greatly decreased since the start of the season, there is still hope for the Titans to quickly turn this season around and make a push back into playoff contention.
New Look Roster
It would be expected that the Titans have similar success as they did a season ago being the reigning 2021 AFC regular season champs. As that is still very possible, the Titans roster on both sides has overall become weaker from 2021 to 2022. A key loss on offense were young phenom wide receiver AJ Brown. As well as veteran wide out Julio Jones and all-pro guard Rodger Saffold III. Two key losses on the defense were both of the team’s starting inside linebackers Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans. Due to cap limitations the Titans were unable to fill these voids with players of the same caliber. Obviously this would cause the overall talent of the roster to decrease.
Losing NOT an Option
Losing this game as the Titans cannot be an option. Dropping three straight games to start the season in the highly talented National Football League majorly impact the Titans playoff scenarios still possible. That in mind there are three major reasons this weekend is MUST WIN for the Tennessee Titans.
Chance of a Playoff Bid
Since 1990, 265 teams have begun the season 0-2. Only 30 of those teams made it to the playoffs which is approximately 11%, not good odds. Since 2002, 98 teams have started the season 0-3. Only one of those teams (2018 Texans) made the playoffs. If the Titans were to lose this game and move to 0-3 it would statistically make it near impossible to be in contention for a playoff spot.
Upcoming Schedule
As the former top seed in the AFC it should be expected the following season’s schedule will be tough. This is the case for Tennessee. The only problem is losses are coming in the “easy” stretch of the schedule for the Titans. With Buffalo being in the past, the following six weeks should not be near as tough. Featuring the arguable hardest opponent of the stretch Raiders. Then sailing becomes a little easier. Two matchups with the so far struggling Colts team. Commanders and Texans mixed between. After week eight is where it gets tough. Chiefs, Broncos, Packers, Bengals and Eagles are what await the Titans in weeks 9-13. As well as a matchup with the Chargers and Cowboys near the end of the season. Seeing the schedule ahead, the Titans need to figure out how to WIN NOW if they still want a shot at the playoffs.
Talent Filled AFC
Thirdly, The AFC conference as a whole is loaded with more talent than it knows what to do with. With teams such as the Dolphins, Bills, Chiefs and Chargers all being considered early season locks for the playoffs. On paper the Titans would not be considered a playoff team in this stacked conference. Which means they will need to play a near perfect season the rest of the way if they want a solid playoff chance.
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