Titans to Host Chiefs in Matchup of Two Teams Already Eliminated from Playoff Contention
The Tennessee Titans were eliminated from playoff contention a while ago. The Kansas City Chiefs were just eliminated last week, in a demoralizing home loss to their division rivals, the LA Chargers.
The Chiefs have lost their last three games and five of their last six.
On top of that, they lost Patrick Mahomes to a torn ACL in the Chargers game.
While the Chiefs were not expected to have a season like this, the Titans were, or at least it is not a huge surprise that they are 2-12, considering how many young players have been chosen or forced to play throughout the season.
Now, these two teams face off in Week 16 in Nashville, where, surprisingly, the Titans probably have more positive vibes and momentum than the Chiefs do.
Imagine hearing that at the start of the season.
Yes, the Titans were blasted by the San Francisco 49ers and suffered a multitude of injuries. Still, the run game and offensive line are improving, and a couple of weeks ago, the Titans went into Cleveland and pulled out a win, neutralizing Myles Garrett.
Cam Ward has put together a couple of positive performances and was not sacked once against the 49ers. Tony Pollard is heating up behind a reinvigorated offensive line, and the rookie pass catchers are holding their own.
The Titans’ defense struggled against the 49ers, and if Patrick Mahomes were healthy, it’s unlikely this game would have been close. But the Titans will now face veteran backup Gardner Minshew instead.
Minshew had his first pass attempts of the season against the Chargers, and went 3/5 for 22 yards and an interception.
The Chiefs’ running game has also been struggling recently, with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt combining for less than 100 yards in the last three games.
As surprising as it may seem, the Titans have a decent shot at victory on Sunday.
Prediction
The Chiefs still have playmakers on offense and a capable defense. The Titans have several players who are questionable for the game with injuries. With or without those players, the Titans have struggled defensively for much of the season. Their offense has often had to play catch-up, as it did last week against the Niners.
But, with that being said, the Titans are due a win at home this season. They are 0-7 in Nashville this year. With games against the Chiefs and Saints coming up, the Titans can get a win or two in front of the home crowd before the season ends.
The Chiefs are 1-5 on the road this season and are reeling after their playoff hopes and Patrick Mahomes’ season were extinguished in front of their home crowd last week.
The Titans have kept most games close, and against a rusty Gardner Minshew, they should be able to do the same this week. Who knows, maybe they’ll even pull out a win.
Titans 21, Chiefs 20