Locked On Titans - Daily Podcast On The Tennessee Titans - Tennessee Titans WILL WIN AFC South, Taking Care of Business v NFL Worst & Playoff Win Expectations

Starting point is 00:00:00 the Tennessee Titans will win the AFC South. And I think the Tennessee Titans also win a playoff game in 2023. I'm going to do my official record prediction on today's edition of the Locked on Titans podcast. Let's get it. You are Locked on Titans, your daily Tennessee Titans podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Welcome to the Locked on Titans podcast.

Starting point is 00:00:51 I am your host, Tyler Rowland. Titans fans, it is officially game week, and that means it's time for me to officially put down my final record prediction for the Titans. I'm going to go game by game through the schedule, tell you the games I think the Titans win, tell you the games I think the Titans lose, how their season ends up, and of course, how I think they will win the AFC South and win a playoff game this year. Before we get into it, I want to thank you guys for making the Locked on Titans podcast your first listen each and every day. Remember, Monday through Friday, Tennessee Titans content all year long on all apps and always for free. You're not going to beat that anywhere else.

Starting point is 00:01:29 So make sure that you get subscribed. Stay subscribed to the Locked on Titans podcast, part of the Locked on Podcast Network, where it's your team every day. Speaking of every day, shout out to my everydayers out there. I get a great week of shows ahead. We're going to do some statistical predictions on tomorrow's show. We're going to do some superlatives like Team MVP,

Starting point is 00:01:51 Defensive Player of the Year, all that later this week. Thursday is Crossover Thursday, and Ross Jackson from Locked On Saints will be here to help us start our preview. And then Friday is Game Plan Friday, where I tell you guys exactly what the Titans have to do schematically from a team perspective and an individual perspective to win their game that week, of course, this week against the New Orleans Saints. But with all that being said, make sure you throw a thumbs up on the video. The show's always free. All I ask for in return

Starting point is 00:02:19 is the press of a button. But week one against the New Orleans Saints. The Titans have struggled in week one against NFC teams the last two years. They lose big to the Cardinals in week one. Then they lose to the Giants last year. Will the Titans be able to buck that trend? I think they will. Now, I think one of the things that does scare me here, and we'll talk about it more throughout the week, is the New Orleans Saints defensive line is very good.

Starting point is 00:02:45 And the Titans offensive line might be their biggest weakness. So that could be a game-wrecking situation, like we saw with Arizona's pass rush in 2021 when Chandler Jones put the clown suit on Taylor LeJuan with five sacks. Okay, so we could have a situation like that going on with Cam Jordan against Chris Hubbard. You know what I mean? Even Andre Dillard at this point, no answers there.

Starting point is 00:03:06 So that does worry me. But I don't think the Saints have enough on offense. I like what the Titans have on offense in this game, especially if Traylon Burks plays. But with no Alvin Kamara, Derek Carr in his first week with a new team, I'm going to give the Titans the win to open the season down in New Orleans. All right? 1-0. Then we move to give the Titans the win to open the season down in New Orleans. All right? 1-0. Then we move to week two against the Chargers. The Titans are at home in this game.

Starting point is 00:03:30 It's their home opener. But I'm sorry, guys. Justin Herbert is a force. I think that the Chargers will be healthier early in the year, and I think they have a lot of talent on their defense to make it tough on the Titans. I think the Titans lose that game against the Chargers in week two, but I could see the Titans winning it. If you ranked all of these on a confidence scale, that's not one I'm more confident in. I could absolutely see the Titans winning that game at home against the Chargers if they make it tough for Herbert, but right now I'm going to call that a loss. Week three at the Browns in Cleveland. The last time the Titans played in Cleveland, I was there in the building and the Titans smoked the Browns.

Starting point is 00:04:05 It was fantastic. I was with two of my friends who are Browns fans. It was a great moment watching everybody go out of the stadium in the middle of the fourth quarter as the Titans were just absolutely dust in the Browns. It was great. But I don't think that's going to happen this year. I'm higher on the Cleveland Browns than general consensus.

Starting point is 00:04:22 I know a lot of you guys down in the comments will be telling me that I'm getting this one wrong. And let me know down in the comments where you agree with me, where you disagree with me on how I think these games are going to go. But I love the Cleveland Browns pass rush this year, especially on the edges.

Starting point is 00:04:34 I mean, Miles Garrett against Chris Hubbard, Miles Garrett against Andre Dillard. It's going to be a disaster in my opinion there. I think the Browns are going to get a better version of Deshaun Watson this year. I think they're going to be a competitive team to the end of the season. I think the Titans lose that game against the Browns are going to get a better version of Deshaun Watson this year. I think they're going to be a competitive team to the end of the season. I think the Titans lose that game against the Browns in Cleveland. Moving to week four.

Starting point is 00:04:52 So right now I have the Titans at one and two, beating the Saints, losing the Chargers, losing at Browns. Then the Titans play the Bengals at home in week four. I'm not going to spend a lot of time here. Joe Burrow's healthy. The Titans cannot beat that man. He owns them. It's just the facts. The Titans have never beaten Joe Burrow ever. And I don't think it's starting in week four this year. Would be cool, but I'm not betting on that. So that's going to be a loss. So I have the Titans starting one in three. Really tough start

Starting point is 00:05:20 to the season. But then they go week five. They're at the Indianapolis Colts. I just don't see Mike Vrabel didn't lose to the Colts when they had an experienced coach with more experienced quarterbacks. They're not losing to Anthony Richardson and Shane Striking in week five. Even if it's in Indianapolis. I don't see that happening. I'm probably going to be at that game, honestly. But no way.

Starting point is 00:05:44 I'm giving the Titans a win there, moving them to 2-3 on the year. Then the Titans travel across the pond to London to play the Baltimore Ravens. And look, the Ravens, I think, are going to be majorly improved. They got a brand new offense. So maybe the point I'm about to make isn't as valid as it could be. But I think Mike Vrabel always has a great game plan for the Ravens. I don't believe in the Ravens' defense or their pass rush to take advantage of the Titans the way that they could. I think the Titans win that game in London. King Henry is the

Starting point is 00:06:17 king of England as well, but I have the Titans moving to 3-3 after the first six weeks of the year. It's a tough stretch to start the season, some difficult games in there, but if the Titans moving to 3-3 after the first six weeks of the year. It's a tough stretch to start the season. Some difficult games in there. But if the Titans got out of it and went to their bye in week seven at 3-3, I think with the back half of the schedule and what it looks like, that would be huge. And honestly, I can see the Titans going 4-2 in this stretch. If the Titans go 4-2 in this stretch in the first weeks of the season,

Starting point is 00:06:42 first six weeks, the Titans are 4-2, we're looking at a chance at the number one seed in the AFC. I don't expect that. I think 3-3, maybe even 2-4, but it's all possible. It's all possible, but I'm going to go with 3-3. With that being said, though, we got to talk about the rest of the schedule, and the next stretch is where the Titans really need to handle their business before they have a tough stretch at the end of the year with some division opponents. But before we get into that, do want to let you guys know

Starting point is 00:07:11 today's episode is brought to you by Underdog Fantasy. Fantasy season and football season kicks off for real, for real. Well, I guess fantasy season has started before, but football season kicks off this Thursday and there is no better way to get in on the action than with underdog fantasy and their pick them game. All you got to do is pick two to five players and select whether they're going to go higher or go lower than one of their stats. So they're going to have a stat projection. Let's say Derrick Henry, 95 and a half rushing yards. You pick Derrick Henry and decide, is he going to go higher or lower than that 95 and a half rushing yard mark? And then do what you normally do when kickoff happens. Watch the game. You can win up to 20 times your money in a single game. If you go

Starting point is 00:08:01 five for five, it's a fantasy game, but you can win real money. It's legal in over 30 states, and it is a ton of fun. If you want to build your dream team today, head over to their easy to use mobile app or website underdogfantasy.com. When you sign up with the promo code LOCKEDON, that's one word, LOCKEDON, not only

Starting point is 00:08:20 will Underdog double your first deposit up to $100, but they also have a Pick'Em special live right now in their Pick'Em lobby. Patrick Mahomes has to get just one yard for your pick to be correct. They're giving it away to you, folks. Remember, Underdog Fantasy. Sign up with promo code LOCKEDON. Use the link in the description or scan the QR code if you're watching this on YouTube.

Starting point is 00:09:12 Titans fans, let's continue today's official regular season record prediction episode of the Locked on Titans podcast. Just went through the first six weeks. I got the Titans at three and three. We're going to move forward to about the next six weeks in a stretch where the Titans really need to take care of their business. Quite honestly, before we get into it, you want to thank you guys again for making the Locked on Titans podcast your first listen every day. Now, want to let you guys know,

Starting point is 00:09:31 the Locked on Ultimate NFL Season Preview is here. The seven-episode extravaganza brings opinions, analysis, plenty of debate from all 32 of our Locked on NFL hosts, including me, of course, with added insight from all 32 of our Locked On NFL hosts, including me, of course, with added insight from our national experts. It's a can't-miss series before the season kicks off. Catch every episode on Locked On NFL on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. But diving right back into the schedule here, the Titans sit at 3-3.

Starting point is 00:10:03 They just went to London. They're on a bye in week seven. They come out week eight against the Atlanta Falcons. They're winning that game. The Titans are better than Atlanta, and there is no way in my mind that Mike Vrabel has let Arthur Smith beat him. Not happening. Sorry. I refuse to believe that Mike Vrabel is going to lose to Arthur Smith. I love Art. I'm a big fan of Arthur Smith. But Mike Vrabel is just an alpha in that way.

Starting point is 00:10:31 I'm sorry. I just can't buy that. And I think the Titans are a much better team than the Falcons. Pretty simple for me. That's a win. Come off your bye as well. The advantage of that, that's a win for the Titans to start this thing off right. The next game is an X-factor game, I think.

Starting point is 00:10:46 This is a game that will determine again whether the Titans are good, great. This is a big one, and it's at the Steelers. The Titans seem to never play well in Pittsburgh. And again, my feelings about the AFC North, I think all of those teams are incredibly competitive. I really do. I think the Steelers defense is going to be tough. Who is blocking TJ Watt? Who's blocking Alex Highsmith? I mean, you're telling me that the Titans are going to play the Steelers and Minka Fitzpatrick isn't going to pick off Ryan Tannehill. All of the best safeties in the NFL pick off Ryan Tannehill. They do. He's

Starting point is 00:11:29 predictable. Okay. So I see that game as a turnover game. Titans have about two or three turnovers and lose to Pittsburgh like 28-17, 28-13. The Titans just never play well in Pittsburgh. So I got them losing that game. So I got the Titans at 4-4 right now overall. Then a big stretch. They need to win some ball games and starting with the Buccaneers. Titans are at Tampa

Starting point is 00:11:55 Bay. But again, this game, this game is in November. It's not as hot as it could be early in the season in Florida. I think the Bucs are going to be tanking. This is a win for the Titans. So I got the Titans moving to five and four now.

Starting point is 00:12:12 And then we get into a really big game. Some of you guys are going to disagree with me. Remember, put your comments down below. Do you agree, disagree with how I'm seeing the season play out? Each individual game, let me know. But then the Titans are at Jacksonville. So two weeks in a row playing on the road in Florida. They're at Jacksonville. And look, guys, I think the Titans, I said it at the top,

Starting point is 00:12:35 I think the Titans win the division this year. I think the Titans win a playoff game. But I think the Titans lose to Jacksonville at least once. Jacksonville's too good of a team for the Titans not to at least lose once. I'm sorry, but I think that Jacksonville's a really good team. I still think the Titans will beat them out for the division, but the Titans aren't just going to sweep them this year. I don't believe that.

Starting point is 00:12:59 So I think the Titans lose that first game against Jacksonville. Jacksonville, I think that's a loss. So now I have the Titans at five and five. And then they play home against Carolina. Carolina, I think, will be one of the worst teams in the league. That's a win. Then the Titans play their home game against the Colts. Again, no way Mike Rabel is in that game.

Starting point is 00:13:22 Win. So that's two wins in a row. So now I have the Titans at seven and five. Okay. And this seems in my opinion, very realistic for where they could be seven and five. You got five games left down the stretch. All right. And, and look, this, this section right here, tough game on the road against the Steelers. Tough game on the road against Jacksonville. That's why I called it handle your business, taking care of your business.

Starting point is 00:13:50 Because the Falcons, the Buccaneers, Carolina, the Colts, those might be four of the worst eight, nine teams in the NFL this year. If the Titans don't beat all those teams, it could be tough. It could get ugly. You know what I mean? But I think,

Starting point is 00:14:12 I think that they'll handle their business. I really do. I think they're a superior team. And when you have the dominance of the defense, that's going to carry them through this section even if the offense isn't looking good. Falcons, Buccaneers,

Starting point is 00:14:24 Panthers, Colts. Got to win those games. And if they find a way to either beat Pittsburgh or Jacksonville in that stretch, so I got the Titans going four and two in this stretch. They go five and one in this stretch. Again, now we're talking about the potential to get 13 wins and maybe be a number one seed in the AFC.

Starting point is 00:14:42 Like that's where it could go if they win some of the more difficult games that they have on their schedule. Will they do that? I don't know. Again, you guys let me know down below how you're thinking about what my predictions are so far. I have the Titans at seven and five going in the last five weeks of their schedule,

Starting point is 00:14:58 going from a one and three start, bouncing back all the way to seven and five. That would be pretty impressive. And I think they're going to keep that momentum throughout the rest of the season and even into the playoffs. But before we talk about the last few games on the schedule, do you want to let you guys know that today's episode is brought to you by eBay motors, our partners at eBay motors have teamed up with locked on fantasy football

Starting point is 00:15:24 host, Vinny Iyer, to bring you some of the best fantasy picks each week, all season long. Whether you're prepping for a draft or scouting the waiver wire, every week, we're going to provide you with players that are guaranteed to fit on your fantasy roster. So with draft prep underway for the upcoming season, let's see who Vinny has picked out for us on this week's eBay's Guaranteed

Starting point is 00:15:46 Fit Fantasy Picks of the Week. Are you looking for a player to take in fantasy football drafts who will spark his new team's offense and also help speed you to victory? Then use a luxury pick on Bears wide receiver DJ Moore.

Starting point is 00:16:01 It didn't take long for the former Panther to go from 0-60 after his big trade cruising into an easy role as Justin Fields' new go-to guy. Moore was fine in Chicago, but he will, or Carolina, my mistake, but he will perform even better in Chicago. Exactly. With the new young quarterback, Justin Fields. Vinny Iyer from Locked On Fantasy Football is going to help you win your fantasy championship.

Starting point is 00:16:24 And eBay Motors knows a championship team is about each player being a perfect fit because it's the same with your vehicle. With eBay's guaranteed fit and over 122 million parts and accessories right at your fingertips, you can make sure that your ride stays running smoothly. Air filters, brakes, batteries, taillights, alternators,

Starting point is 00:16:43 shock struts, you name it. eBay Motors has it. And don't make sure it's the right fit for your car because eBay Guaranteed Fit helps you understand exactly what part you need for your vehicle the first time. Go forth, switch gears, crank the AC, say goodbye to sweating if your ride needs a little fixing up because now you know that you'll always be set up for success from the get-go with eBay Guaranteed Fit.

Starting point is 00:17:07 Everything your vehicle needs is just a click away. For the parts and accessories that fit your vehicle, just look for the green checkmark. Get the right parts, the right fit, the right prices at ebaymotors.com. Let's ride eBay Guaranteed Fit. Only available for U.S. customers. Eligible items apply. Exclusions apply as well. Titans fans, let's cap off today's official record prediction edition of the Locked on Titans podcast.

Starting point is 00:17:54 I went through a ton of games already. The first 12 games of the year, I have the Titans at 7-5 through their two first segments of the season. A must win in week one, in my opinion, for the Titans with a tough six games to start the year. They got to take care of their business against teams that they're better than in the second segment. And then in the final stretch, it's all about AFC South supremacy.

Starting point is 00:18:20 Before I get into it, I do want to thank you guys again for making the Locked on Titans podcast your first listen each and every day. Remember, Monday through Friday, Tennessee Titans content all year round, always for free. I go live after every game. I have a 10-minute live session after the game. I put up a 30-minute full recap later that night on Sunday night as well. So much content coming for you guys, always for free. Make sure you hit the like button, hit the notification bell,

Starting point is 00:18:45 and most importantly, get subscribed. We're going into the final stretch. The Titans, 7-5, head down to Miami, take on the Dolphins. And this is great for the Titans. Because instead of playing the South Florida team early in the season, which, like, if you remember the massacre in Miami, week one, 2018, I wasn't even covering the team then, but my God, that was devastating. Taylor LeJuan gets knocked out.

Starting point is 00:19:15 Delaney Walker snaps an ankle. The game is eight hours long. Marcus hurts his elbow. I mean, what a disaster. Well, now the Titans get to play the Dolphins in December and I am no weatherman, just like I am no doctor. I am no lawyer, but I can tell you it's probably going to be colder, well, colder, less warm, probably the way to say it, in Miami in December than it is September. So the fact that the Titans got to play the Dolphins in Miami in December,

Starting point is 00:19:48 that's big. That's big. Much rather do that than play them early in the season. So love that. And with that being said, I'm sorry. I'm not a believer in Tua. He had a pretty good season last year. I'm going to need to see more.

Starting point is 00:20:02 Also, last time the Titans played the Dolphins and Tua, what was it? 34-3? The end of 2021? Yeah. Not a believer in Tua. So, gonna say the Titans beat the Dolphins. Feel pretty

Starting point is 00:20:21 good about that one, quite honestly. But that would make the Titans 8-5. And then, day of the game at home against the Houstonphins. Feel pretty good about that one, quite honestly. But that would make the Titans 8-5. And then, they have a game at home against the Houston Texans. And I know a lot of you guys are going to disagree with me. That's fine.

Starting point is 00:20:38 I think the Titans lose one game to the Texans this year. I think the Texans will be improved. I like C. like CJ Stroud. They'll be healthier on the offensive line later in the season. I know that they're not going to be a great team. I don't expect them to be a playoff team,

Starting point is 00:20:53 but I think Houston will be better this year than they were last year. I think they can win six or seven games this year. And I think that I could see the Titans after going on a 5-2 stretch on the road in Miami. You come home from Miami. It's December.

Starting point is 00:21:14 You've won five out of your last seven. Maybe you don't take the Texans as seriously as you should. A little bit. It's a trap game. That's what it is. It's a trap game, in my opinion. And we know that the Titans are going to lose at least one game every year

Starting point is 00:21:31 that they shouldn't lose, maybe more, against an opponent that they should beat. Lost to the Texans last year. I'm just saying it happens. It happens. And I think that this home game against the Texans where they're wearing the Houston uniforms, just saying it happens. It happens. And I think that this home game against the Texans where they're wearing the Houston uniforms, that's just a storyline that I simply can't ignore.

Starting point is 00:21:54 That the Texans get revenge on the Titans for wearing the Houston uniforms, trap game, sleeper game. It's kind of that game the Texans win where it's like we are moving in the right direction. D'Amico Ryans is the right coach. C.J. Stroud is the right player. I think that might be the narrative coming out of that game. So I think the Titans lose one game to the Texans, and I'm going to say that they lose a trap game after a big, long stretch of good football to the Texans at home.

Starting point is 00:22:20 And then they play the very next game on Christmas Eve against the Seattle Seahawks and the Titans win that game against the Seahawks. I think the Titans are a better team than the Seahawks. I believe that. So, now, we have the Titans at 8-5. They take one on the chin,

Starting point is 00:22:39 lose to the Texans in a trap game, 8-6, then respawn with a win over the Seahawks. That's 9-6. Then respawn with a win over the Seahawks. That's 9-6. Then, they get revenge. At Houston, Week 17,

Starting point is 00:22:55 they're not losing both games to Houston. They're going to be ready. They're not going to be taking them easy. The trap game woke them up, and the Titans beat the Texans there, which leaves the Titans at 10-6, going into a final week matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. I think that this game will decide the division.

Starting point is 00:23:14 I think Jacksonville will be 9-7 or 10-6 themselves. Titans will be 10-6, and this game will decide who wins the division. I think the loser makes the playoffs still as a wildcard team, though. But, the Titans, hopefully, healthier than last year, go into Jacksonville and win in Week 18 like they should have last year as well. If Brian Tannehill plays that game last year, the Titans win. They're going to go into Jacksonville and take it back.

Starting point is 00:23:49 This is ours. Well, it's at home, but they are going to take it away from Jacksonville. One-on-one, mano-a-mano, me versus you, division on the line. The Titans are winning that game. 100% winning that game, And they would have won last year, even with all the injuries, if just Ryan Tannehill was playing in the game. The Titans are taking the AFC South

Starting point is 00:24:14 back. I cannot wait for that game. Season could take its time, though. Want to enjoy it and soak it in, but man, we know that's going to be the battle for it. I can't wait. With that being said, though, Titans man, we know, we know that's going to be the battle for it. And I can't wait. With that being said though, Titans go 11 and six first in the AFC South. And I think they either beat Baltimore or Jacksonville or the jetsgers, or the Jets.

Starting point is 00:24:48 And I think at that time, they'd win that game. I think the Titans lose the next week in the divisional round to Cincinnati, Kansas City, maybe somebody like Buffalo. I think the Titans could even beat Buffalo. Like if the Titans went to the AFC Championship, they beat one of the teams I just mentioned in the wildcard round. They beat Buffalo in the division round, and then they go to the AFC championship.

Starting point is 00:25:11 That's the way I would see it happening. But I'm going to say the Titans win a playoff game and of course win the AFC South on their way to do it. That is my official prediction. 11 and 6. Let me know how you guys feel. Where will the Titans finish? What will their record be?

Starting point is 00:25:25 What's their final outcome of the year? Those are mine. More predictions. More predictions coming in the next two days. I'm going to do some over-unders on some Titans stats, according to FanDuel, and then do some superlatives, and it's crossover Thursday.

Starting point is 00:25:40 But that's going to do it for me today, folks. As always, I am your host, Tyler Rowland, and this was Locked on Titan.

Locked On Titans - Daily Podcast On The Tennessee Titans - Tennessee Titans WILL WIN AFC South, Taking Care of Business v NFL Worst & Playoff Win Expectations

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.