Titans vs. Jaguars - A Showdown of NFL Rivals

Jaguars Offense

The Jaguars offense has shown some strengths and weaknesses this season. Overall, they rank 28th in the league, with 25th-ranked rushing and passing performances. However, their scoring offense is a bit more consistent, sitting at 25th. Running back Travis Etienne is closing in on a significant milestone. He needs just 128 yards to pass Leonard Fournette (2,631) and move into fourth place on the franchise's career rushing list. He would then trail Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew, and James Stewart.

Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is also making a name for himself. He ranks third among rookies with 765 yards and has a remarkable 16.6 yards per catch, which leads all rookies. He is the only rookie with multiple 50-plus-yard receptions in 2024, showing great potential.

Jaguars Defense

The Jaguars defense has had a tougher time this season. Overall, they rank 32nd, with 24th-ranked rush defense and 32nd-ranked pass defense. Their scoring defense is also a concern, sitting at 31st. One player to watch on defense is DE Josh Hines-Allen. He is closing in on the franchise sack record, needing just 4½ more sacks to break the 55-sack record held by Tony Brackens. He has at least half a sack in four consecutive games against the Titans, who have given up 43 sacks in 2024.

Titans Offense

The Titans offense has its own set of strengths. Overall, they rank 29th, with 20th-ranked rushing and 30th-ranked passing. But their scoring offense is more competitive, sitting at 28th. Quarterback Will Levis is having a strong month in his second season. After sitting out three games with a sprained right throwing shoulder, he has thrown seven touchdown passes with only two interceptions. He has thrown for 960 yards with a 101.4 passer rating.

Wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has been a key contributor. He has eight touchdowns on just 20 receptions, a touchdown rate of 40% that ties him for first with Marc Boerigter of Kansas City in 2002 among players with 20 or more catches in a season since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger. Seven of his eight touchdown catches have come in his past eight games.

Titans Defense

The Titans defense has been a standout unit. Overall, they rank 2nd, with 16th-ranked rush defense and 2nd-ranked pass defense. Their scoring defense is also impressive, sitting at 27th. Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons had a career-high nine tackles last week, showing his dominance on the field. Linebacker Arden Key had 1 1/2 sacks, and cornerback Daryl Worley led the team with a career-high 17 tackles.

Key Matchup

The key matchup in this game is Titans QB Will Levis against a Jaguars defense that has struggled mightily against the pass. Levis is in great form, having thrown seven touchdown passes with only two interceptions in this span. He has thrown for 960 yards with a 101.4 passer rating. The Jaguars defense will need to step up to contain him.

Key Injuries

The Jaguars have some key injuries to contend with. CB Tyson Campbell (thigh), P Logan Cooke (knee), and LS Ross Matiscik (hamstring) missed practice Wednesday but are hoping to get healthy in time to play. The team signed a punter and a long snapper to the practice squad just in case. The Titans also have their share of injuries. CB Chido Awuzie (groin) was activated off injured reserve Saturday and should play for the first time since Sept. 22. CB Roger McCreary (shoulder), LB Kenneth Murray (hamstring), and DT T’Vondre Sweat (shoulder) did not practice all week and are questionable. CB Jarvis Brownlee (hip) is questionable after an injury Thursday that limited him at practice. The Titans also placed G Logan Bruss on injured reserve Saturday.

Series Notes

These two teams have a long history. They started playing each other 30 seasons ago when the Jaguars joined the NFL as an expansion team and have been division rivals ever since. The Titans swept all three games from the Jaguars in the 1999 season, including the AFC championship game for the franchise's lone Super Bowl berth. In recent years, the Titans have dominated the series, but the Jaguars ended a 10-game losing streak in Nashville with a 36-22 win in 2022. This game could have a big impact on the AFC South standings.

Fantasy Tip

Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo is a player to watch in fantasy football. The Jaguars have struggled to cover tight ends all season, and Levis has developed a good rhythm with Okonkwo. He had the longest catch of his career on a 70-yard touchdown on Nov. 24.