NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Armed with added talent on both sides of the ball, a manageable schedule and a weak division, the Tennessee Titans are in great position to score a two-game improvement over last season. Four of their first five games come against teams that made it to the playoffs last season, but the Titans made up significant ground on Oakland and Seattle and arguably surpassed Houston and Miami this offseason. If Marcus Mariota and the Titans' core contributors avoid serious injuries, Tennessee could wrap up its first AFC South title since 2008 a week or two early.
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 10 vs. Oakland Raiders, 1 p.m. ET
A battle between two of the AFC's up-and-coming heavyweights with talented young quarterbacks should be a fun start to the season. These teams met early last season, a 17-10 Titans loss, but Tennessee's new offensive weapons show their potential and take advantage of the Raiders' leaky secondary. Record: 1-0
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 17 at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET
The last time Marcus Mariota played in Jacksonville, he was carted out of EverBank Field with a broken right leg. Mariota puts on a show in his return using his legs and arms to blow out the Jaguars. Record: 2-0
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 24 vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET
After a strong start to the season, the Titans' hype train begins to leave the station, but they suffer their first loss when the Seahawks' Legion of Boom forces multiple second-half turnovers. Record: 2-1
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 1 at Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET
The Titans get their first look at newly named starter Deshaun Watson, who will be a tough rival for years to come. This matchup is less about the quarterbacks and more about a tight defensive battle as the defending AFC South champs prove they won't roll over. Record: 2-2
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 8 at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET
The mood in Nashville turns tense as the Titans are staring at a three-game losing streak if they lose at Miami. DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry combine for over 200 rushing yards to put Tennessee back on track. Record: 3-2
Week 6: Monday, Oct. 16 vs. Indianapolis Colts, 8:30 p.m. ET
Prime-time spotlight for a Titans team that is finally worth the attention. Andrew Luck is starting to get on a roll, but he's outplayed by Mariota and the Titans' offense. Tennessee finally gets over its Colts struggles after losing 11 straight in this matchup. Record: 4-2
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 22 at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET
The Titans, riding the high of a big win over the Colts, come out sluggish and fall behind the Browns by double-digits. An Adoree' Jackson punt-return touchdown changes the tide and allows the Titans to squeak out an ugly win. Record: 5-2
Week 8: Bye week.
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET
A midseason bye comes at the perfect time and so does a slumping Ravens team who can't seem to find good footing on this rainy Nashville day. Tennessee's offensive line shows its prowess, paving the way for Murray and Henry to run wild. Record: 6-2
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 12 vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET
The Titans have been playing their best football since early October and lean on their defensive front to extend the winning streak to five. Brian Orakpo, Jurrell Casey and Derrick Morgan feast for six sacks against the Bengals' offensive line. Record: 7-2
Week 11: Thursday, Nov. 16 at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:25 p.m. ET
A road Thursday night game coming off back-to-back AFC North wins seems like a recipe for disaster. Le'Veon Bell runs wild on a fatigued Titans front for a low-scoring Steelers win. Maybe a January rematch is looming. Record: 7-3
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 26 at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET
Entering the season, the Titans haven't beat the Colts since 2011 and haven't swept them since 2002 -- one of two ain't bad. Luck hits T.Y. Hilton for two deep touchdowns over Logan Ryan and Jackson to make the division race a little tighter. Record: 7-4
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 3 vs. Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET
A second two-game losing streak has the Titans on the brink of coughing up their AFC South lead, but they benefit from catching the Texans on a short week. Tennessee learns its lesson about division struggles and avoids being swept by any of their three rivals. Record: 8-4
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 10 at Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. ET
On the front end of a two-game West Coast road trip, the Titans get caught by a hot Cardinals team hunting for a playoff spot. Carson Palmer finds David Johnson across the middle of the field for several big plays that make the difference. Record: 8-5
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 17 at San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ET
San Francisco is eyeing a top-five draft pick, and the Niners look like they might get it as the Titans jump ahead early then let Murray and Henry take it home. The Titans ensure themselves of at least a share of the AFC South crown with the win. Record: 9-5
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 24 vs. Los Angeles Rams, 1 p.m. ET
And there it is, a Christmas Eve party as the Titans clinch the outright AFC South title a week early. Corey Davis has his best game of the season putting up 150 yards and two touchdowns on an injured Rams secondary. Record: 10-5
Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 31 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET
A Titans playoff berth is already locked up, but they still fight hard for seeding because an outside shot at a first-round bye is still up for grabs. Chad Henne, replacing the benched Blake Bortles, throws three interceptions as the Titans achieve the sweep over the Jaguars. Record: 11-5