The Tennessee Titans are ranked No. 20 in ESPN's preseason Football Power Index. Here's everything you need to know about the Titans heading into the 2019 NFL season:
The big question: Can the Titans' offense do enough to make the playoffs?
First-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has to figure out a way to make the Titans a balanced attack that can win shootouts or grind it out, depending on the opponent. The Titans invested heavily to set up the offense for a productive season. Their success comes down to three things: The offensive line keeping QB Marcus Mariota upright, Mariota's ability to distribute the ball and RB Derrick Henry's effectiveness. -- Turron Davenport
Offseason in a nutshell
The Titans made a strong push to improve their offense. The two biggest free-agent moves included agreeing to a four-year, $44 million contract with left guard Rodger Saffold and a four-year, $36 million contract for wideout Adam Humphries. Tennessee also used a second-round pick on receiver A.J. Brown and a third-round pick on guard Nate Davis. GM Jon Robinson wants to get a clear evaluation of Mariota, who is playing under the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. Robinson also traded for former Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who was brought in to be an insurance option just in case Mariota gets injured or doesn't perform. -- Davenport
Inside the Titans' schedule
Most important game: The Titans' Week 2 matchup against the Colts could be a tone-setter for the season, and sending a message with a convincing win in their first game against an AFC South opponent would be a huge boost. Andrew Luck's 11-0 record against the Titans is out the window with his retirement, and the Titans have a 12-4 record at Nissan Stadium in the past two seasons. The offense needs to give the fans a show in the home opener.
Toughest stretch: Weeks 13-17. A road trip to Oakland, two games against their AFC South Division rival Texans, and a tough matchup with the Saints will be a tall order for the Titans to close the season. The defense will get tested by the Raiders' and Saints' offenses. And facing a division rival -- and the defending AFC South champs -- twice in four weeks is a difficult task, especially with a playoff bid possibly at stake.
Over or under 7.8 wins? Over. Tennessee will surpass that on the strength of a defense that will keep them in most games. The physical brand of football coach Mike Vrabel stresses gives the Titans a favorable chance win road games. With a stout defense and punishing rushing attack, the Titans are built to make a strong push down the stretch. -- Davenport
Schedule ranking: No. 17
Here's another team that generally drew its hardest out-of-division opponents at home. The Chargers, Chiefs and Saints, all ranked among Football Outsiders' top five teams entering 2019, will all come to Nissan Stadium during the 2019 season. The Titans will have to play the hardest stretch of their schedule, with three road games, without left tackle Taylor Lewan, who is suspended for the first four games of the season. Also of note: Tennessee plays four of its six divisional games after its Week 11 bye, including Houston in two of the final three games of the season. -- Football Outsiders | See the full 1-32 ranking
Breakout fantasy star: WR A.J. Brown
Brown was selected by the Titans with the 51st overall pick in April's draft. The Ole Miss product figures to begin his pro career behind Corey Davis and Adam Humphries in targets, but it might not take the quick and versatile Brown long to work his way up the depth chart. Tennessee's run-first scheme is a red flag, but don't be surprised if 6-foot, 226-pound Brown emerges as one of Mariota's top targets at some point during the season. -- Mike Clay | More fantasy coverage
The view from Vegas
Super Bowl odds: 50-1 (opened 75-1)
Over/under: 7.5 (O -145/U +125)
Playoff odds: Yes +190, No -230
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook as of Sept. 2.
Most interesting player prop
Over/under 18.5 touchdown passes for Marcus Mariota:
Davenport: Over. Mariota has thrown for 19 or more touchdowns twice in his four-year career, and the additions of A.J. Brown and Adam Humphries -- along with the return of tight end Delanie Walker -- will allow the Titans to spread the field horizontally.
Bold prediction: Walker will reach 1,000 again
Walker will reach 90 catches and 1,000 receiving yards in 2019. Mariota is most comfortable throwing to Walker, who has averaged 71.2 receptions and 831.2 yards per season since the two started playing together in 2015. Walker is on a mission to prove that at 35 years old, he is still capable of being the NFL's best tight end. -- Davenport
Speed reads before the opener
Davenport: Titans Jeffery Simmons learns from Jurrell Casey as he rehabs
NFL Nation: NFL Preseason Power Rankings: Who's on the hot seat entering 2019?
Davenport: After 343 days, Titans TE Delanie Walker is back and fueled by doubters
Davenport: How Derrick Henry can carry last year's fantastic finish over to 2019