After the Tennessee Titans’ schedule was revealed on May 11, experts from different media outlets have begun making predictions for what their record will be in 2023.
In my way-too-early game-by-game predictions, I have the Titans finishing with a 7-10 mark, which is fair considering the current state of Tennessee’s roster.
When we polled the fans, they were much more optimistic.
A total of 26.3 percent who voted believe Tennessee will finish with 10 wins. The most-voted-for choices after that were 11 wins (23.24%) and 12 or more wins (16.21%). Only 5.2 percent agreed with me on seven wins.
It’s certainly not out of the question for the Titans to finish with a better record than 7-10 and even win the division, but things will have to break right with injuries and players stepping up, which may be asking a lot.
Experts are just about as pessimistic as I am. Here’s a look at what they’re projecting for the Titans’ 2023 record.
Mike Clay and Erin Dolan, ESPN: Under 7.5 wins
Over/under: 7.5
Mike Clay’s projection: 6.6
Prediction: Under 7.5 wins (-135). The Titans seem to be in rebuild mode. Tennessee didn’t sign any big-name free agents this offseason. It already made some cuts by releasing certain veterans. Plus, there are questions surrounding QB Ryan Tannehill. The Titans catch a break by the mere fact that they are in the AFC South, but under 7.5 would be the play. — Erin Dolan
Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report: 6-11
The Tennessee Titans have the fifth-easiest schedule in the league this season. Despite this, they could still be in for a disappointing year.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is back for one last run, and the Titans still have Derrick Henry in the backfield. However, the offense isn’t balanced, and there’s no telling if Henry can stay healthy and productive after leading the league in carries in three of the past four seasons.
Defensively, the Titans are a mixed bag. They ranked first in run defense last season but were putrid against the pass—dead last in passing yards allowed and 27th in yards surrendered per attempt (6.6). Tennessee signed cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting in free agency but ignored its defense during the draft.
Standout safety Kevin Byard was also asked to take a pay cut and has not attended voluntary workouts this offseason, according to Nick Suss of The Tennessean.
The rest of the AFC South has gotten better, and it feels like the Titans have not. At some point, they’ll likely look to give Will Levis a shot at quarterback, and a slow start to the season could leave Henry—who will be a free agent in 2024—on the trade market.
Even with an easy schedule, the Titans could see their season quickly spiral.
Cynthia Frelund, NFL.com: Over 7.5 (8.1 wins)
The Titans are on the road from Week 9 through 11 (Steelers, Bucs, Jags), though they won’t have to travel too far for any of those matchups. Also, Jacksonville will be coming off a game against San Francisco before hosting Tennessee in Week 11, which had a more significant negative impact on the Jags’ win total than the Titans’ travel situation had on their tally.
Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated: 5-12
Analysis: The Titans aren’t expected to do much from a national perspective, but they’ll have chances to surprise while facing one of the league’s easiest slates. Tennessee gets four games against the Texans and Colts, along with four games against the middling NFC South.
For Tennessee, the biggest challenge will be the AFC North, along with second-place games against the Chargers and Dolphins in the AFC. If the Titans can split those six games, they will have a chance to fight their way into playoff contention late in the year.
Ben Arthur, FOX Sports: 8-9
Considering the state of the Titans’ offense and how their 2022 season ended (a seven-game losing streak), it’s surprising to see Mike Vrabel’s squad get two primetime games (TNF against the Steelers in Week 9, MNF against the Dolphins in Week 14). With both of them being on the road, that’s a tough draw for Tennessee.
An opposing strength of schedule that ranks 28th (based on 2022 record) is certainly a plus, though. A seven-game stretch early that includes Justin Herbert (Week 2), a potentially more comfortable Deshaun Watson in Year 2 with the Browns (Week 3), Joe Burrow (Week 4), Lamar Jackson (Week 6) and primetime in Pittsburgh (Week 9) could be too much for a team that might have difficulty scoring points.
Ian Valentino, Pro Football Network: 7-10
For as worried as I am about the lack of depth throughout the Tennessee Titans’ roster, they have a competent group of starters who have already proven they can help this team reach mediocrity. If Ryan Tannehill or Derrick Henry suffers a significant injury, then they’d ideally move toward selling off their assets and starting rookie quarterback Will Levis. But they may not have to do that at all this season.
Starting the year at New Orleans, against the Chargers, at Cleveland, then hosting the Bengals, is a doozy. Things ease up until the final five weeks of the season so there’s room for the Titans to once again be a surprising playoff contender if they can take care of business.
Will Brinson, CBS Sports: 6-11
Another massive wild card (the AFC South is full of them!): Tennessee will probably (?) have Derrick Henry on its roster and will maybe (?) be starting Ryan Tannehill ahead of Week 1. The Titans have a tough schedule and big questions. I’m admittedly scared to doubt Mike Vrabel.
