No one thought Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans would have even a modicum of success in his rookie year, as evidenced by Tennessee being underdogs in all 17 games (even the Jets and Giants were laying points in multiple games). Lack of talent and lack of veterans painted a clear picture detailing a long-term rebuild.
Despite being favored in only nine of 51 games since 2023, the Titans are an abysmal 16-35 ATS in that span. The tide may be turning in Nashville, however, as head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll look to make headway following underwhelming output as head coaches in New York. A new-look offense is now projected to be favored in Week 1! (Yeah, it's against the Jets ... but it still counts) -- Kevin Pulsifer
Note: Odds by DK Sports
and subject to change.
2026 outlook: Improvements should be noticeable
I'm buying the competency of Saleh and Daboll in Tennessee. The Titans spent a ton of money in free agency, which significantly raises the team's floor. They'll have far fewer liabilities in the secondary following the additions of Cor'dale Flott and Alontae Taylor, and the pass rush should benefit from Saleh's attack-oriented defensive philosophy.
Ward was not much of a scrambler as a rookie, but expect Daboll to involve Ward's legs in the running game to again raise the floor of the offense. Tennessee may lack the overall star power of a true Year 1 riser, but there's more peak talent here (Peter Skoronski, Jeffery Simmons) than folks realize. Saleh is a great Coach of the Year look. -- Ben Solak
Best bet: Carnell Tate 6+ receiving touchdowns (+170)
Tate might end up splitting time with Wan'dale Robinson as the Titans' WR1, but there's no doubt who is better suited for red zone work. Tate is built like a traditional X receiver, with great height and length, and his best trait in college was how well he caught balls away from his frame and through contact. Tate also has big-play ability and can score from distance. I find touchdowns a more likeable OVER than his receiving yardage, but I'm generally bullish on a player the Titans made the fourth overall pick, despite other big needs. -- Solak