Titans (2-2) at Jaguars (0-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m., TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida TV: CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Titans
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Titans’ keys to victory: While Jacksonville’s rush defense was ranked 13th, their defense against the pass entered was 30th. They’ve allowed several explosive plays, and rookie CB Tyson Campbell has been a culprit. If Tennessee can get A.J. Brown or Julio Jones back from injury (or both), the Titans’ chances to win are solid. On defense, aside from stopping RB James Robinson, they need to do a better job of shutting down the slot receiver position. Christian Kirk and Tyler Lockett hurt Tennessee there and the Jaguars’ Laviska Shenault is talented enough to do the same.
Jaguars’ keys to victory: The offense has shown improvement after giving Robinson more carries, and he’s garnered three touchdowns with 166 rushing yards since then. It’s helped rookie QB Trevor Lawrence tremendously, specifically against Cincinnati, against whom he had his best game against. That’s why the Jags must remain consistent with Robinson or feed him even more. On defense, limiting RB Derrick Henry’s impact is the biggest key, and with their strong rushing defense, they could shoot to hold him under 100 yards.
Matchup to watch: Titans’ Henry vs. Jaguars LB Myles Jack. Jack, the Jags’ leading tackler, is familiar with Henry. With Tennessee having an elite rushing attack, they’ll meet several times.
Who wins? While the Jags have improved over the weeks, it comes down to teams having more talent down the stretch, as the Titans do. Jacksonville can keep it close, though.
Titans, 28-24