The Tennessee Titans are preparing to face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The Titans (1-3) are coming off their bye after notching their first victory to close out Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins.
The Colts (2-3) struggled against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 and are injured at many skill positions.
There is a lot on the line for both teams and this should be an interesting and important AFC South battle. Here are three reasons for optimism heading into this match-up.
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Overall health
The Titans are rested and getting healthier every day. Coming off the bye, the Titans have almost their entire roster ready to go. Quarterback Will Levis is trending upwards with his shoulder injury and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons appears ready to go after missing their Week 4 victory with an elbow issue. The Colts are battered and have injury questions at multiple skill positions. This should give the Titans an advantage on game day.
Justin Ford/Getty Images
Calvin Ridley
After self-scouting during the bye, multiple coaches on the staff mentioned the importance of getting Calvin Ridley more involved on offense. He has been silent over the past two games and the team needs his dynamic receiving ability to help open the running game. Ridley should have a favorable match-up this week, with fellow receiver DeAndre Hopkins starting to settle back into the top of the room after missing most of training camp with a knee issue. If the Titans can get Ridley involved, which sounds like the focus, the offense can get going and be hard to stop.
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Defense keeps rolling
The Titans’ defense has been tremendous in 2024 and are poised to continue building upon their impressive start. With the Colts limping on offense and possibly down multiple starters at all levels, the unit should be ready to impose its will. Quarterback Joe Flacco will make it difficult on them, but the possible loss of running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receiver Josh Downs, and leading receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will make it harder to get the offense going. The Titans’ defense is strong enough to give any team fits, especially one missing top playmakers. This game should give them a solid advantage.