Who doesn't love a good Week 1 revenge storyline?
A matchup of two of the NFL's most moribund franchises probably isn't compelling to many on a national stage, but Robert Saleh returning to the head-coaching ranks against the franchise that jettisoned him weeks into his fourth season is sure to stoke some strong feelings on both sides.
Opening with a grudge match is nothing new for Gang Green, which saw Aaron Rodgers throw four touchdown passes against them to power the Steelers' Week 1 victory. But New York is pursuing its own redemption story as coach Aaron Glenn and offseason trade acquisition Geno Smith look to bounce back from their humbling 2025 results.
Progress might be incremental, but netting the organization's first opening Sunday win
in 11 years - New York notched Monday night opener wins against the Lions in 2018 and the Bills in 2023 - would be a significant step. Saleh and the handful of former Jets players who migrated south to Tennessee surely would relish starting off a new era by getting one over on their former club.
But there's significant work for Cam Ward to do if the No. 1 pick in 2025 is to move on from a calamitous rookie campaign.
Titans vs Jets odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Titans -1.5
- Moneyline: Titans -124; Jets +106
- Total: 38.5
Get the edge with our exclusive NFL betting picks
Jets at Titans score predictions
Adam Kaufman: Titans 24, Jets 10
I keep hearing the Jets will win this game. I doubt it, but at least we can agree on this: Only fans of the Jets and Titans will want to watch it. This projects to be some ugly, low-scoring football as Cam Ward begins Year 2 in Tennessee and Geno Smith begins his second stint with New York. Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh gets his first crack at his old team with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll in tow. Ward's weaponry has improved with rookie Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson, while the Jets are wondering what version of Smith they're getting. Breece Hall has been dealing with an injury but is expected to play, giving Smith some needed help. Still, Tennessee has the more established quarterback in its current system and enough new weaponry around him to create some separation. I like Saleh to get the last laugh.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Jets 21, Titans 16
The Titans and Jets certainly were two of the most active teams in the offseason, at least by volume of moves. Time to figure out whether either one actually achieved anything. Each seemed to at least creep closer toward competence, but Gang Green gets the edge here given that they might be able to accentuate their offensive strengths and mitigate their weaknesses better than the Titans can.
Nate Davis: Jets 23, Titans 20
I mean, how often does Robert Saleh win when the Jets are on the field? (I know, I know – and here's hoping a good coach and good dude gets more of a fair shake in the new Nashville gig.) Still, didn't necessarily like what I saw from Cam Ward and a Titans offense under new management in the preseason. Let's give Geno and the Jets the edge in this one … And speaking of edges, keep a close eye on NYJ rookie pass rusher David Bailey.
Richard Morin: Titans 24, Jets 20
There is no shortage of storylines when it comes to this one. Robert Salah, Aaron Glenn, Geno Smith, etc. Take your pick because virtually everyone here has something to prove. I'm locked in on sophomore quarterback Cam Ward in this one. Will he take a significant step forward in 2026? I think so, and I think it starts right here. Ward will lead the Titans down the field in the final minutes to snatch this Week 1 victory from the Jets.
Where to watch Jets at Titans
- Matchup: Titans vs. Jets
- Date: Sept. 13
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Venue: Nissan Stadium
- Location: Nashville, Tennessee
- TV: CBS
NFL Week 1 Sunday picks and predictions
- Buccaneers at Bengals
- Saints at Lions
- Jets at Titans
- Ravens at Colts
- Falcons at Steelers
- Bears at Panthers
- Browns at Jaguars
- Bills at Texans
- Dolphins at Raiders
- Packers at Vikings
- Commanders at Eagles
- Cardinals at Chargers
- Cowboys at Giants
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jets at Titans: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game
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