The Tennessee Titans finally begin their 2025 season against the Denver Broncos in Sunday’s Week 1 matchup. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward will make his long-awaited debut and the Titans get to test-drive a new-look roster that underwent severe turnover this offseason. With a tough assignment versus the Broncos looming large, we’ve identified three matchups that could help decide Sunday’s outcome.
Calvin Ridley vs. Patrick Surtain II
The Titans are excited about the chemistry displayed by Ward and Calvin Ridley this offseason. They routinely
connected at training camp and carried that momentum over to the exhibition. In one preseason possession together, they produced three receptions for 50 receiving yards. They couldn’t be facing a more difficult matchup to start. Broncos No. 1 cornerback Pat Surtain II is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and will spend a bunch of his snaps trying to eliminate Ridley.
Titans offensive line vs. Broncos pass rush
General manager Mike Borgonzi spent premium dollars to fix the offensive line this offseason, signing Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Zeitler in free agency. The Titans are excited about their new-look offensive line, and they’ll undergo a trial by fire in Week 1. The Broncos recorded an NFL-high 63 sacks last season and didn’t lose any pass rushers of note, and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is back as well. Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, and Jonathon Cooper help make-up a deep arsenal of pass rushers. Furthermore, the altitude and atmosphere will be difficult in Denver. Bill Callahan’s O-line must answer the bell to protect their rookie quarterback.
L’Jarius Sneed vs. Courtland Sutton
L’Jarius Sneed was a non-participant for a large portion of the offseason after undergoing a clean-up procedure on his knee. He was eventually activated off the PUP near the conclusion of training camp and has been practicing regularly ever since. All signs indicate Sneed will compete on Sunday for the first time since last October. If there’s any holdover rust, a matchup with Denver’s go-to boundary weapon Courtland Sutton could prove difficult.
