Many reporters on the Tennessee Titans beat are calling Sunday’s Week 1 matchup versus the New York Jets a “must-win” opener. That is obviously ridiculous on the surface, but there’s some merit to those claims given the context. No team’s season was ever decided in Week 1, but these Titans are attempting to recapture this fanbase’s trust.
The Titans endured consecutive 3-14 seasons in 2024 and 2025. This small-market fanbase hasn’t exactly been forgiving (understandably so). Many late-season games
at Nissan Stadium have recently been played in front of meager crowds.
The Titans underwent significant changes this offseason, both on and off the field. While general manager Mike Borgonzi continued rebuilding the roster, a rebranding also occurred. The Titans have three new uniforms, a new logo, and are preparing to open a new stadium in 2027.
For Titans fans to maintain excitement over all the off-field developments, the on-field product needs to warrant it. The Jets have been considered a laughing stock of the NFL (the Titans, too). If Tennessee loses in Week 1 to the Jets, it wouldn’t be shocking if large portions of this fanbase snickered, said “same ole Titans,” before finding other ways to fill their Sundays.
There’s also the revenge element. Head coach Robert Saleh used to coach these Jets. John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson II, Tony Adams, Solomon Thomas, and Jacob Martin are among those who played for them. Everyone involved wants to prove they’ve moved onto bigger and better things, with Saleh proving he was never the problem.
Realistically, the Titans don’t need to qualify for the playoffs to convince this fanbase they’re on the right track. Fielding a competitive squad that doubles their 2024/2025 win total by finishing 6-11 would highlight direction and growth. Beginning the campaign by beating the Jets would be considered a good-faith gesture.
