The Tennessee Titans return from their bye week looking to snap a two-game losing streak when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10.
Tennessee enters Sunday's matchup at 1-7 following a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8. Meanwhile, Jacksonville improved to 6-2 after defeating the Baltimore Ravens 33-10 on Thursday Night Football in Week 9.
The two AFC South rivals are heading in opposite directions, with Jacksonville positioning itself as a legitimate contender while Tennessee continues building toward the future.
Here are six intriguing storylines entering Sunday's matchup at Nissan Stadium.
1. The Titans return from bye after heartbreaking overtime loss
Tennessee had an opportunity to enter its bye week with some much-needed momentum but couldn't finish the job at Cincinnati.
The Titans suffered their fifth close defeat of the season in Week 8 despite arguably quarterback Cam Ward's best performance of his career.
The Titans' offense has looked incredibly better in their last three games than they were during their first five games of the season. Now, Tennessee will look to build on those performances following a week of additional preparation for one of the better teams in the NFL.
2. The Jaguars have firm control of the AFC South
Jacksonville enters Week 10 with a commanding three-game lead in the AFC South, sitting at 6-2 after winning four of its last five games. Outside of allowing 34 points in their loss to the Houston Texans in Week 6, the Jaguars defense hasn't allowed more than 20 points in any other game this season.
Their defense also enters Week 10 leading the NFL in turnover differential (+9). Their offense also ranks fourth in scoring, averaging 28.6 points per game. For Tennessee, Sunday's matchup presents another difficult challenge against one of the AFC's strongest teams.
3. The Jaguars made aggressive trades to strengthen their Super Bowl chances
Jacksonville arguably won the NFL trade deadline, making three significant defensive additions. First, they acquired safety Jessie Bates III from the Atlanta Falcons, followed by defensive lineman Davon Godchaux from the New Orleans Saints and defensive tackle Jordan Davis from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jacksonville surrendered substantial draft capital in those deals, but for a team in win-now mode it makes all the sense in the world. Those additions reinforce a defense that was already among the league's best, giving Jacksonville even more talent as it pursues a potential Super Bowl appearance.
4. The Titans continue rebuilding after trading Amani Hooker
A case can be made that the Titans won the NFL trade deadline for a totally different reason. The Titans traded starting safety Amani Hooker and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for a 2027 second-round pick. The move followed their trade of star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears for two first-round picks just weeks prior.
The Titans now have five picks in the top 100 of the 2027 NFL Draft to continue stockpiling young talent to add to their recent draft classes. Hooker's departure leaves another hole in Tennessee's defense for this season, but it positions them perfectly to truly rebuild their roster.
5. The Jaguars have won four straight against the Titans
Recent history has heavily favored Jacksonville in this rivalry, as they have defeated Tennessee in their last four meetings. The Titans will have an opportunity to end that skid at Nissan Stadium, but Jacksonville's recent success and strong start this season make that difficult.
This matchup marks the first of two meetings between the division rivals in a three-week span, with Tennessee scheduled to travel to Jacksonville in Week 12.
6. Cam Ward looks to build on career-best performance
Ward's performance against Cincinnati finally showed a glimpse into the potential franchise quarterback the Titans hope he becomes. Ward completed 26 of 40 passes for a career-high 304 yards and two touchdowns. It marked his first career 300-yard passing performance, and he also gained a career-high 41 rushing yards.
Now, coming off the bye week, Ward has an opportunity to build on that momentum against a Jacksonville defense that has been among the NFL's best this season. While the matchup presents a significant challenge, Ward's recent performance suggests Tennessee's passing attack could be finding its rhythm.
With an additional week to prepare, the Titans will hope their young quarterback can carry that momentum into Sunday's divisional battle and deliver another strong performance against the AFC South leaders.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: 6 things to know about Week 10
