The Tennessee Titans enter Week 4 still searching for their first win of the 2026 season, and they'll have their work cut out for them against the 2-1 Baltimore Ravens.
With the Titans traveling to Baltimore, these three matchups could have a major impact on whether Tennessee can finally get into the win column.
Titans' run defense vs. Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry will face the Titans for the first time since leaving Tennessee for Baltimore in free agency during the 2024 offseason. More intrigue has been added after the former Tennessee great revealed that the Titans didn't offer him a contract before he ultimately signed with the Ravens.
The veteran running back remains one of the NFL's most dangerous weapons and gives Baltimore a physical presence that can dictate the game, which
has been the Titans' primary weakness during the season's first three weeks. The responsibility to keep Henry from making a significant impact starts with Jeffery Simmons and the Titans' defensive front winning at the line of scrimmage. If Henry gets rolling, Baltimore will most certainly use him to control the clock.
Titans' offensive line vs. Ravens' pass rush
Tennessee's offensive line faces a difficult challenge after losing starting right guard Fernando Carmona and backup Jackson Slater to the injured reserve list following injuries against the New York Giants in Week 3. That leaves the Titans with an unsettled situation at right guard heading into their matchup against Baltimore.
That's a major concern with Cam Ward at quarterback. The Titans need to give Ward enough time to work through his progressions while also creating running lanes for whoever is at running back (Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are on the injury report). If Baltimore consistently wins up front, it could make it extremely difficult for Tennessee to sustain drives once again.
Titans' secondary vs. Lamar Jackson
Dealing with Lamar Jackson is an even bigger deal than dealing with Derrick Henry for the Titans. Jackson can hurt a defense with both his arm and legs, so Tennessee's defenders will have to balance keeping Jackson in the pocket while preventing Baltimore's passing game from developing.
That same strategy lost them the game against Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles on the final possession in Week 2. However, that was after the Titans' defense pitched a shutoff in the second half until those final two minutes. Following an impressive showing against the Giants in Week 3, the Titans' pass defense is ranked seventh in the NFL.
The Titans have played consecutive one-score games, but beating Baltimore will require winning these individual battles while minimizing the mistakes that cost them those games. If Tennessee can slow Henry, protect Ward, and contain Jackson, it could have an opportunity to avoid a 0-4 start for the second consecutive season.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore Ravens: 3 key matchups in Week 4
