NASHVILLE – The Titans face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Here's a look at six things to watch in the contest:
Will Cam Rebound?
The entire Titans offense struggled last Sunday against the Texans, and that includes quarterback Cam Ward. Now, the Titans need offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's entire unit to rebound, and start building some momentum going the other way. In five games this season, Ward has completed 98-of-155 passes for 896 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. But among the 24 quarterbacks who have started every game this season, Ward is one of just four quarterbacks to not have multiple passing touchdowns in any game. The other three: Justin Herbert (Chargers), Malik Willis (Dolphins) and Daniel Jones (Colts). The Titans need more from Ward, who is going to need more help around him, from the team's running game, the receivers, and the offensive line.
Running Game
One of the biggest problems surrounding Ward has been the lack of a running game. The Titans are ranked 27th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (82.6), and in many games the run game hasn't been much of a factor. Of course, being forced to play from behind has contributed to this low number, because the team has pretty much been forced to abandon the run on several Sundays. Still, the failures on first and second down have contributed to this, because it's put the team in long down and distance situations on third down. The Colts are ranked 27th in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 130.2 yards per game, and 4.97 yards per carry. Something has to give in this category on Sunday. With Tyjae Spears dealing with a knee injury, that could mean a bigger opportunity for Nick Singleton alongside Tony Pollard.
Stop the Run
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been a real menace to the Titans defense in recent years, and the Titans can't afford to let him get going on Sunday. In his last three games vs the Titans, Taylor has 510 all-purpose yards (170 per game) and nine touchdowns (8 rush, 1 receiving). Taylor, in fact, had a 218-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Titans in 2024. Other teams have kept Taylor more in check of late, as he has fewer than 100 rushing yards in 12 straight games. Taylor had season lows in carries (15) and rushing yards (45) in Week 5 against the Steelers. The Titans are ranked 17th in run defense, allowing 114.0 yards per game, but the team is fourth in the NFL in yards per rush (3.54), which is the franchise's best mark through five games since the 2009 season.
Carnell Tate and Others
After he racked up nine catches for 145 yards in Week 4 at Baltimore, a lot of folks thought Titans receiver Carnell Tate would turn in another big performance in Week 5. That didn't happen, of course, as Tate was held to just one catch for six yards. Tate needs more opportunities, and when he gets them, the Titans need him to take advantage of them. Will the Titans look to make that happen against the Colts? Through five games, Tate leads the Titans with 23 receptions, the most by any rookie in 2026. It's the fourth-most receptions by a Titans/Oilers player through five career games -- Kendall Wright (2012), Sid Banks (1964), and Bill Groman (1960) had 27 catches each.
Make Plays on Defense
The Titans need a spark, and making plays on defense would go a long way. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is one of three players with multiple sacks, rush stuffs and passes defensed this season (TJ Watt, Derrick Barnes). But with extra attention going to Simmons each week, others up front need to start making a bigger difference up front. The Titans haven't been getting their hands on the football on the back end either. Can the Titans make some game-changing plays against Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who has three touchdowns and four interceptions this season?
Show Some Fight
It's been a tough week in Nashville, as the Titans have been roundly criticized following an uninspiring performance against the Texans. It came at the end of a week when the Titans talked about owning the AFC South. Well, the Titans get another chance on Sunday, against Colts team that has dominated them recently, with six straight wins in the series during a stretch when they've averaged a whopping 31.8 ppg. The Titans have lost 11 straight games against AFC South opponents, which is the longest active losing streak by any team in division games. Isn't it about time the Titans end the streak, and win a game? This seems like a good opportunity – the Colts' 2-10 record since Week 11, 2025 is third-worst in the NFL, trailing only the Titans (2-11) and Cardinals (1-12) over that span.
