NASHVILLE – The Titans will face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
Here's a look at six things to watch leading up to the contest:
Connect With Calvin Ridley
Titans receiver Calvin Ridley expressed some frustration after this past Sunday's game about a lack of targets early in games. Ridley said he'd like to get into the flow of the game quicker, this following a contest when he was targeted eight times, but didn't have a catch. Ridley leads the Titans with 27 targets, but he has just nine receptions. Ridley, and coaches, said this week they're on the same page heading into Week 7. What that means for targets, and receptions, remains to be seen. This much is certain: the Titans, and Ridley, need to find a way to make plays.
Can the Defense Stand Firm?
The Titans are still ranked No.1 in the NFL in total defense, allowing just 248.8 yards per contest. The passing defense is ranked 2nd overall, allowing 137.0 yards per game. The Bills, however, provide the biggest challenge to date. Quarterback Josh Allen, who will be making his 100th career start on Sunday, has thrown for 1,160 yards with 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions this season. The Bills have also proven they can run the ball effectively, no matter the running back. This week, the Bills added receiver Amari Cooper to the fold. Slowing these Bills down, or at least playing bend-but-don't-break defense, is a must for the Titans.
QB Play
The Titans on Friday listed quarterback Will Levis as questionable for Sunday's game after he was a limited participant for the second time in three practices this week because of his right shoulder injury. Veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph replaced an injured Levis against the Dolphins, and he'd be next man up again against the Bills. On Saturday, the The team made quarterback Trevor Siemian a gameday elevation for Sunday's game. Offensively, no matter the quarterback, the Titans need to crank things up against a Bills team averaging 28 points per game.
Run the Ball
The Titans could make life easier for the quarterback, and the team's defense, if they're able to run the ball effectively, and control the clock. Running back Tony Pollard is coming off his best game of the season – 93 yards against the Colts – and he leads the team with 339 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and 421 scrimmage yards in 2024. With Tyjae Spears sidelined with a hamstring injury, Pollard, who also leads the Titans with 16 receptions, should get even more of a workload on Sunday. Of note: The Bills are ranked 31st in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per play (5.22), and 26th in rushing yards allowed per game (144.0).
Turnovers Could Be Key
Tennessee's struggles in the takeway/giveaway category have been well documented. It's one of the biggest reasons the team is in the position it's in right now. If the Titans are going to challenge the Bills on Sunday, they can't turn the ball over, and they're likely going to need to make some game-changing plays. Buffalo, however, has feasted off turnovers of late. Since the start of the 2023 season, the Bills have forced 40 takeaways, which is third-most in the NFL. The Bills have scored 140 points off those turnovers, which is the most in the NFL. The Titans can't make it tougher on themselves by losing the turnover margin again.
Importance of Week 7
The Titans are 1-4, and a nine-point underdog against the Bills. Let's face it: Things are looking bleaker by the week around here, so the Titans desperately need to find a way to win this game. Here's how the odds change based on Sunday's result: Since 1990, teams starting 2-4 have made the playoffs 10.7% (24/224) of the time, won the division 4.5% (10/224) of the time and won a Super Bowl 0.0% (0/224) of the time. The playoff percentage for teams that started 1-5: 2.4% (3/123) went on to make the playoffs, 0.8% (1/123) went on to win the division, and 0.0% (0/123) went on to win the Super Bowl. The Titans need to keep this category relevant moving forward.
