The regular season is over. Now, it’s time for the second season in the NFL. After securing a playoff berth on Sunday with a win over the Jaguars, the Titans will face the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday at 3:35 CST at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs ended the regular season with a 10-6 mark, and with four straight wins. Statistically, Kansas City finished the regular season ranked fifth in the NFL in total offense, and 28th on defense. The Titans (9-7), meanwhile, finished the season 23rd on offense, and 13th on defense.
The Titans have 18 players on the 53-man roster with playoff experience, and 35 players who have never appeared in a postseason contest. Linebacker Erik Walden, a 10-year veteran, has played in the most postseason games (12) during his days with the Dolphins, Packers and Colts. Ryan is next (10 games), followed by defensive lineman Sylvester Williams (7 games), special teams ace Eric Weems (6) and Woodyard (6).
The Titans know they have their work cut out for them against the AFC West champs, who have the NFL’s highest rated quarterback in Alex Smith (104.7 rating), the NFL’s leading rusher in Kareem Hunt (1,327 yards) and a defense known for forcing turnovers. But they also know this – the last time the Titans played at Kansas City, they won. In was December 18, 2016, when kicker Ryan Succop’s 53-yard field goal won it 19-17.
It’s a new year, and a new season now.
(Courtesy TitansOnLine.Com)