Jan 3, 2025 - Sports

A loss on Sunday would help Titans' draft position

Nate Rau

Miami quarterback Cam Ward — Cam Ward is one of the top QB prospects the Titans could draft in April. But first they may have to lose on Sunday. Photo: Bryan Bennett/Getty Images

Things have gotten so bleak for the Titans that fans are probably rooting for a loss in the team's season finale on Sunday.

Why it matters: A loss against the rival Texans would preserve the Titans' prime draft position and would offer the best chance to turn the page to a rookie quarterback.

State of play: The Titans currently hold the second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft behind the New England Patriots, who don't need a quarterback.

According to The Athletic's NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler, the top incoming rookie quarterbacks are Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders.

Yes, but: If the Titans win on Sunday, they could tumble down the draft board and fall out of contention for a building block quarterback. Granted, Titans fans know that drafting a QB high in the first round doesn't mean they'll go on to NFL glory.

Marcus Mariota, Jake Locker and Vince Young were high Titans draft picks who didn't go on to enjoy long, successful careers in Nashville.

Flashback: The season began with two pressing questions for the Titans: Was the new head coach any good, and could the young quarterback play?

Since second-year quarterback Will Levis was benched and coach Brian Callahan's club has won just three games, those two questions remain unanswered.

What's next: The Texans have already clinched a playoff spot, and are planning to rest some of their key starters.

According to the ESPN Bet sports book, the Titans are actually 2-point favorites.
The game kicks off at noon on Sunday.

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A loss on Sunday would help Titans' draft position

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