If you’re waking up this morning, grabbing a coffee, and wondering who do the titans play sunday, I’ve got some news that might sting a little.
The Tennessee Titans aren't playing anyone this Sunday.
Honestly, the season ended on a pretty sour note. After that brutal 41-7 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars back on January 4, the Titans officially packed up their lockers. While the NFL playoffs are moving full steam ahead into the Divisional Round this weekend, Tennessee is sitting at home.
It’s a tough pill to swallow. Especially when you see teams like the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills getting ready for high-stakes Sunday matchups while Nashville’s finest are likely hitting the golf course or starting their vacation.
But just because there isn't a game on the schedule doesn't mean there isn't plenty to talk about. The 2025-26 season was, frankly, a rollercoaster that felt more like a freefall for long stretches. We're talking about a 3-14 finish. That’s the kind of record that changes a franchise, for better or worse.
Why the Titans Aren't on the Sunday Playoff Ticket
To understand why you won't find the Titans on your TV guide this weekend, you have to look at the wreckage of the regular season.
The AFC South was a gauntlet this year, and the Titans simply couldn't keep up. They finished dead last in the division. Going winless in divisional play for the first time in four decades is a stat that will haunt the coaching staff—well, the former coaching staff—for a long time.
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Brian Callahan didn't even make it through the full season. When you’re 1-5 and the offense looks stagnant, NFL owners tend to get twitchy. Mike McCoy stepped in as the interim, but a 2-9 finish under his watch wasn't exactly the spark the front office was hoping for.
The Divisional Round Schedule (What You’ll See Instead)
Since the Titans are out, here is what the actual NFL schedule looks like for Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you’re a football junkie, these are the games that are actually happening:
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: Kickoff is at 3:00 p.m. ET. This one is on ESPN and ABC. Seeing the Texans in this spot probably hurts for Titans fans, considering Houston is a division rival that just looks lightyears ahead right now.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: This is the primetime slot at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
It’s weird seeing the Bears and Texans in these spots while Tennessee is nowhere to be found. But that’s the reality of a 3-win season.
The Cam Ward Silver Lining
Look, I know 3-14 is ugly. It’s "hide your head in a paper bag" ugly. But if you’re asking who do the titans play sunday because you’re still invested in this team, there is one massive reason to stay hopeful.
His name is Cam Ward.
The rookie quarterback, taken first overall, had a rocky start. That’s normal. But the way he finished the season? Man, it was something else. Over the final eight games, Ward threw 10 touchdowns and only one interception. One! For a rookie playing behind an offensive line that was occasionally a revolving door, that’s borderline miraculous.
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He ended the year with a passer rating north of 100 in the final stretch. He’s got the arm, he’s got the legs—notching two rushing scores late in the year—and most importantly, he seems to have the "it" factor.
The Titans might not be playing this Sunday, but they finally have the most important piece of the puzzle. They have a franchise quarterback. Now they just need to build a literal and metaphorical wall around him.
What Happens Now? The Real "Game" Begins
Since there’s no game this Sunday, the focus shifts entirely to the front office and the coaching search.
Owner Amy Adams Strunk and GM Mike Borgonzi are in the middle of what is arguably the most critical head coaching search in the team’s Nashville history. They aren't just looking for a "leader of men" or whatever cliché people use these days. They are looking for a quarterback whisperer.
The Search for a New Lead
The rumor mill is spinning fast. We know they’ve been looking at the Chiefs' offensive coordinator. It makes sense. If you want Cam Ward to turn into the next superstar, you go to the tree that produced Patrick Mahomes.
There’s also talk about defensive-minded coaches, but honestly? In today’s NFL, you usually want to pair a young QB with an offensive mind that can grow with him.
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The "game" the Titans are playing this weekend is happening in conference rooms and over Zoom calls. It’s about vetting candidates who won’t repeat the mistakes of the last two years.
When Will the Titans Play Again?
If you’re itching to see the two-tone blue back on the field, you’ve got a long wait. We won’t see them in meaningful action until the preseason kicks off in August 2026.
However, the 2026 opponents are already set. While we don't have the exact dates yet (the NFL usually drops the full schedule in May), we know who is coming to Nissan Stadium:
- Houston Texans (The revenge tour starts here)
- Indianapolis Colts
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Jets
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Washington Commanders
The road schedule is even tougher. They’ve got trips to Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Dallas on the horizon. If the Titans want to be playing on a Sunday in January next year, they have to figure out how to win away from home.
Actionable Steps for Titans Fans This Weekend
Since you can't watch the Titans play this Sunday, here’s how you can actually stay productive as a fan:
- Watch the Texans vs. Patriots Game: Keep a close eye on Houston. They are the blueprint for a quick turnaround in the AFC South. See how they protect their QB and use their young receivers. That’s what the Titans need to replicate.
- Track the Coaching Interviews: Follow reliable beats like Paul Kuharsky or the crew at Titans Insider. The next seven days are pivotal for the future of the franchise.
- Scout the 2026 Draft: Since Tennessee finished with such a poor record, they’ll have another high pick. Start looking at the top offensive tackle prospects. Cam Ward needs protection, and the draft is the best place to find it.
The question of who do the titans play sunday has a disappointing answer for now. But for the first time in a while, it feels like the team is actually building toward a Sunday that matters.
The season is over. The rebuild is on. Titan Up, even if it's from the couch this weekend.
Key Takeaways for the Offseason
- Final Record: The Titans finished 3-14, missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
- Next Game: Expect the 2026 preseason to begin in early August.
- Priority One: Hiring a head coach who can maximize Cam Ward's elite potential.
- Roster Needs: The offensive line and secondary remain the biggest holes to fill before September.