For the first two weeks of the season, the Tennessee Titans were playing on a turf field so hot that players were complaining about their cleats melting. However, when the Titans go on the road this week, it will be a much different story.
In what might be one of the biggest weather changes in NFL history, the Titans will go from a heat index well over 100 degrees to rainy New Jersey, where the temperature will be in the low 60s with winds that could gust up to 40+ miles per hour.
Forecast for Sunday's @Titans vs @Giants game, per the National Weather Service:
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) September 25, 2026
Rain, low 60s. North wind around 18mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
That is an incredible change, and it might make Titans fans nervous at first. After all, the Titans are facing the New York Giants' backup quarterback, Jameis Winston, and ideally they would want him to throw the ball as much as possible, considering his history of taking big risks. This kind of weather will force the Giants to lean on Cam Skattebo, who is a dangerous weapon for them and brings energy to the rest of the team when he does well.
Titans need to lean on weather advantage versus Giants in Week 3
However, the Giants aren't the only ones who benefit from the stormy weather. If the Giants are going to try to run the ball with their big personnel on the field, that gives the Titans the ability to lean heavily into their best defensive formation. Aside from Jeffery Simmons, the most consistent defensive player on the field has been Anthony Hill, who leads the NFL in tackles.
Playing against heavy personnel means that Cedric Gray never has to leave Hill's side, and then the coaches can decide whether they want the third linebacker to be Cody Barton or James Williams.
Then, when it comes to offense, wet, windy weather means more running the ball and less throwing, especially fewer deep drops. That makes this the perfect time for the Titans to make the change to start Elic Ayomanor and move Calvin Ridley to a backup role. Ayomanor's playmaking ability alone should be enough to make this change happen, but his size and ability as a run-blocker will also be highlighted in this weather.
For all of the love that Skattebo gets from his tough running style, Tony Pollard has actually been more effective this season. Through two games, Pollard has 4.7 yards per carry compared to Skattebo's 3.9, and Pollard's longest run of 18 yards tops Skattebo's best of 13.
The idea of the Titans having a superior running game extends to the backup running backs, where Tyjae Spears has out-produced Devin Singletary in rushing yards and receiving yards.
If this game comes down to which team can run the ball more effectively and which quarterback is more likely to make the critical mistake when the ball is put in his hands, then the Titans have the advantage.
Add us as a preferred source on Google