The Tennessee Titans have enjoyed a stellar offseason. General manager Ran Carthon has successfully built around sophomore quarterback Will Levis. The wide receiver room has been upgraded to include Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd alongside DeAndre Hopkins. An offensive line that struggled last season is projected to have four new starters this year. That includes first-round pick J.C. Latham at left tackle, and prized free-agent signing Lloyd Cushenberry at center.
The defense also received injections of talent, particularly at cornerback via L'Jarius Sneed and Chido Awuzie. Despite that, the national media consensus is that the Titans will be basement dwellers in the AFC South this season. For example, they currently possess the fifth-longest odds on FanDuel to win this year's Super Bowl at +13,000.
At least one outlet is recognizing that the Titans have untapped potential heading into the upcoming season. Pro Football Focus recently named the Titans one of the most five most overlooked teams in the league. They join the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Cleveland Browns on the list.
The 5 most overlooked teams headed into the 2024 season 👀https://t.co/dcP3ATVq6P
— PFF (@PFF) June 13, 2024
"While I’m not saying the Titans should be viewed as a lock for a playoff spot, I’m not sure I see them as a team worthy of having the fifth-longest odds of winning the Super Bowl — as they currently are listed on FanDuel (+13000)," PFF wrote.
"Quarterback Will Levis showed flashes as a rookie, finishing 2023 tied for fifth in big-time throw rate (5.9%)," PFF continued. "And he [Levis[ now has Calvin Ridley pairing with DeAndre Hopkins at wide receiver, as well as a better offensive line thanks to the addition of Brian Callahan as offensive line coach. If Levis can reduce the bad plays—his 4.5% turnover-worthy play rate as a rookie tied for eighth-worst in the league—then the Titans should at least compete for a playoff spot late in the season."
In a separate social media post by PFF, the Titans were given a 15% chance to win the AFC South division title. That ranked dead last, behind the Houston Texans (36%), Jacksonville Jaguars (26%), and Indianapolis Colts (23%).
Odds to win the AFC South this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/zLLd27DTH5
— PFF (@PFF) June 13, 2024
The Titans have the ingredients to shock the NFL this season. How first-year head coach Brian Callahan and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson adapt to their new roles will play a massive part in Tennessee's fate throughout 2024. And most importantly of all, how Levis develops at quarterback will be the main determining factor.