The Tennessee Titans were supposed to be competitive in 2026 after enduring consecutive 3-14 campaigns. And in some ways, they have been, having allowed two winnable games to barely get away. Nonetheless, the Titans are a winless 0-3 and look like legitimate contenders for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The schedule isn't getting friendlier. They'll play Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4 and the (fellow winless) Houston Texans the following contest. The Indianapolis Colts appear to be the next winnable matchup on the docket, but the Titans won't be considered pre-game favorites.
Unless the Titans show considerable improvement, they're headed for a top-five pick for a third-straight year. That's extremely unfortunate, given this fanbase was expecting improvement in 2026. Entering Week 4, the Titans have to be considered among the favorites for the top overall selection in 2027.
Titans look like No. 1 pick contenders with 0-3 record
The Titans are one of five 0-3 teams. The Texans, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the four others. It's been an extremely disappointing start for the playoff-hopeful Texans, Chargers, and Buccaneers. They do not feel like legitimate No. 1 pick contenders.
The Dolphins certainly pose a threat to the Titans' No. 1 pick chances. They accepted their fate as they entered a multi-year rebuild earlier this offseason. Things are more disappointing in Tennessee, with this being, at minimum, their third consecutive rebuilding campaign.
Even fellow rebuilding teams such as the Cleveland Browns (2-1), Arizona Cardinals (1-2), and New York Jets (1-2) have looked considerably more competent compared to the Titans.
Despite almost upsetting the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants in Weeks 2 and 3, the stats indicate the Titans deserve to be winless. Their 37 points scored is third-lowest in the NFL, ranking ahead of the last-place Dolphins and New England Patriots (36) by just one point. The Titans' -22 point differential is fourth-worst.
Titans offense needs to drag team out of the basement
If the Titans start stringing wins together and drag themselves out of the No. 1 pick conversation, it'll be because Cam Ward and the offense improves. The fanbase is anxious to see it. Robert Saleh's defense has quickly improved after a lackluster Week 1. Everyone is waiting for Brian Daboll's unit to match their effort.
The Titans drafted Ward at No. 1 overall in 2025. They landed Carnell Tate with the fourth selection in 2026. Ideally, the rebuilding plan wouldn't include another top-three pick in 2027, but the current on-field product indicates it's well within the realm of possibility.
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