Tennessee Titans Top 3 'X-Factor Games' on 2023 Schedule

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans' schedule was released this week and that means it is time to go through it with a fine-tooth comb. We already took a look at three games that are "Must Wins" for the Titans, but now let's look at some games that could change the fate of the Titans' season. Here are three "X-Factor Games" that will decide what path the Titans go down.

Week 2 - Home vs. Los Angeles Chargers

The Titans have a tough stretch out of the gate to start the season. They play a road game to open the year against the New Orleans Saints and travel to Cleveland to face the Browns in Week 3. In the middle of those two games is a home matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Titans could very well lose both away games which means winning the home game to avoid an 0-3 start is critical if they want to be a playoff team. Just thinking about record and playoff probability makes it a key game, but more than just the numbers, this game means a lot for the "vibes."

The Chargers have a great young quarterback in Justin Herbert, they made the playoffs last year and Ryan Tannehill's injury in last year's game against the Chargers basically ended the Titans' season. Beating the Chargers would give the Titans positive feelings and remind them they can beat playoffs teams.

Also, if the Titans want to make the playoffs, they will likely be competing with the Chargers for positioning. There are many reasons why this is an "X-Factor Game" for the Titans.

Week 16 - Home vs. Seattle Seahawks

This will be an interesting game to watch because if the Titans want to be their best selves, their need to handle their business at home in this game. Seattle was a playoff team in 2022, but they aren't a juggernaut. The Titans have three division games in the final four weeks of the season. The Seattle game is the other.

The Titans will be coming off a home game against the Houston Texans that they obviously will hope to win. If you can win in Week 15 and follow it up with a home win against the Seahawks, you'd have all the momentum you need to win the final two games and potentially a division title. Speaking of that..

Week 18 - Home vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

If the Titans play their best, there is a good chance this game is for the division title, just like it was last season. This game was on the fringe of being on this list because by Week 18, there is a chance the Titans are already out of it and the game means nothing for the playoff, but again, if the Titans have a good year, this will likely be the most important game of the season.

Taking back the AFC South crown would be a huge accomplishment and with the way the AFC South is, there is a chance the division sees no wild card entries. If there is one spot up for grabs for the AFC South, odds are this game decides it. For that reason alone, this had to be on the list.

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