On paper, the Thursday Night Football matchup between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars doesn't elicit much excitement. But in a division where everyone is under .500, both teams are still in the hunt for the AFC South title.
At 2-7, the Titans are coming off a loss to the undefeated Panthers. Quarterback Marcus Mariota had trouble converting on third downs, failing to move the chains on three of Tennessee's first four drives. Things didn't get better when wideout Justin Hunter was carted off the field with a season-ending ankle injury. The offense will have to rely on Harry Douglas and Dorial Green-Beckham to step up in Hunter's absence.
The Titans allowed Carolina quarterback Cam Newton in the end zone enough times to be mad about all of his dancing, but they still forced a season-high five sacks on Newton. The quarterback pressure the Titans bring will challenge Jacksonville.
The Jags, fresh off a win over the Baltimore Ravens due in part to an officiating error, are a game ahead of the Titans in the division. Quarterback Blake Bortles is having an up-and-down year, and doesn't always get much help from his other offensive teammates -- the rushing game is ranked just 25th in the league, while Bryan Walters, Julius Thomas, Denard Robinson and Marqise Lee all recorded drops just last Sunday. But Bortles does have a reliable duo in Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, who have a combined 1,455 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.
Defense was a bright spot for the Jags last week. They forced three turnovers, including Davon House's two interceptions. As a whole, the group allowed 20 points and was able to limit mistakes, but still struggled against the passing game. That could help Mariota and the Titans' offense rebound from last week.
How to watch
When: 8:25 p.m. ET
Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla.
TV: NFL Network
Announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson
Online: NFL GamePass