Can the Titans snap their playoff drought in 2026?

[ASFN Admin]

There is a buzz building around the Tennessee Titans, and a hope that they can change their fortunes in 2026.

While there are still many hurdles and practices to go before the start of the regular season, there is an excitement around the facility, and the arrow definitely appears to be pointing in the right direction. In fact, some analysts, including Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com, are starting to believe that the Titans even have a puncher's chance at making the playoffs.

Rank 5 - Tennessee TitansLast playoff season: 2021

The new-look Titans will boast more than a fresh set of unis in 2026. Former New York head coaches Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll have found new homes in Nashville as head coach and offensive coordinator, respectively, and both veteran shot-callers have imported familiar faces (DE Jermaine Johnson II, WR Wan'Dale Robinson) to build around 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. Add in this year's fourth overall selection, WR Carnell Tate, and the Titans are flush with enough talent to make a run at the AFC South. It helps that Tennessee's .476 strength of schedule ranks 25th in the league. But the franchise has been in a rut in recent years, experiencing its worst stretch since the forgettable Munchak-Whisenhunt-Mularkey journey in the early 2010s. That run was followed by four playoff appearances. Could the Saleh hire and Ward selection inspire a new era of winning Titans football? Perhaps, but it'll be tough to break through in their first year together while competing against AFC South rivals Jacksonville and Houston, who have postseason experience, along with another established team in the division (I'll have more on that squad at No. 3 on this list).

Yes, there is a chance that Tennessee could take a significant step forward and make the playoffs in 2026; a smaller step forward this season is a more likely outcome. The Titans have made major changes during the offseason and infused the roster with much-needed talent, but they still have questions to answer before they can be considered true contenders.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans: Can they snap playoff drought in 2026?

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