NFL schedule shift could help the Titans bounce back in 2026

The last two NFL seasons have seen the Tennessee Titans hit rock bottom with back-to-back 3-14 finishes. However, after hiring Robert Saleh as the head coach and making moves to improve their weakest positions on the field, the Titans feel primed to make a turnaround this season.

While the offseason turnover brings light to a team that saw many dark days the last couple of seasons, another key component that many people overlook will help them complete the turnaround.

Titans have a middle-of-the-pack schedule strength

According to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis, the Tennessee Titans will have the 13th-easiest schedule in the NFL this season. This was based on Las Vegas oddsmakers' projected win total for each team, which has the Titans set at 6.5 wins for 2026.

Last season, the Titans finished with the hardest schedule in the NFL. Their schedule included playing each of the AFC and NFC championship game participants. Of their 3-14 record, they were 3-4 in games against teams below a .500 record. Also, they arguably had to play against two of the best divisions last season in the NFC West (41-27 combined record) and their own AFC South (36-32 combined record).

This year's schedule includes games against the AFC North and NFC East divisions. Going by just the laws of averages, the Titans will likely have an easier schedule this year. However, projections are just that, as they weren't projected to have the toughest schedule last season. Regardless, Tennessee has done more than enough to improve on its three-win season.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans: NFL schedule shift could help bounce back in 2026