The New York Jets go on the road to Nashville, Tennessee as they face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday to open their 2026 campaign. The Titans, as everybody will remind you this week, hired former Jets head coach Robert Saleh as their new head coach this offseason. That makes this a so-called “revenge game” for Saleh and the Titans, though in general I think the revenge angle is overrated in these games.
The Jets and the Titans both finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record. This is not exactly must see TV for the average NFL fan. Both teams are looking to get off to a good start in 2026, and both fanbases view the opposing team as one of the games their team should win this season. Barring a tie, one team and their fans will go home disappointed and worried about “sheesh, if we are losing to the lowly [Jets/Titans] this is going to be a long season.” While it may well be a long season for one or both teams, I don’t think this is a so-called must win game for either team.
Aside from the inherent absurdity of labeling any one game at the beginning of the season a must win game, it probably makes sense to note that opening day has become increasingly unpredictable as NFL teams refuse to play their starters in the preseason. Many teams look completely unprepared on opening day, and surprising results abound. If the Jets win, great! If they don’t, I don’t think that means the season is a lost cause.
Let’s make a few predictions for the game on Sunday.
These predictions are just for fun. Betting based on some random dude on the internet having some fun would be very poor judgment and can be hazardous to your financial health. If you choose to bet on the game make your own calls. You can head over to our friends at FanDuel Sportsbook for all your gambling needs.