The Tennessee Titans are on the road this week when they face the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.
Neither the Browns nor the Titans is having success this season. The Browns have won just three games, and while that’s more than the Titans, it still isn’t saying much. Both teams have their struggles, albeit in different areas, although the Browns may have found one of their answers. How this game goes will dictate a lot for both of these teams, which makes this game intriguing despite the lack of success.
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Let’s take a look at the top five storylines in the Titans and Browns Week 14 matchup.
Battle of rookie quarterbacks
This is, by far, the biggest storyline around this match. Cam Ward was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2025, and while analysts predicted that Shedeur Sanders would go higher, he ultimately fell to the fifth round, where he was selected by the Browns. Sanders has shown flashes, but he hasn’t seen much action either, and he’s largely been inconsistent.
Ward has played in every single game this season, but behind a tattered offensive line and with a young receiving corps, he’s struggled. He’s also lost his head coach and offensive line coordinator, played behind 10 different offensive line combinations, and his receivers have dropped way too many passes.
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The way Ward and Sanders perform on Sunday could define the game and offer a glimpse into each franchise’s future.
Myles Garrett vs. Titans’ OL
Myles Garrett leads the NFL with 19 sacks and only needs four more to break the single-season record held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt (22.5). The Titans’ offensive line has allowed a league-high 48 sacks this season, and that’s why this is the second-biggest storyline to follow in this matchup.
Cam Ward has endured relentless pressure all season. Against Cleveland’s No. 2 pass rush, Ward’s ability to survive behind an oft-injured offensive line is what this game hinges on. Ward must make fast, smart decisions and then execute plays as intended. He has to trust his legs, no matter what he’s been told; his instincts are good, and if he trusts them, the Titans will be better off for it.
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Injuries
The Browns will be without defensive tackle Maliek Collins and could be without two offensive linemen (RT Jack Conklin, G Wyatt Teller) with various injuries. The Titans have to attack these points on the field and exploit the weaknesses. The Browns are still a tough matchup for the Titans, so Tennessee has to be ready for whoever they put on the field. But attacking the weak spots where there are backups in place will be a huge factor in coming away with a win.
The Titans have their own injury woes, but it does seem like that is some stability this week. Lloyd Cushenberry may not play, but Ward got some reps with Corey Levin the last few weeks, so maybe that won’t be a huge setback. Many of the players who had been out were able to practice on Wednesday, and getting those bodies back will be huge for the Titans’ endurance.
Titans’ losing streak
Let’s be real, no one likes to lose. And when you get to the level of a professional athlete, losing is unacceptable even though it is very much a part of reality. The Titans enter this week with a 1-11 record, fresh off a 25-3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and on a seven-game losing streak. The skid underscores their internal struggles and injuries, but also sets up a desperation game. Against a Browns team that has also struggled this season, the Titans could play aggressively to snap the streak.
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Draft implications
The Titans are currently expected to have the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2026 NFL draft. A win against the Browns could change that. The loser of this matchup strengthens their draft position and the likelihood of getting the top pick. The winner gains momentum, but could risk their spot in the draft order. The outcome of this game has big implications for what the top of the draft order will look like when the season ends.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans vs. 5 biggest storylines in Week 14 vs. Browns