The Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs meet for their annual matchup this Sunday at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Both the Titans and the Chiefs have been eliminated from playoff contention for 2025. While it’s the norm for the Titans, the Chiefs haven’t missed the playoffs since 2014. The Chiefs will also be without their primary offensive weapon, signal caller, and playmaker in Patrick Mahomes. This gives the Titans a rare chance to make a statement against one of the league’s top teams.

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The Titans and Chiefs matchup doesn’t carry postseason stakes, but it is a revealing game for two franchises navigating uncertainty. One is rebuilding and searching for clarity. The other is uncharacteristically vulnerable. Here are five storylines that underscore why this game still matters, and why neither side can afford to overlook it.

Kansas City Without Mahomes Changes Everything (Not in a Good Way)

Patrick Mahomes’ absence fundamentally alters how the Chiefs operate. This isn’t just about losing an elite quarterback; it’s about losing the structure that has defined Kansas City football for nearly a decade.With Gardner Minshew under center, the Chiefs are forced into a more conservative, timing-based offense. That puts pressure on play-calling, protection, and execution in ways this roster hasn’t had to deal with in years. Against a Titans defense that thrives on confusion and pressure, the margin for error is thin.

Titans’ Secondary Depth Is Being Tested at the Wrong Time

Tennessee’s injury issues in the secondary remain a major concern. With multiple safeties sidelined, the Titans are relying on inexperienced players in high-leverage roles.Even without Mahomes, Kansas City still has route-runners capable of exploiting coverage mistakes, and Gardner Minshew is capable of finding them. Missed assignments or poor communication could quickly flip the field position and undo otherwise solid defensive series. The Titans’ ability to limit explosive plays will likely determine whether this game stays manageable.

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Cam Ward’s Development Comes With Growing Pains

Cam Ward has shown toughness and playmaking ability, but consistency remains elusive. This matchup is another reminder that development isn’t linear — and mistakes are still part of the process.Kansas City’s defense will test Ward with disguised coverages and late pressure. How he handles third downs and avoids turnovers will be critical. The Titans don’t need perfection from their rookie quarterback, but they can’t afford momentum-killing errors either.

Motivation Is an Open Question on Both Sidelines

Neither team is playing for a playoff berth, which raises legitimate questions about urgency. For Tennessee, the challenge is sustaining focus through adversity. For Kansas City, it’s about pride and professionalism after a season that unraveled faster than expected.Late-season games like this often hinge on which team treats execution as non-negotiable. Sloppy penalties, missed tackles, and conservative decision-making could define the outcome more than talent.

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This Game Is Quietly About Evaluation, Not Results

For both franchises, this matchup functions as a live evaluation environment. The Titans are assessing young players in real game conditions. The Chiefs are learning how their roster responds without its cornerstone.The scoreboard matters, but the film matters more. Coaches on both sides will leave this game with answers, some encouraging, some uncomfortable, about where their teams truly stand heading into the offseason.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans: 5 storylines in Week 16 vs. Kansas City Chiefs