The Tennessee Titans will have their hands full in Week 16 with a frustrated Kansas City Chiefs team that is pushing to end their season on a high note.

The Chiefs not only lost quarterback Patrick Mahomes in their Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, but they were also eliminated from playoff contention, further adding to the disappointment of the 2025 season.

Both teams will be looking for a win, and it seems like it could be a close game. The Titans have played some good football in recent weeks and have a shot. The offense has come to life with the running game taking off and Cam Ward playing some efficient football. The problems lie on defense, where the injury-riddled secondary has had a rough few weeks and has allowed too many explosive plays, wasting Jeffery Simmons’ dominant play up front.

This should be a good game, and here are five key matchups to watch that could be pivotal in determining the outcome.

Titans’ pass rush vs. QB Gardner Minchew

Minchew may not be Patrick Mahomes, but the journeyman quarterback has had success in the NFL and can make the Titans pay if they don’t contain him. Minchew hasn’t played much with the Chiefs in 2025, throwing his first passes in Week 15, but he did move the ball before throwing a game-sealing interception. Pressuring Minchew will be key this week, especially with so many questions at safety.

Titans’ safeties vs. Chiefs’ tight ends

Led by Travis Kelce, the Chiefs have a deep tight end group and love to target the middle of the field, and with wide receiver Rashee Rice entering concussion protocol on Wednesday, the staff may decide to rely on that tight end depth to move the ball.

Unfortunately, the Titans are extremely thin at safety after losing Mike Brown, Kevin Winston, and Xavier Woods against San Francisco. Amani Hooker and Kendell Brooks are the starters, and everything behind them on the depth chart is a big question mark. Tennessee has already struggled to contain tight ends this season, and could be in for a long afternoon.

Titans’ defense vs. Travis Kelce

Yes, Kelce was mentioned as the leader of the tight ends, but he is a special threat. In the midst of a disappointing season, the former All-Pro will be looking to end what could be his final games on a high note. Kelce has not had his normal success in 2025, but could get on track against the Titans, who have made Harold Fannin and George Kittle look like Hall of Famers in recent weeks. The Titans must contain Kelce this week if they want to have a chance.

RB Tony Pollard vs. Chiefs’ defense

Pollard has come on strong in recent weeks and looks like the running back many expected to see in 2025. Rushing for over 100 yards in back-to-back games, he has become the focal point of the offense and helped stabilize the attack. This will again be important against a stout Chiefs’ defense, and could have a significant impact on the outcome.

WR Chimere Dike vs. Chiefs’ coverage teams

Dike has been held in check over the past few games, and Tennessee needs its explosive rookie to make an impact in this one. Dike continues to lead the league in all-purpose yardage, but his numbers on offense have dwindled in recent weeks. He is coming off a disappointing Week 15 and will be extra motivated to make an impact against the Chiefs.