By Ross Jackson

The 5-10 New Orleans Saints will travel to take on the 3-12 Tennessee Titans in Week 17. The Titans lead the series 9-7-1 in their 17 contests (including as the Houston Oiler), which includes one of just five of the Saints’ ties in franchise history. 

Here are five things to know about the Titans including their progress of also building around a rookie quarterback, the team’s underestimated run game and some home field history. 

1. No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Cam Ward, is coming off of his best game as a pro.

In a 26-9 victory over the Patrick Mahomes-less Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16, Ward looked every bit his draft status. He completed 75% of his passing attempts for two red zone passing touchdowns and no interceptions. Both touchdowns came in the second half and were the results of sustained drives. 

Ward orchestrated the Titans offense well, leading the club to its second consecutive game without a turnover.

The passer has struggled with a weak supporting cast throughout the year, but as of late, he’s looked to have turned a corner.  

2. Tennessee has just one home victory in over 400 days. 

In their win over the Chiefs, the Titans clinched their first home win in 412 days. Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. will play host to the Saints-Titans matchup this weekend, but has not provided much homefield advantage for Tennessee. 

3. Running back Tony Pollard shouldn’t be slept on. 

Pollard, the former Dallas Cowboys running back, has run for over 100 rushing yards in three straight games. He’s now set to face a hot and cold Saints’ run defense that stood up well to New York Jets rusher Breece Hall in Week 16, but has surrendered over 120 rushing yards in nine games this season. 

The elusive and versatile playmaking style of Pollard, who is on the verge of his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, could present a real challenge for the Saints’ defense. 

Pollard’s running mate and former Tulane Green Wave star Tyjae Spears is a threat with the ball in his hands, as well. They may not have big NFL names, but the Titans do have an impactful backfield to watch in this matchup. 

4. Ward has been sacked the second-most times out of all NFL passers. 

Ward has been taken down 51 times in the backfield this season. His 24.8% pressure to sack percentage is fourth-highest among all quarterbacks with at least 200 drop backs. 

For the record, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has been sacked at nearly the same rate as Ward in his starts. His 27.2% pressure to sack percentage is the highest among the same group of passers. 

5. The Titans were the first team to fire their head coach this season. 

After a 1-5 start, the Titans were the first team in the NFL to make a head coaching move, firing Brian Callahan. It feels so long ago that it’s worth a reminder that the Saints will be facing a team with an interim leader that will be looking for a new standard bearer in 2026. Interim head coach Mike McCoy has marched the Titans to two wins in the last three weeks.