A preview of the Jets and Titans NFL Week 1 contest at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee:
Key matchup
Titans DT Jeffery Simmons vs. Jets offensive line
The cornerstone of the Titans’ defense is their front line, particularly Jeffery Simmons, who had a standout season with 11 sacks and was honored as an All-Pro last year. He’s known for disrupting plays in the middle.
The Jets’ offensive line is generally seen as a strength, but they’ll face a tough test against Simmons, particularly for guards Joe Tippmann and Dylan Parham, along with center Josh Myers.
“He’s incredibly strong, physical, and quick,” Tippmann remarked. “He’s a fantastic player in both the passing and running game. I’m looking forward to the challenge and seeing how I measure up.”
At 29, Simmons is a four-time Pro Bowler, and the Titans recently signed him to a hefty three-year, $105.8 million deal.
He ranks as the third-highest paid interior defensive lineman in the league, trailing only the Eagles’ Jalen Carter and the Cowboys’ Quinnen Williams.
“As a defensive lineman, it starts with his mindset and style of play,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn pointed out. “He’s disruptive and aggressive, and his size—about 6-foot-4 and weighing around 310-315 pounds—makes him hard to handle, especially on double teams. He knows how to use his strength and disengage to make plays, and he’s an effective pass rusher too. We definitely need to keep an eye on him.”
Four key points
Geno returns: Geno Smith is set to quarterback the Jets for the first time since October 23, 2016, when he faced the Ravens.
Acquired in a trade with the Raiders in March, the Jets are hoping Smith can bring stability to a quarterback position that was shaky in 2025, with Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook all taking stints.
Despite a disappointing season last year in Las Vegas, Smith is considered an upgrade over last year’s options. His return to the team that drafted him in 2013 could make for a compelling narrative if he leads them to victory.
“It feels like an honor to be back,” Smith shared. “I’m excited to lead this talented group. I look forward to every day I get to work and give everything for these guys. It’s special for my family and me.”
Can they intercept?: The Jets face a significant question: will they finally record an interception? Last year, they became the first team since the NFL began tracking interceptions in 1933 to go an entire season without one.
This week may prove challenging, as Titans quarterback Cam Ward had only seven interceptions in his rookie season, with just one in his last nine games. The Jets would surely breathe a sigh of relief if they could finally get one.
“Honestly, it’d be a relief just to stop hearing about it from the media,” Coach Glenn commented.
Familiar faces: It’s not just Robert Saleh who has ties to the Jets in this game. He brought several former Jets players and coaches with him to Tennessee.
Defensive end Jermaine Johnson II, along with linemen John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas, and Jacob Martin, and safety Tony Adams have all transitioned to the Titans. The Jets also have some former Titans, including nose tackle T’Vondre Swift and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
With emotions running high as players confront former teams, it’s likely there will be a few heated moments on the field.
Rookie spotlight: There’s plenty of buzz surrounding the Jets’ 2026 draft class, though not all rookies will participate. Second-round cornerback D’Angelo Ponds is unlikely to play, but other top picks should contribute.
Edge rusher David Bailey, selected as the No. 2 overall pick, made a strong impression during training camp and could shine against a struggling Titans offensive line. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. didn’t stand out in camp but are healthy and ready to make their mark on Sunday.
Predictions
Week 1 contests typically present challenges, with teams still finding their rhythm after months off. There have been shifts in coaching, strategies, and player rosters.
While the Jets seem to boast more talent on paper, it’s possible that Saleh manages to take down Woody Johnson and gives Aaron Glenn his first loss of the season in a close contest.
Titans 24, Jets 20
