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5 NFL teams that should tank in Week 17

By Phil Naegely

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as the Tennessee Titans make their pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as the Tennessee Titans make their pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 1, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans first round draft pick Marcus Mariota (left) answers questions from the media as with executive vice president and general manager Ruston Webster (center) and head coach Ken Whisenhunt (right) look on during the press conference at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans first round draft pick Marcus Mariota (left) answers questions from the media as with executive vice president and general manager Ruston Webster (center) and head coach Ken Whisenhunt (right) look on during the press conference at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Tennessee Titans

In order to secure the first overall pick after having the second overall pick a year ago, the Tennessee Titans need to lose on Sunday. Marcus Mariota had an up and down rookie season at times, but he showed his potential throughout the turmoil in town.

With the first overall pick, the Titans will be able to snatch up the top talent to develop alongside with their young quarterback. Mariota could use a talented receiving option to complement what the Titans can pick up in free agency and later in the draft. It will help Mariota in his sophomore year of the NFL avoid a slump and his confidence if he has viable options at receiver.

It wouldn’t be surprising though if the Titans take an offensive tackle first overall. Tennessee struggled keeping Mariota from being hit often, and as a result he was shut down for the year following Week 15. With the Cleveland Browns looming right below them in the draft, the Titans may opt not to pick an offensive tackle and decide to address one of their defensive needs at safety or inside linebacker.

Nonetheless, a loss in Week 17 ensures that the Titans will be on the clock when Sunday Night Football concludes. Mariota needs some weapons around him, protection to actually make it so he has time to play quarterback, and a defense that can successfully give the Titans a fighting chance when the offense doesn’t score.

Next: Cleveland Browns

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