10 AFC predictions for Week 1 of 2018 NFL season

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FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 13: Adoree’ Jackson #25 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball during the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

4. The Titans won’t be ready for liftoff yet

Injuries are going to dampen new head coach Mike Vrabel’s debut with the Tennessee Titans, even if it doesn’t cost them a victory against the Miami Dolphins. Their injury list is alarming for a team that’ll need to win out of division games in order to make the playoffs again.

The status of edge-rushers Harold Landry and Derrick Morgan are week-to-week and that’s terrifying. Even with a rebuilt secondary that looks better with the addition of Kenny Vaccaro and Malcolm Butler, the front seven is suspect if it’s not creating edge pressure. Especially against a Dolphins offense that is prioritizing quick-release passes and getting running back Kenyan Drake into space.

On offense, right tackle Jack Conklin is also considered week-to-week. If he’s not 100 percent, Dolphins edge-rusher Cameron Wake will have a huge opportunity to take over this game. He has the potential to wreck an offense on his own even at 36 years old.

New offensive coordinator Matt LeFleur must give his right tackle support from tight ends and running backs to protect Marcus Mariota. The Dolphins’ defense isn’t good overall, but they have enough playmakers at defensive end and in the secondary to take advantage of mistakes.