Titans Predicted to Take Step Back After Losing A.J. Brown (How Many Games will the Titans Win in 2022?)

It's safe to assume that the Tennessee Titans, along with their fanbase, had high hopes for the upcoming 2022 season after entering last year's playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the AFC. However, expectations changed quickly as a result of the offseason.

Instead of doubling down on the roster that got them to the postseason, they decided to blow it up; trading perhaps their most talented offensive asset in receiver A.J. Brown. Now, after finishing the 2021 season 12-5, the Titans may struggle to win 10 games this year. At WynnBET right now, the Titans' win total is at 9.5; heavily juiced to the under at -135.

Titans Season Win Total Falls to 9.5 After NFL Draft

With a win total below 10, it’s clear that the oddsmakers expect the Titans to take a step back in 2022 after winning a dozen games in 2021. The loss of Brown is a major reason for the lack of faith and I think it makes total sense. Brown had a bit of a down year, making only 13 appearances and totaling less than 1,000 for the first time in his career. However, the talent is there and Brown adds up as one of the most outstanding young skill position players in the entire NFL. 

Now that he is out the door, the Titans are forced to restructure their whole offense around Derrick Henry. They leaned on their stud running back heavily; but maybe relied on him too much.

Henry got hurt midway through the year and only made eight starts during the regular season. Granted, they were eight of the best starts one could hope for from a running back. Despite missing nearly half of the Titans’ games, Henry nearly went over 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. The Titans brought in Hassan Haskins from Michigan as another power runner to add to their downfield ground attack. 

The biggest question mark for the Titans heading into 2022 is quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The 33-year-old put together his second straight strong season for the Titans with 3,734 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. His QBR at the end of the year was the 8th-best in the league at 55.9. Tannehill is not getting any younger, and now is left without one of the best receiving talents in the game. The front office signed Austin Hooper and Robert Woods to try and fill the gap left by Brown, as well as drafting Arkansas receiver Treylon Burks 18th overall. Burks may turn out to be great, but heading into 2022, they are a far cry from the talent that walked out of the door. 

I think the Titans could impress once again, and actually I don’t hate the over on this future. Despite Brown’s obvious upside, he didn’t play great last year and the Titans still earned the No. 1 seed. With their rationale for trading Brown before they had to pay him, they better hope Henry can go a full season without getting hurt.

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