Cardinals vs Titans: Week 1 NFL preview

Syndication: The Tennessean

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) hands off to running back Derrick Henry (22)during the Tennessee Titans game against the Baltimore Ravens in Nashville on January 10, 2021. Titans Ravens 099

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The Tennessee Titans face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season, a matchup between Kyler Murray and Ryan Tannehill.

Click here to see where the Cardinals and Titans land in our Week 1 NFL power rankings

Cardinals vs Titans: What you need to know

Let’s dive into the key matchups that will decide a thrilling Cardinals vs Titans contest.

Ryan Tannehill vs Kyler Murray

Ryan Tannehill is off the reserve/COVID list in time for Week 1, opening the door for a tasty matchup. Believe it or not, he has played like an MVP-caliber quarterback over the past two seasons and the Titans just added Julio Jones to the receiving corps. Keep that in mind against Arizona’s defense.

We won’t call this a pivotal year for Kyler Murray, if only because his career could be revitalized by another head coach. Entering his third season, Murray has vowed to run less this season and to use his natural arm talent. That’s exciting to think about, especially against the Titans’ defense, but there are reasons for concern.

Ultimately, we expect both quarterbacks to post monster numbers. Each is a safe bet for 250-plus passing yards and multiple touchdowns. However, factoring in consistency and surrounding talent, there is a clear edge to this battle.

Advantage: Ryan Tannehill

Derrick Henry vs Cardinals’ defense

If Arizona’s defense is looking for something to feel good about heading into this matchup, we found it Across his career, Derrick Henry’s worst stretch of football comes in September. He averages 4.96 ypc in his career but just 3.8 yards per rush in the first month. The month is the only thing the Cardinals should gain confidence from.

Advantage: Derrick Henry

DeAndre Hopkins vs Titans’ secondary

Fantasy owners must watch the Cardinals vs Titans game. We’ve highlighted the matchups between Tennessee’s wide receivers and Arizona’s cornerbacks along with Henry against the defensive front. But it would be shameful to look past DeAndre Hopkins against Tennessee’s secondary.

The Titans did make an effort to improve this spring, signing Bud Dupree to bolster the pass rush and Janoris Jenkins to add a reliable coverage presence on the outside. Will it be enough? We have reason to think it might not come close.

Advantage: DeAndre Hopkins

The bottom line: Easily one of the best Week 1 games on the schedule. Cardinals vs Titans will deliver plenty of highlights, a 40-plus yard touchdown and as many points as fans could hope for. If you’re looking for a defensive chess match, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

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