What Is 2018 Tennessee Titans football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Tennessee Titans finished the NFL season with a 9-7 record, securing the AFC South title. They advanced to the playoffs but lost 35-34 to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round on January 13, 2019.

Key Facts

Finished regular season with a 9-7 record
Won the AFC South division title
Defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-17 in the Wild Card Round
Lost to the New England Patriots 35-34 in the Divisional Round
Head coach Mike Vrabel led the team in his first season

Overview

The 2018 Tennessee Titans season marked a turning point under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, who took over after the departure of Mike Mularkey. The team finished with a 9-7 record, reclaiming the AFC South title after a one-year absence and securing a playoff berth.

Despite a mid-season slump, the Titans showed resilience, particularly on defense, and entered the postseason as the 4th seed in the AFC. Their playoff run ended narrowly in the Divisional Round, but the season represented a step forward in the franchise’s rebuilding effort.

Regular season record: The Titans finished 9-7, winning the AFC South by one game over the Indianapolis Colts, marking their first division title since 2008.
Playoff appearance: They qualified for the postseason for the second consecutive year, becoming the first Titans team to do so since 2003–2004.
Key victory: In Week 16, a 38-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars clinched the division title and secured home-field advantage in the Wild Card round.
Defensive strength: The defense ranked 5th in the NFL in points allowed per game, surrendering only 19.0 points on average.
Offensive struggles: The offense ranked 25th in total yards and relied heavily on a run-first approach, averaging 143.8 rushing yards per game, 2nd in the league.

How It Works

The 2018 Titans' success was built on a balanced strategy combining a dominant run game, a disciplined defense, and strategic coaching decisions under Mike Vrabel. Each element played a role in their division win and playoff advancement.

Run Game Strategy: The Titans used a zone-blocking scheme that emphasized Derrick Henry, who rushed for 1,056 yards and 9 touchdowns, peaking in the playoffs with 158 yards against Kansas City.
Defensive Scheme: The team ran a 3-4 base defense led by Jurrell Casey and rookie linebacker Rashaan Evans, recording 43 sacks and forcing 20 turnovers.
Quarterback Rotation: Marcus Mariota started 15 games but missed time due to injury; Blaine Gabbert stepped in and went 3-1 as a starter during a critical stretch.
Special Teams: Kicker Ryan Succop made 27 of 31 field goals (87.1%), while punter Brett Kern averaged 45.6 yards per punt, providing strong field position.
Coaching Impact: Mike Vrabel’s leadership brought discipline and accountability, improving team turnover margin to +10, tied for 6th-best in the NFL.
Playoff Format: As AFC South champions, the Titans hosted the Wild Card game, defeating the Chiefs 35-17 before losing in New England the following week.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2018 Titans compared closely with division rivals and playoff teams in key performance metrics:

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
Tennessee Titans	9-7	316	269	Lost in Divisional Round
Indianapolis Colts	10-6	437	347	Lost in Wild Card Round
Jacksonville Jaguars	5-11	245	340	Did not qualify
Houston Texans	11-5	330	287	Lost in Wild Card Round
New England Patriots	11-5	436	325	Lost in Super Bowl

While the Titans scored fewer points than rivals like the Colts and Patriots, their defense kept games close. Their 9-7 record was the lowest among AFC playoff teams, yet they advanced further than both the Colts and Texans. The narrow 35-34 loss to New England highlighted their competitiveness despite offensive inconsistencies.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was pivotal for the Titans' long-term trajectory, proving they could win with defense and a strong ground game while developing young talent under new leadership.

Foundation for future success: The season laid the groundwork for the Titans’ 2019 AFC Championship Game appearance, showing sustained improvement.
Derrick Henry’s emergence: His playoff performance signaled his arrival as a premier running back, later leading to a Pro Bowl nod in 2019.
Mike Vrabel’s credibility: His successful debut season solidified him as a top-tier NFL head coach, earning long-term support from management.
Playoff momentum: Winning a postseason game for the first time since 2003 boosted team morale and fan engagement in Nashville.
Defensive identity: The unit’s consistency established a culture of toughness that influenced roster construction in subsequent years.
QB development: Marcus Mariota’s mixed season raised questions about his long-term fit, eventually leading to a shift in the quarterback strategy.

The 2018 Tennessee Titans may not have reached the Super Bowl, but their season represented a crucial step in the franchise’s evolution—balancing competitiveness with future planning in a rebuilding phase.