The Tennessee Titans will look to bounce back from another disappointing loss when they travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season.

Tennessee enters Sunday's matchup at 1-6 after a 27-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns, while Cincinnati improved to 4-2 after beating the Baltimore Ravens 35-13. The Bengals have also won three of their last four meetings against the Titans, making for a difficult matchup this week.

Here are three key matchups that could determine Sunday's outcome.

1. Titans defensive front vs. Bengals offensive line

Slowing down Joe Burrow will be Tennessee's biggest priority against Cincinnati's explosive passing attack. The Bengals' star quarterback enters Week 8 with 1,653 passing yards and 15 touchdowns on the season.

Tennessee's defensive front, led by Jeffery Simmons and Jermaine Johnson II, must generate consistent pressure to prevent Burrow from getting comfortable in the pocket. Simmons has recorded four sacks this season and leads NFL defensive tackles with 28 quarterback pressures.

The Titans recorded six sacks against Indianapolis in Week 6 but struggled defensively against Cleveland, allowing 491 total yards. If Tennessee can disrupt Burrow without relying heavily on additional pass rushers, it could give the secondary a better opportunity to contain Cincinnati's talented receiving corps.

2. Titans secondary vs. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins

Speaking of the Bengals' talented receiving corps, Tennessee's secondary faces arguably its toughest challenge of the season against their dynamic receiving duo. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins remain two of the NFL's most dangerous wide receivers, capable of creating explosive plays and changing games on a dime.

The Titans' pass defense ranks in the bottom half (24th) of the league and is coming off conceding 129 yards to the Browns' rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion. Now, Tennessee must contend with a Bengals offense averaging 264 passing yards per game (7th in the NFL).

Chase and Higgins have accounted for nine of Cincinnati's 13 passing plays of at least 25 yards this season. Preventing those big gains will be critical if Tennessee hopes to keep the Bengals' offense under control.

3. Tony Pollard vs. Bengals run defense

Tennessee's offense finally found success on the ground against Cleveland, as Tony Pollard rushed for a season-high 129 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. He now enters Week 8 with 478 rushing yards (9th in the NFL).

Cincinnati's defense allows 116.3 rushing yards per game (19th), presenting an opportunity for Tennessee to establish its ground attack again. If Pollard can consistently gain positive yardage, it would help take pressure off quarterback Cam Ward and allow the Titans to finally control the clock.

Ultimately, Tennessee's chances of pulling off an upset will depend on its ability to pressure Burrow, limit Cincinnati's explosive passing attack, and establish a consistent running game.