NASHVILLE – The Titans face the Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Here’s a look at six things to keep in mind when competing:

Mason Rudolph will take over as starting quarterback on Sunday, replacing Will Levis, who sat on the bench this week. With three games left, Rudolph will look to restore momentum to a Titans team that is in its third three-game losing streak of the season. Rudolph has had some success as a replacement for Levis this season. In fact, in games started by Rudolph this season, the Titans averaged 85.7 more yards per game. After replacing Levis last Sunday, Rudolph became the fourth NFL QB since 1950 to have a completion rate of 80% or better (minimum 25 attempts) and multiple passing TDs in a game he did not start. He joined Gardner Minshew II, Shane Matthews and Doug Flutie.

Can Spears keep the momentum?

Tony Pollard has been a workhorse this season and is now just 18 yards away from his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. It was Pollard’s buddy who put in some serious performances on Sunday. Against the Bengals, running back Tyjae Spears became the third player in Oilers/Titans history to complete a game with six or more catches, a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. The others were Chris Johnson (Week 2, 2009) and Gary Brown (Week 19, 1994). The emergence of Spears was a welcome sight, and if it can continue, it would certainly help ease Pollard’s burden.

TEs want to build on success

Tight end Chig Okonkwo had a career-best eight receptions last Sunday, the most receptions by a Titans tight end since Anthony Firkser in Week 6, 2020. In addition to Okonkwo’s eight receptions, fellow tight end Josh Whyle had five catches against the Bengals. It was the first time since the Tennessee Oilers in New England in Week 3, 1998 that the Titans had a TE with at least eight catches and another with at least five (Frank Wycheck – eight, Jackie Harris – six). Can the tight ends move on in Indy?

Defense by Anthony Richardson

In the team’s Week 6 matchup against the Colts, the Titans faced veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. On Sunday, Anthony Richardson will be at the helm and the Titans will try to upset him. Richardson has the lowest completion percentage (47.0) in the NFL this season and has been pressured more than any QB in the league (41.2 percent). His pass/TD ratio is 7-11. Richardson has eight starts with a completion percentage of 50.0 or less in 2024, which is the second-highest in a season since 1990. The Titans, who are allowing a total of 297.4 yards per game and 182.2 passing yards per game (both top 3 in the NFL), must add to his frustration.

A question mark on the kicker

Veteran Nick Folk has been Mr. Reliable for the Titans this season. Folk has made 21 of his 22 field goal attempts and is perfect on 25 of 25 on his PATs. However, Folk is a question mark for Sunday’s game as he is limited in training this week due to an abdominal injury. Titans coach Brian Callahan indicated Folk will be a game-day decision, with Brayden Narveson being the insurance policy. The Titans signed Narveson from the practice squad to the team’s 53-man roster on Saturday. “We’ll have Brayden ready to go when we need him,” Callahan said of Narveson, who spent the preseason in Tennessee before playing for the Packers earlier this offseason. “He has performed well in the games and we are ready to use him if necessary.”

Continued success in Indy?

It’s been a tough road for the Titans lately, I don’t need to give too many refresher courses on that. However, the Titans have recently had success in Indianapolis. The Titans are 5-2 in their last seven road games against the Colts, including last year’s loss at Lucas Oil Stadium. It is the Titans’ best road record since the start of the 2017 season against any team they have played on the road more than once. Two of Tennessee’s three wins this season have come on the road. In a week where some people have questioned the toughness of this team, it would be a good week to reach out.