Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 matchups to watch

The Tennessee Titans will have their hands full in Week 13 with another AFC South battle against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

While it hasn’t shown up in the win-loss column, the Titans are coming alive and playing some of their best football. Specifically, rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who has shown tremendous growth in recent weeks.

The Titans will welcome the Jaguars to Nissan Stadium, hoping to finally put it all together and play a complete game and get back into the win column. They will have a tough task on Sunday against a hot Jaguars team poised to make a run at the playoffs.

Here are five key matchups to watch that could be pivotal in determining the outcome.

Titans' defensive line vs. RB Travis Etienne Jr.

The Jaguars boast a solid offense powered by Travis Etienne and the running game, who come into the game with the eighth-ranked rushing attack in the NFL. Statistically, the Titans did a decent job in Week 12, but Seattle did not take full advantage of the opportunities that were available. Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat must step up this week and make an impact if the Titans are to have a chance.

Titans’ pass rush vs. Jaguars’ offensive line

On top of stopping the Jaguars' rushing attack, the front seven will have to pressure Trevor Lawrence better than they did against Sam Darnold in Week 12. Unpressured, Darnold was able to torch a Titans secondary that couldn’t hold up against Jaxson Smith-Njigba and the rest of the Seahawks receiving corps. While Jacksonville isn’t quite as explosive on the outside, they have weapons who can make the Titans pay.

Titans’ running game vs. Jaguars’ defense

This sounds like a broken record, but the Titans must find a way to get their rushing attack going. Tennessee has struggled the past two weeks, with Cam Ward leading the team in rushing, surpassing the output of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears combined. No matter who gets the carries, they will have their hands full with the Jaguars' stout front that leads the NFL in rush defense.

Cam Ward vs. Jaguars’ secondary

While the Jaguars are great against the run, their pass defense has been erratic and Tennessee must take advantage of this if they are to have a shot on Sunday. In Week 12, Ward came to life, and even with a limited receiving corps, had one of his best performances of the season against the Seahawks. Ward looked confident and poised, made plays with his feet and helped get the Titans within striking distance as time expired.

Chimere Dike vs. Jaguars’ coverage teams

Dike has been amazing in recent weeks, and the explosive rookie continues to make splash plays like the 90-yard punt return touchdown against the Seahawks. Dike leads the NFL in all-purpose yardage and is a difference maker, but that is no longer a secret. There is no doubt that the Jaguars’ game plan will attempt to limit Dike’s production, making whatever impact he can make important to field position, and allow the offense to use their full playbook.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans: 5 matchups to watch in Week 13 vs. Jaguars