The Tennessee Titans lingered on the field a little longer than usual Sunday, savoring a moment that had become unfamiliar over the past year.
Their first home win in more than 12 months was worth celebrating.
Cam Ward threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns as the Titans snapped an 11-game home losing streak with a 26–9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The win marked Tennessee’s first at home since Nov. 3, 2024, and halted a skid that matched the longest home drought in franchise history since the move to Tennessee in 1997.
Tennessee improved to 3–12 and 1–7 at home, producing its most complete performance of the season on both sides of the ball. Ward posted a season-high passer rating of 122.3 and became the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards by a rookie. The Titans totaled a season-best 376 yards of offense against a Kansas City defense that entered the week ranked eighth in the league in yards allowed.
Ward put Tennessee ahead for good late in the first half with a 7-yard shovel pass to Chig Okonkwo. He added a 1-yard touchdown pass to fellow rookie Chimere Dike in the third quarter to extend the lead.
Tony Pollard powered the running game with 102 yards, giving him three consecutive 100-yard rushing performances for the first time in his career. Tyjae Spears added a 4-yard touchdown run, and Joey Slye capped the scoring with a 27-yard field goal.
The Titans’ defense set the tone early. Jeffery Simmons tackled Kareem Hunt in the end zone for a safety and a 2–0 lead in the second quarter, then continued to disrupt Kansas City’s offense by batting down two passes. Tennessee finished with four sacks and consistently pressured a Chiefs offense already dealing with injuries.
Kansas City fell to 6–9 and was assured of its first losing season since 2012. The Chiefs have now lost four straight and six of their past seven games.
Playing without Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL last week, Kansas City turned to Gardner Minshew for his first start of the season. Minshew was knocked out early in the second quarter with a knee injury, forcing the Chiefs to rely on Chris Oladokun, who had just been promoted from the practice squad.
Oladokun completed 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards and guided the Chiefs to three Harrison Butker field goals. Kansas City’s only points came on those kicks as the offense struggled to sustain drives.
Tennessee briefly appeared to add another touchdown late in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard Pollard run, but the score was wiped out by an illegal formation penalty.
Injuries
Titans left tackle Dan Moore Jr. injured his right knee in the second quarter but returned. Cornerback Marcus Harris suffered a knee injury in the second quarter and did not return.
Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew exited in the second quarter with a knee injury and will undergo further evaluation.
Up Next
The Chiefs host the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.
The Titans remain home to face the New Orleans Saints next Sunday.
