The Titans (3-12) improved to 1-7 at home this season with their first win at Nissan Stadium since Nov. 3, 2024. The streak tied the franchise’s worst since moving to Tennessee in 1997.
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With two games remaining, the Chiefs (6-9) are assured of their first losing record since 2012, their most recent season without Andy Reid as coach. Kansas City has lost four straight games, its longest streak since 2017, and six of seven.
A week after Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL, his backup, Gardner Minshew, was knocked out of the game with a knee injury early in the second quarter.
Ward posted his highest passer rating this season at 122.3, and passed Marcus Mariota for most passing yards by a franchise rookie. He helped the Titans rack up a season-high 377 yards of offense against a Chiefs defense that ranked eighth stingiest in the NFL in yards allowed.
The rookie threw a shovel pass to Chig Okonkwo that went 7 yards to put the Titans ahead and stay at the end of the first half. Ward also found fellow rookie Chimere Dike for a 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
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Tony Pollard rushed for 102 yards, giving him three consecutive 100-yard games for the first time in his career. Tyjae Spears added a 4-yard rushing touchdown and Joey Slye kicked a 27-yard field goal for the final margin.
Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons tackled Kareem Hunt in the end zone for a safety and a 2-0 lead early in the second quarter. Simmons also scored a pair of passes. The Titans finished with four sacks.
The battered Chiefs arrived with Mahomes on injured reserve along with right tackle Jawaan Taylor. They also declared nine players out Friday, including five starters, led by wide receiver Rashee Rice, left tackle Jaylon Moore and cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Minshew made his first start of the season. After being injured, the Chiefs turned to Chris Oladokun, recently signed to the practice squad, to play in the second game of his career.
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Oladokun turned in his first five plays. He then connected with Travis Kelce for his first NFL completion, and Oladokun led the Chiefs to a trio of Harrison Butker field goals.
Injuries
Titans LT Dan Moore hurt his right knee early in the second quarter but returned. Cornerback Marcus Harris injured his knee in the second quarter and did not return.
Next
The Chiefs host Denver on Thursday night.
The Titans host New Orleans next Sunday.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl