An inside look at Sunday’s Jets-Titans NFL Week 1 matchup at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn:

Marquee matchup

Titans DT Jeffery Simmons vs. the Jets interior OL 

The strength of Robert Saleh’s defense in Tennessee is the line, led by Jeffery Simmons, who had a career-high 11 sacks last season and was named All-Pro.

Simmons is a disruptive force in the middle of the defense and can wreck plays. 

The Jets offensive line is viewed as a strength of the team, but this will be a challenge for guards Joe Tippmann and Dylan Parham as well as center Josh Myers. 

“He’s strong, physical, twitchy,” Tippmann said. “He’s a great player both in the pass and run. I think I’ve got a good challenge ahead of me. I’m excited to see what I can do out there.” 

The 29-year-old Simmons has been to four Pro Bowls, and the Titans gave him a three-year, $105.8 million contract in June.

He is the third-highest paid interior defensive lineman behind the Eagles’ Jalen Carter and the Cowboys’ Quinnen Williams. 

“As a defensive lineman, it all starts with his mentality and his play style,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn said. “Everything about him is disruptive, everything about him is being violent. And then you look at the physical stature of the man. He’s about 6-foot-4, 310, 315 [pounds], strong lower body. He’s a mover when it comes to double teams. He understands how to play with extension and disengage and go make plays, and plus he’s a quality pass rusher when you put him at any spot at the D-line. So, he’s a damn good player, and we have to be aware of him.” 

Four downs

Return of Geno: Geno Smith will start a game for the Jets for the first time since Oct. 23, 2016, against the Ravens.

The Jets acquired Smith in a trade with the Raiders in March, hoping he can stabilize the quarterback position that was so rocky in 2025 with Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook starting. 

Smith is coming off a dismal 2025 season with the Raiders but should be an upgrade from last year’s trio. It would be a remarkable story if Smith, the Jets’ 2013 second-round pick, returns to the team and makes them winners. 

“First of all, it’s an honor to be back here,” Smith said, “and to have the opportunity to be a part of this organization again, to lead this team, this young talented group of guys who work extremely hard. I find myself looking forward to each and every day coming to work and giving it my all for these guys. And so, it’s really special to my family and I, and we look forward to, like I said, every single day.” 

Take your pick: Can the Jets finally get an interception? That is one question looming large over this game. Last year they became the first team without an interception in an entire season since the NFL began tracking the stat in 1933. 

It might be tough this week. Titans quarterback Cam Ward threw just seven interceptions as a rookie. He only threw one in his final nine games and did not have any games with multiple picks. A sense of relief would wash over the Jets if they got one. 

“I think it would be a relief to hear you guys stop talking about it, first and foremost,” coach Aaron Glenn told the media. 

I know you: Robert Saleh is not the only familiar face in this game for the Jets. Saleh brought a number of former Jets coach and players with him to Tennessee.

Defensive end Jermaine Johnson II ; defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas and Jacob Martin; and safety Tony Adams are all Titans now. The Jets have a few former Titans, as well, with nose tackle T’Vondre Swift and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. 

Emotions should be running high in this one as players and coaches see their former teams. It won’t be a surprise if there is a personal foul or two. 

Feeling the draft: There has been plenty of excitement about the Jets’ 2026 draft class, and now we’ll get to see the rookies play … most of them. Second-round cornerback D’Angelo Ponds is doubtful, but the other top rookies should play in this one. 

There are big expectations for edge rusher David Bailey, the team’s No. 2 overall pick. He created havoc all summer in training camp and could have a big day against a weak Titans offensive line. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq and WR Omar Cooper Jr. had quiet summers, but both are healthy and should be involved in the offense Sunday. 

Costello’s call

Week 1 games are always hard to predict. Teams are rusty after not playing in real games for eight months. There are coaching changes, scheme changes and personnel changes.

On paper, the Jets have more talent, but I think Robert Saleh gets some revenge on Woody Johnson and hands Aaron Glenn his first loss of the season in a close one. 

Titans 24, Jets 20