As we head into week 17 of the 2025 season, the stakes for the New Orleans Saints (5-10) and Tennessee Titans (3-12) aren't about playoff positioning. They are about answers.

For New Orleans, specifically, Sunday’s matchup at Nissan Stadium offers a golden opportunity to double down on a revelation that has emerged late in this lost season: the vertical passing game. After a surprisingly dominant three-game winning streak, the Saints offense should expect—and frankly, must exploit—a Titans defense that has devolved into the NFL’s premier "pass funnel."

Here is what Kellen Moore’s offense should expect from Tennessee this Sunday, and how they can attack it.

The defining characteristic of the 2025 Titans defense is a stark disparity between their front and back end. Tennessee’s run defense has remained respectable, largely thanks to the interior disruption of Jeffery Simmons. However, their secondary has collapsed under the weight of injuries (notably to L'Jarius Sneed) and inconsistency.

The data screams "throw the ball." Why? Because it works. The Tennessee Titans have allowed around 220 passing yards per game ranking them around 21st in the league for opponent passing yards.

Expect the Saints to abandon the run early, especially with Alvin Kamara’s status (knee/MCL) remaining cloudy. The Titans will likely crowd the line to stop the run, daring the young quarterback to beat them deep. The Saints should happily accept that dare.

If there is one player who should be licking his chops this week, it is Chris Olave. The Titans' secondary struggles immensely with tracking deep speed and yards. Olave has averaged a massive 119 air yards per game this season.

New Orleans should expect Tennessee to play soft zone coverage to prevent the big play, but fail to execute it due to lack of personnel. Expect Kellen Moore to dial up intermediate crossers and deep overs for Olave to stress the Titans' safeties.

Tennessee defensive coordinator knows he can’t sit back and let a quarterback pick them apart. The Saints should expect the Titans to manufacture pressure. Tennessee has managed 32 sacks this season, respectable enough to be a threat.

With the Saints' offensive line battered, protection will be key. However, the Titans' aggression can be used against them. If Shough can identify the blitz, the middle of the field will be wide open, a prime area for TE Juwan Johnson, who has quietly become a high-volume target during this winning streak.

The Saints offense should expect a Titans defense that is playing for pride but lacking the tools to stop a modern passing attack. The Saints should expect the Titans to want to add to their ego boost after demolishing the Chiefs.

For weeks, the narrative in New Orleans this season was about the struggles of the run game and the quarterback carousel. But the last three weeks have shown a spark. This Sunday, the Saints shouldn't try to force a square peg into a round hole by establishing the run against a tough interior front.

Instead, they should expect to put the ball in the air 35+ times. The Titans are inviting them to do it, and for the first time in a long time, the Saints look capable of accepting the invitation.