Jacksonville Jaguars (0-5) at Tennessee Titans (1-4)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at LP Field, Nashville – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein

*Keys to the game: A total of six points separated the AFC South foes in two games split in 2013 and statistics indicate the game could be competitive. It took only a month for candidates to be surprise contenders to slide into the conversation for the No. 1 overall draft pick next April.

The Titans took a big blow losing veteran leaders LT Michael Roos (knee) and S Bernard Pollard (Achilles) for the season. One component of Jacksonville’s fragile defense playing well is the defensive line, and that front will be eager to attack either Jake Locker (thumb) or Charlie Whitehurst. Locker didn’t practice Wednesday, and the Jaguars are preparing for a heavy dose of the Titans’ ground attack.

Tennessee, which could also be without RB Shonn Greene (hamstring), needs to establish the run and stick with it, especially if Locker is unable to go. The Titans average 5.0 yards per carry. Last week, the Titans jumped out to a 28-3 lead, only to blow it. If Tennessee is fortunate enough to take a lead this week, then the Titans need to not let off the gas pedal and continue to keep the offense opened up. The Jaguars have given up the most points in the league this year, and the Titans should attack a vulnerable secondary with Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter.

In rookie QB Blake Bortles’ second career road start, the Jaguars want to stress the run against a Tennessee defense that is ranked 26th in rushing yards allowed. The Jacksonville’s offense hasn’t had enough long drives to feature the run, rushing only 15 times the entire game against Pittsburgh last week.

*Matchup to watch – Jaguars RB Storm Johnson vs. Titans S Damion Stafford: Johnson debuted with five carries for 27 yards last week and Jacksonville wants to see more with Toby Gerhart spinning his wheels with only modest success. Stafford steps into a key playmaking role in coordinator Ray Horton’s defense and will be tested.

*Player spotlight – Titans OL Taylor Lewan: On the field almost exclusively as an extra blocker, the Titans’ first-round pick will slide into a starting role this week either at guard or tackle. OG Andy Levitre has played poorly but with Roos down, he’ll likely hold onto a starting spot. “I’ve been preparing like I’m a starter every week,” Lewan said.

*Fast facts: Jacksonville is the only NFL team with two rookies to compile at least 200 receiving yards. … The Titans last lost five consecutive games in 2010, which included a 17-6 home defeat against Jacksonville.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

The defense that controls the line of scrimmage should come out on top, and each team will have an opportunity to make plays downfield in what has potential to be a sneaky-entertaining game.

*Our pick: Titans 25-24