Last season's Titans eked into the the playoffs -- then upset the favored Chiefs in the first round -- despite having the fourth worst QB rating in the league and a sub-par running game. They won largely because of a capable pass defense and an elite run D. It also didn't hurt that five of their nine wins were within seven points, while three of those were within three points.
This year they'll once again need to eke in, and with a team that's regressed across most offensive and defensive metrics. They're lucky to be 6-6, as four of their victories have been within only four points. Yet their remaining schedule (Jaguars, Giants, Redskins, and Colts) suggests they have a good shot at the postseason.
Their march continues tonight against a Jacksonville squad that's gone from Super Bowl contender to laughing stock. At one point 3-1, the Jags have lost seven of eight, with last week's shocking shutout of the Colts serving as their own win since September. Once they can find a franchise quarterback, this team could again make some noise. Unfortunately for Tennessee, they're stuck with a franchise quarterback who's not what people thought he'd be.
The reality is, neither QB is trustworthy in fantasy tonight. That should be obvious. And the up-and-down Corey Davis is a bust risk assuming Jalen Ramsey shadows him. That leaves Tajae Sharpe or Taywan Taylor as deep, deep, desperation flyers. I can see either of them finishing with a 4/50 line. I wouldn't bet on either scoring against Jacksonville's still-elite pass D. The same goes for Jonnu Smith, who's been a nice story, but who simply isn't getting enough looks to be reliable now that Tennessee has a healthy wideout corps.
And then there's Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis. For a while this season the team's two best fantasy players were Lewis and their kicker, Ryan Succop. Lewis has largely faded in recent weeks, as his usage (about 8-12 touches per game) has made him as TD dependent as ever. Meanwhile, Henry's probably looking at an 12-35 line with a couple of catches. Everyone on this team will be unstartable from a fantasy perspective unless they score. It's that simple.
For Jacksonville, Cody Kessler inspires zero confidence, meaning Dede Westbrook, Donte Moncrief, and Keelan Cole are in the same boat as Tennessee's receivers. I believe we'll see at least 40 -- that's right, 40 -- touches out of Leonard Fournette, T.J. Yeldon, and the overrated Carlos Hyde. That means Yeldon, and to a lesser extent Hyde, very well could outperform Henry and Lewis. If I had to bet on it, I would, which sounds downright bizarre.
If you enjoy watching underwhelming offenses and decent defenses, you'll love tonight's contest. Both DSTs should finish with 10+ points, and both offenses will combine for no more than two touchdowns. If your opponent is starting three or more offensive players tonight, you should win round 1 of the playoffs.
This year they'll once again need to eke in, and with a team that's regressed across most offensive and defensive metrics. They're lucky to be 6-6, as four of their victories have been within only four points. Yet their remaining schedule (Jaguars, Giants, Redskins, and Colts) suggests they have a good shot at the postseason.
Their march continues tonight against a Jacksonville squad that's gone from Super Bowl contender to laughing stock. At one point 3-1, the Jags have lost seven of eight, with last week's shocking shutout of the Colts serving as their own win since September. Once they can find a franchise quarterback, this team could again make some noise. Unfortunately for Tennessee, they're stuck with a franchise quarterback who's not what people thought he'd be.
The reality is, neither QB is trustworthy in fantasy tonight. That should be obvious. And the up-and-down Corey Davis is a bust risk assuming Jalen Ramsey shadows him. That leaves Tajae Sharpe or Taywan Taylor as deep, deep, desperation flyers. I can see either of them finishing with a 4/50 line. I wouldn't bet on either scoring against Jacksonville's still-elite pass D. The same goes for Jonnu Smith, who's been a nice story, but who simply isn't getting enough looks to be reliable now that Tennessee has a healthy wideout corps.
And then there's Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis. For a while this season the team's two best fantasy players were Lewis and their kicker, Ryan Succop. Lewis has largely faded in recent weeks, as his usage (about 8-12 touches per game) has made him as TD dependent as ever. Meanwhile, Henry's probably looking at an 12-35 line with a couple of catches. Everyone on this team will be unstartable from a fantasy perspective unless they score. It's that simple.
For Jacksonville, Cody Kessler inspires zero confidence, meaning Dede Westbrook, Donte Moncrief, and Keelan Cole are in the same boat as Tennessee's receivers. I believe we'll see at least 40 -- that's right, 40 -- touches out of Leonard Fournette, T.J. Yeldon, and the overrated Carlos Hyde. That means Yeldon, and to a lesser extent Hyde, very well could outperform Henry and Lewis. If I had to bet on it, I would, which sounds downright bizarre.
If you enjoy watching underwhelming offenses and decent defenses, you'll love tonight's contest. Both DSTs should finish with 10+ points, and both offenses will combine for no more than two touchdowns. If your opponent is starting three or more offensive players tonight, you should win round 1 of the playoffs.