Fantasy Football – 32 Teams in 32 Days: The Tennessee Titans
By Matt Mikolas
Here we are, back with another team rundown just in time for training camp. Today we will focus on the Tennessee Titans.
Off-Season Overview
The Tennessee Titans are on the rise. At least that’s the narrative.
In one of the more curious moves you’ll see, Tennessee decided to endorse, and then promptly fire head coach Mike Mularkey, even after winning a playoff game against the Chiefs. Former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel takes over a team that could go 11-5 or 5-11, depending on how far their offense can take them.
The hype on QB Marcus Mariota has mostly stemmed by unrealized potential. Expected to take a leap forward in 2017, he instead emboldened his position in the middle of the pack (closer to the bottom) of NFL quarterbacks. Mariota had his worst season in terms of passer rating last year, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. He wasn’t helped out by a disappointing rookie season from Corey Davis who was slowed by injuries last season.
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It’s unclear what’s been the cog to the let-down in the passing game. Whether it’s Mariota letting his receivers down, or Tennessee’s staple of pass catchers that are coming up short.
The addition of Dion Lewis should take some of the pressure off of Mariota. Lewis brings the Titans a real threat to both run and catch out of the backfield. A two-headed monster of Lewis and Derrick Henry should help keep linebackers and safeties on their heels. The play action game will be Marcus Mariota‘s best friend in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
I Gotta Get Me One of Those!
One of the hardest rosters to figure, one player sticks out to me as a guy that could really pop in 2018: Derrick Henry. Now, that’s no guarantee, by any stretch. But, of all the Titans, with my lack of believe in Mariota, Henry should be in the best position to flourish. Delanie Walker is always a sneaky good pick at tight end.
Buyer Beware
I hate to pile on Mariota, especially since I’m an Oregon fan, but he hasn’t shown me that he can take the reigns of a pro offense yet. He hasn’t progressed far enough for me to put any stock in him as a quarterback. Tennessee is an offense I recommend largely staying away from, especially in the passing game, because Mariota is so shaky.
Stay Woke
The closest thing to a sleeper that Tennessee really has is probably Dion Lewis, but that’s even PPR dependent. Jonnu Smith is a name that you can keep in mind late in your draft if you want to take a flier on a tight end that could see increased production. They seem to like the 2nd year TE, and he could be a safety blanket for Mariota for dump offs and when he breaks the pocket.
dark. Next. RBC Canadian Open Sleeper Picks