X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

2016 Fantasy Football Team Outlook - Tennessee Titans

Tennessee made some of the splashier off-season moves by adding two legit starters at the same position and ditching a player who some thought were destined for stardom. Whether it works remains to be seen, but this year's Titans offense should definitely be a much different version of itself.

In the search for an end to an eight year playoff drought, they figure to lean heavily on the running game, backed by a short passing attack. This conservative approach doesn't figure to produce many fantasy superstars, but there could be some sneaky value to be had.

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including Draft Kit + DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through October. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

Editor's Note: Stay on top of your draft prep with RotoBaller’s fantasy football rankings, featuring expert analysis, ADPs, and draft insights for both PPR and non-PPR leagues.

 

Quarterback

Marcus Mariota is a franchise quarterback and the immediate future of the Titans. At least he'd better be. The Titans took Mariota #2 overall because they envision him as more than simply a dual-threat QB, but a pocket passer with escapability. He ran less frequently than anticipated, carrying the ball 34 times for 252 yards. He was effective when on the move, averaging 7.4 Y/A, including a long of 87. Still, he did not make a Cam Newton-like impression as a rookie and will need to show more big play ability to be considered a fantasy starter. As a passer, he completed 62.2% of his throws with a 19:10 TD-to-INT ratio. Those numbers should increase with experience, but the second-year QB is sorely missing a veteran receiver he can depend on, outside of TE Delanie Walker.

There is no doubt Mariota has star potential, but for the 2016 season he remains in the uncomfortable tween years of his development. You know it's coming, but it's going to take some growing pains before he fully matures. He is a QB2 who carries a higher risk/reward gap than most backups on a weekly basis. In standard re-draft formats, target him no earlier than the 12th round and only if you have a fairly dependable QB ahead of him. #2 QB Zach Mettenberger threw seven INT compared to four TD and is not remotely worth adding should Mariota go down.

 

Running Back

As running backs are often compared to cars, here's a fitting analogy. Last year, Tennessee had a stable full of Pintos and in the off-season they upgraded to a pair of Escalades. In 2015, the Titans' leading rusher was Antonio Andrews with 520 yards, no RB scored more than three TD and their only run longer than 50 yards came from Marcus Mariota. The Bishop Sankey trial is officially done, and the Titans now boast one of the fiercest two-headed monsters in the league. DeMarco Murray will try to recapture the magic of his league-leading 2014 campaign after escaping the clutches of evil genius Chip Kelly. He will be used in a similar fashion to his Cowboys days, as a north-south runner who will see plenty of action on early downs. Of course, Tennessee's offensive line is nothing close to Dallas in terms of run-blocking, so expectations should be tempered.

The other wrinkle in Murray's value is the presence of Derrick Henry. The Titans took everyone by surprise when they selected the Heisman winner in the second round, just weeks after signing Murray. While this could turn out to be brilliant strategically for the team by pairing up their runners and hedging their bet against a Murray injury, given his history, it is maddening for fantasy owners. Either RB could be a starter on the majority of teams in the NFL, but now they must share carries.

Halfway through the pre-season it still remains unclear what the gameplan will be on a weekly basis, but it is most probable that Murray will carry the ball 15-20 times a game, while Henry falls between 12-15. It is unlikely to be a hot-hand situation, so the veteran Murray will remain the starter until further notice. Dynasty leagues should have already jumped all over Henry, whereas Murray is a RB3 at best. In redraft leagues, Murray gets the nod as a low-end RB2, with Henry a smart handcuff. Or you could screw over the owner who takes Murray by picking Henry a round later and dangle him as trade bait throughout the year. You wouldn't do that type of thing though, would you?

 

Wide Receiver

By far the most fascinating receiver corps to watch in training camp has been the Titans' revamped group. A prime example of why you should never draft before mid-August, Dorial Green-Beckham went from trendy sleeper to the trash pile in Tennessee. Questions about his work ethic and conditioning were answered in a resounding way when he was shipped off to Philadelphia for essentially nothing. Taking his place on the first line is newer, trendier sleeper Tajae Sharpe. At first glance, it seemed putting a fifth-round receiver out of UMass was done to send a message to the rest of the team.

After watching him in action, it would seem that Sharpe is rightfully earning his spot. New GM Jon Robinson has no allegiance to the incumbents, so performance should win out over draft position. This may be trouble for former second-rounder Justin Hunter, who is firmly on the roster bubble after contributing just 22 REC, 264 YDS, and a lone TD. The 6'4", 203 lb receiver out of Tennessee has hauled in just 68 passes over three seasons and his days may be numbered.

Kendall Wright has missed a bulk of training camp with a hamstring injury, but figures to retain a starting spot when he returns, possibly in time for Week One. He was thought to be a big play receiver coming out of Baylor's dynamic offense, but averaged 11.3 Y/R, good for third on his own team behind veterans Harry Douglas and Delanie Walker. He has become more of a possession receiver and doesn't appear destined for fantasy stardom. Rishard Matthews, a free agent addition from Miami, is firmly embedded as the slot receiver and makes for a decent WR4 in PPR formats. He lacks big play ability, however, and can be ignored in standard scoring leagues.

Andre Johnson was brought in to add a veteran presence to the team, but he has to prove that last year's dismal performance wasn't a sign that he is on his last legs. He is not a guarantee to make the roster. Harry Douglas and second-year man Tre McBride are also fighting for their jobs. All told, this group is very much a work in progress and presents a great deal of risk for fantasy owners. Sharpe is by far the most intriguing of the bunch, but should only be drafted in dynasty formats. Otherwise, you can safely ignore this group without losing sleep.

 

Tight End

Like a fine Tennessee aged whiskey, Delanie Walker is getting better with age. The 30 year old nearly posted a 100 catch season and finished with 1,088 yards and six TD. His career progression shows that a repeat is certainly possible, although the Titans' brass would certainly prefer to see the receivers contribute more so that Walker is not relied on quite so much. Taking Walker as a TE1 is not a sexy pick (let's be honest, the term "sexy" has no place in fantasy sports), but he carries much less risk than players like Tyler Eifert, who is coming off surgery, or Coby Fleener, who is still learning a new offense. If you want a dependable tight end without pulling the trigger too early, take a chance on high-upside RB/WR in rounds 4-5 and then secure Walker as a safe pick in the 6th or 7th.

 

Kicker

Ryan Succop returns as the Titans' kicker with little fantasy value. He made just 14 FG last season, placing Tennessee 31st among all teams in FGM. A stronger running game and just plain old luck figure to increase that output somewhat, but there is no reason to have him on your active roster.

 

Defense

While the Titans' offense is a promising unit with young players on the rise, the defense remains static as a lower-end option. Michael Griffin led the team with 66 solo tackles and Avery Williamson was first with 102 combined tackles. Sacks were hard to come by, with Brian Orakpo and Jurell Casey tied with seven apiece. Without a true pass-rushing threat, this unit lacks stopping power. As a result, the Titans totaled just 11 INT, with no player recording more than two. As a team, the Titans ranked 21st in both interceptions and fumbles recovered. If you're looking for IDP help, look elsewhere. Orakpo has been a top-flight player in the past for Washington, but the defensive line must be stronger if he or any player is to have a real impact.

 

Fantasy Outlook

The Titans are a team on the rise, but how quickly is the question. Mariota is the big name on the roster, but the running backs are bound to be the heart and soul of this offense. Focus on the runners, but don't overpay for the names or past successes. Neither Murray nor Henry will achieve RB1 status unless the other is out of the picture. Perhaps the only dependable receiver on this team is tight end Delanie Walker, who may still be undervalued as the sixth TE drafted on average. While I love Mariota as a player, I won't trust him in fantasy until 2017.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Nolan Arenado

Ready for Second Half
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Back in Action to Begin Second Half
Yordan Alvarez

Resumes Swinging -- Return Imminent?
Jake Burger

to Miss an Additional 2-3 Weeks
TreVeyon Henderson

Signs Rookie Contract
Christian Watson

Goes on PUP List
Austin Riley

Hopes to be Activated Next Week
Ketel Marte

Lands on Restricted List After Burglary
Ricky Pearsall

Heads to PUP List
Brandon Aiyuk

Placed on PUP List
Luther Burden III

Signs Rookie Deal
Washington Nationals

Eli Willits Expected to Sign Contract on Saturday
Grayson Rodriguez

Being Shut Down Again - Will We See Him Again This Year?
Ezequiel Tovar

Activated and Back in Lineup on Friday
Max Fried

"Hopeful" to Pitch Next Week - Looks Like He'll Avoid IL Stint
Steven Kwan

Receives Injection in Wrist, Considered Day-to-Day
CJ Abrams

Back to Start Second Half
Alec Bohm

Back From Rib Injury on Friday
Trey Hendrickson

Holdout to Spill into Regular Season?
Jalen McMillan

Bucs Offensive Coordinator Not Forgetting About Jalen McMillan
Levi Onwuzurike

to Miss at Least Four Games
Nick Emmanwori

Seahawks, Nick Emmanwori Reach Agreement on Rookie Deal
Max Holloway

Set For Main Event
Brandon Lowe

Back From 10-Day Injured List
Dustin Poirier

Set For His Final UFC Fight
Roman Kopylov

Set For Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa

Returns At UFC 318
Luis L. Ortiz

to Remain on Leave for Another Month - Will he Pitch Again?
Daniel Rodriguez

Looks For Third Win In A Row
Kevin Holland

Set For His Fourth Fight This Year
Dan Ige

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Patricio Freire Set For His Second UFC Fight
Daniel Zellhuber

Set To Open Up UFC 318 Main Card
Michael Johnson

Looks For Third Consecutive Win
Elijah Arroyo

Signs Rookie Deal
Jaydon Blue

Described as "Borderline Lazy"
T.J. Sanders

Bills Sign T.J. Sanders to Rookie Deal
Christian Wilkins

Raiders Put Christian Wilkins on PUP List
Jabari Small

Lions Add Jabari Small to Backfield
Quinshon Judkins

Remains Unsigned, Won't Report With Rest of Rookies
Mason Taylor

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Jets
Hendon Hooker

Leading Lions QB2 Battle Entering Training Camp
Ozzy Trapilo

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Bears
Tate Ratledge

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Lions
Jack Bech

Signs Rookie Contract with Raiders
Yegor Chinakhov

Requests Trade
Dakota Joshua

Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua
Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Damian Lillard

Returning to Portland
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF