As part of our 2021 Fantasy Preview series, we present the Tennessee Titans.
Team Overview
The Titans are a team that is built around the ability of their offensive line to allow their power back Derrick Henry to just run through people. As a result, this has allowed Ryan Tannehill the opportunity to play well off the back of play-action, as part of an incredibly efficient passing game.
During the offseason, the team managed to add Julio Jones to its ranks- who will fill the role as a (likely) secondary receiver on the team. That could lead to a more balanced offense, but it’s more likely that the team continues to operate in a similar way. With efficient passes off play-action.
2021 Fantasy Preview Tennessee Titans- Projected Depth Chart
Individual Players
Studs
- Derrick Henry: Henry is a human wrecking ball. Just ask the defenders that he has fended off into next week. The offense is built around him, so he will get plenty of touches. The issue comes with the fact that the team don’t use him on passing plays, which can hurt his value in PPR leagues.
- AJ Brown: Brown is one of the top receivers in the league. He has had to be efficient with the opportunities that come his way, given the importance put on the running game. However, Brown has shown the ability to take any pass deep downfield, and break tackles along the way.
Role Players
- Julio Jones: Jones moved over to the team during free agency via a trade. He could well be improved, as he is likely to receive secondary coverage, but he started to show signs of age which bumps him down a little.
- Ryan Tannehill: Tannehill is still looked at as an average QB after his early career was a little inconsistent. However, with an effective running game, he has managed to flourish with the Titans. With Jones on the roster now, Tannehill has the best receiving group he has had in his career.
Keep an eye on
- Anthony Firkser: Firkser has been an effective stand-in when required previously. This offseason, the team allowed Jonnu Smith to leave. That could give Firkser an opportunity to step up in the offense. Have a look at the targets that come his way early in the season
Dynasty Stashes
- Darrynton Evans: Evans didn’t do too much at all in his rookie season, but we could see more touches this season. Ultimately he is the backup to a running back that has taken quite a few hits in his career.
***Note: All projections and discussions are assuming full PPR formats.***
IDP Analysis With IDPIggy
Key Additions
Janoris Jenkins, Bud Dupree, Denico Autry
Fantasy Football Starters
Kevin Byard (DB), Harold Landry III (DL), Jayon Brown (LB), Jeffery Simmons (DL)
The addition of LB Bud Dupree will in theory help their sack count. LB Harold Landry III has been the sack leader of the Titans the past 2 seasons. He is in a contract year and if offensive coordinators focus more on Dupree, Landry’s numbers could go up. Take caution if drafting Dupree as his impact will likely not be felt early in the season. DL Jeffery Simmons is easily the Titans best defender. He is asked to shoulder a fair share of the defense’s success. The addition of DL Denico Autry could help improve Simmons numbers. His impact is felt more out of the stat sheet, but Simmons could have a higher sack total than last year (3). LB Jayon Brown and LB Rashaan Evans hold down the interior of the defense. Brown received a 1 year deal, Evans is on the last year of his rookie contract. Both should do well, and are worth a roster positions in deeper IDP leagues. DB Kevin Byard lead the team in tackles last year. The Titans could utilize more man coverage with the signings of DB Janoris Jenkins and the draft picks of DB Caleb Farley and DB Elijah Molden. This would free up Byard for more tackles and big play opportunities.
2021 Fantasy Preview Tennessee Titans- Stat Projections
Passing
| Player Name | Pos | Comp | Att | Yards | TDs | INTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ryan Tannehill | QB | 311 | 478 | 3,993 | 26 | 7 |
Receiving
| Player Name | Pos | Targets | Rec | Yards | Yds/Rec | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AJ Brown | WR | 145 | 94 | 1,448 | 15.4 | 11 |
Julio Jones | WR | 121 | 82 | 1,189 | 14.5 | 7 |
Anthony Firkser | TE | 58 | 43 | 434 | 10.1 | 4 |
Darrynton Evans | RB | 39 | 19 | 139 | 7.3 | 0 |
Derrick Henry | RB | 24 | 18 | 124 | 6.9 | 1 |
Rushing
| Player Name | Pos | Att | Yards | Yds/Att | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Derrick Henry | RB | 333 | 1,530 | 4.6 | 17 |
Darrynton Evans | RB | 48 | 190 | 4.0 | 1 |
Ryan Tannehill | QB | 48 | 271 | 5.7 | 4 |
***Note Player Projections are only fantasy relevant players. Team totals may not add up as we left out players that may not have a significant impact on the season. Projections provided by Rich King and is based on 16 games.***
Team Projection
| Record | HC | OC |
|---|---|---|
10-7 | Mike Vrabel | Todd Downing |
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | Rush TDs | Passing Att | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Total Yards | Total TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
477 | 2,196 | 24 | 483 | 4,033 | 26 | 6,229 | 50 |
3rd | 4th | 2nd | 31st | 28th | 19th | 23rd | 4th |
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Image Credit: Jim Brown – USA TODAY Sports
