As soon as the book is closed on week 1 of the 2020 NFL season, we all will have additional data to work with. Most training camp preconceptions and discussions of players are either reinforced or quickly torn down to be reconstructed (see O.J. Howard week 1). Especially with the lack of off season practice reps, be open to the possibility of having all of your off season preconceptions torn apart.
Consider the first rush to waivers after week 1 as the unofficial final rounds of your drafts. When we know what to look for after week 1, we can be first to the table to make the correct waiver wire pickups. Looking at the box score won’t cut it alone. We must delve into snap percentages and on-field utilization. We can further deepen our understanding by knowing where those snap percentages and on-field utilization were relevant to game script.
Side note, if you don’t see a position on a specific team being discussed, it is because there aren’t any real questions coming out of training camp regarding that position.
A.F.C. WEST
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
QUARTERBACK:
The expectations are for Tyrod Taylor to act as the interim quarterback until rookie quarterback Justin Herbert takes over. The Chargers travel to Cincinnati to play the Bengals for week 1. Las Vegas has that game at a 44 point total with the Chargers being three point favorites. The Chargers just lost Pro Bowl Safety Derwin James for the year. I could easily see Joe Burrow coming hot out of the gates by defeating the Chargers while upsetting Vegas and helping the Bengals get their first win of the season. If they do lose, do not expect Taylor to have along leash going forward. I give him two more games at the most to put up good tape before losing his job to Herbert.
RUNNING BACK:
Austin Ekeler is the back to own here. If there is one thing to watch for regarding Ekeler, it would be his carry count. Find out where and when he received his carries. Other than that, he will be getting plenty of receiving work especially with Mike Williams expected to miss week 1.
Justin Jackson is expected to be the next man up behind Ekeler. That role would afford an average of 10 touches per game depending on game script. As talented as Jackson is, he has missed significant time during previous seasons and is on a short leash. Last Sunday it was reported that Justin Jackson was held out of practice due to a foot issue. With that in consideration, I do not think he has no slack left at all.
Rookie running back Joshua Kelley has been right there with Jackson during training camp and beat writers have him pegged as a runner that better fits the number two role. If there were preseason games this year, this would not even be a discussion right now. If healthy, Justin Jackson should get the nominal start for the first game, but I expect an equal touch distribution between both Jackson and Kelley. The smart move would be to stash Kelley at your drafts and beat the waiver wire rush if he gets off to a good start. If there is positive momentum, be confident that it will continue into the season.
WIDE RECEIVER:
Mike Williams is expected to miss the week 1 opener with a sprained shoulder. Journey man Jalen Guyton and rookies K.J. Hill and Joe Reed are the next men up for available reps should Williams miss week 1. I view this game as a preseason spot start for them. Whichever shines the brightest will work themselves into more snaps in three wide sets. This would be significant to watch for those playing in deeper leagues or creating daily fantasy lineups. Other than that, Williams is fully expected to return to the field sooner than later.
TIGHT END:
We all have players we want to see make it because it would be so fun to watch them perform. Standing at 6’8 and 240 pounds, Donald Parham is one of those guys for me this year. Parham came over to the Chargers after playing an abbreviated XFL 2020 season. He is full of big play potential and is looking more and more likely to make the final roster come final cuts. He has a lot of experience playing at the wide receiver position and it is apparent when watching him in action. Keep this guy on your radar. I would not be surprised if the Chargers move to more two tight end sets or outright use him as their number three wide receiver sometime this season.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
RUNNING BACK:
The subject of if Josh Jacobs will get more receiving work this season has been one the more popular discussion this off-season. He only caught 20-of-27 targets in 2019. Keep an eye on this situation as it will be one the more closely watched during week 1.
WIDE RECEIVER:
As it stands now, the fantasy community is expecting both rookies Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards to get the start along with Hunter Renfrow at wide receiver. Raiders’ offensive coordinator Greg Olson mentioned that he would be starting Ruggs in the slot which would oddly displace Hunter Renfrow outside. Watch reports of where Ruggs is utilized. He is as dangerous as they come once he’s in the open field.
With Tyrell Williams missing a significant amount of training camp with an injury, Bryan Edwards has all but wrapped up a starting position on the roster. Reports are that he will be starting ahead of Ruggs at the X position. He is largely going undrafted with an ADP of 208. I highly suggest drafting and stashing him prior to week 1. The Raiders will be playing the Carolina Panthers in what should be a shootout. It may be too late to grab Edwards for a cheap price after that.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
RUNNING BACK:
After Damien Williams opted out of the season due to Covid-19 concerns, first round rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire was thrust into the starting role and fantasy drafters are expecting big returns. C.E.H. has solidified himself as a first round pick and for good reason. His proponents have argued that he is more than capable of serving as a workhorse running back. Critiques of his inability to pass protect has other drafters preferring to take him in round 2. I am all in on C.E.H. as an early down back but will be watching his 3rd down and two-minute drill involvement.
WIDE RECEIVER:
Sammy Watkins remains in Kansas City after a down year in 2019. Had he not helped the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory, I do not think he would still be with the team. Adding him would not hurt as he is going in the 15th round. If he improves on last year’s slump, then bully for all of you that drafted him.
However, should Watkins begin to falter, expect second year receiver Mecole Hardman to begin to cut into his snaps. Hardman is somewhat of a redundant asset with Tyreek HIll on the field, but the man proved to be very efficient with his receptions. Even if Watkins puts up solid numbers, keep an eye out for Hardman’s snap counts. When Hill was healthy, Hardman’s snap counts were all over the place bottoming out at 15 percent in week 8 to topping at 76 percent in week 11. Let us hope those stabilize this season.
DENVER BRONCOS
QUARTERBACK:
Drew Lock is a mystery. He came out of the gate hot last year and took the Broncos to a 4-1 record after his start while earning an 89.7 percent quarterback rating. We still haven’t watched him play a full season and are not quite sure of what his weaknesses are. I think the Broncos have faith in him based off the additions they made in the draft. They brought in stud Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and the speed demon out of Penn State K.J. Hamler.
The Broncos play the Titans week 1 in a prime time Monday night TV spot. I do not expect a high scoring affair unless the Broncos can get up on the Titans forcing them to throw the ball. Las Vegas has the game at a 42-and a-half-point total (lowest of the week) with Denver as one and a half point favorites.
RUNNING BACK:
The Broncos brought in former Los Angeles Charger running back Melvin Gordon to serve as the traditional early down runner opposed to incumbent Phillip Lindsey. Melvin proved to be an RB1 in 2018 before going down with injury. Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmer seems to agree with that sentiment. The Broncos signed him in free agency and Shurmer has traditionally been a single running back type of guy. Look for Gordon to maintain a 65-to-70 percent snap share during their first game.
If Gordon does get the start and begins to struggle, don’t be surprised when Lindsey begins to chip into his work. Lindsey just made the Pro Bowl last year but was unable to play due to a wrist injury. He has had consecutive 1,000 yard rushing season and over 40 receptions in each of those seasons. For those of us that drafted Gordon, we don’t want to see him falter as this backfield could quickly turn into an even time share if it already hasn’t become that.
WIDE RECEIVER:
Rookie Jerry Jeudy is a bona fide stud and in my opinion is already better than Courtland Sutton at the position. Because of the low scoring projection of their week 1 game against the Titans, we may not yet see Jeudy get going. However, as defenses now put their best corner backs on Sutton, expect Jeudy to eat. If we do not see Jeudy go off week 1, do not be discouraged and please do not drop him. The Broncos have a bit of a tough opening schedule as they face the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New England Patriots in their first five games.
K.J. Hamler is a certifiable burner and is expected to serve as the number three wide receiver out of the slot in three wide sets. Unfortunately, Hamler suffered a significant hamstring injury during training camp and is questionable to play week 1. If he does suit up, we’ll see what the Broncos can draw up for him. He has the speed to be versatile but do not expect a notable night of production based on the point total. What is most important is keeping an eye on his offensive snap percentages and how often the Broncos take snaps out of three wide sets in neutral game scripts.
A.F.C. NORTH
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
RUNNING BACK:
Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin is infamous for using a one back system. James Conner is a capable running back in terms of skill set but has had injury concerns over the past couple of years. His ADP has risen to where the fantasy community is sold on the idea that he will in fact serve as the bell cow. What we need to look for is who comes on in relief and when.
Benny Snell is best suited for an early down role and all reports have him pegged as the RB2 in Pittsburgh. Jaylen Samuels is still on the roster and primarily serves as a pass catching back. Anthony McFarland is a running back who has speed and a lot of burst. His big play ability was the first thing that stood out to me when I saw him play. The latter two running backs have had a quite training camp, but be ready if Tomlin does break with tradition and utilizes a committee.This backfield is made up of running backs with unique skill sets. Be prepared to pick up the relevant options should there be notable game script alterations.
WIDE RECEIVER:
The Steelers suffered from horrendous quarterback play last year. Because of that, all of the their pass catchers’ ADP has suffered. I am confident in JuJu Smith-Shuster’s ability to perform as a top 10 wide receiver.
Second year wide receiver Diontae Johnson is one of the more popular break out candidates and for good reason. He showed a lot of promise last year despite a bad quarterback situation. Johnson suffered a calf related issue in camp and has yet to resume practicing. It should not keep him out for an extended period of time but soft tissue injuries are tricky.
James Washington is the Steelers’ WR3 but will take Johnson’s snaps if he misses week 1 and beyond. That would push rookie Chase Claypool into the number three spot which would be very notable. Both Washington and Claypool function as deep threats but Claypool is the better endzone threat. With Ben Roethlisberger fully healthy, Both would be serviceable as fantasy options should either of them lock down the WR3 spot.
TIGHT END:
The Steelers have two talented tight ends on their roster this year in Vance McDonald and Eric Ebron. Both are unique in their own right and have TE1 upside. The Steelers have traditionally run a lot of 11 man personal which only allows one tight end on the field per snap. So it will be interesting to see how they line up on offense this year and I will definitely be watching to see how this shakes out.
The Steelers travel to face the New York Giants in week 1 in what is projected to be a 48 point total game. That total implies a shootout. Ebron best fits that game script but McDonald is also a yards after the catch beast. If one emerges during week 1, be sure to pounce all over them. The reward will be well worth it.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
RUNNING BACK:
Pay special attention to this backfield during week 1. Mark Ingram is the established veteran in a on one the most potent offense in the league. He is well up there in age at 31 years old and will open the field as the starter in an offense which offered up 393 carries to its running backs.
J.K. Dobbins was just drafted out of Ohio State and is immensely talented. Dobbins will not be on the waiver wire after week 1 as he’s being selected in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts. Be absolutely sure to grab him. He is a superior talent who should serve as the RB2 if not the 1B to Ingram’s 1A. The Ravens open week 1 at home against the Browns and Las Vegas has the Ravens as nine point favorites. This implies that the Ravens should maintain a healthy lead. There is room for Dobbins to get good production with that game script.
Normally I would not be considering the third running back on a given depth chart, but because the Ravens are so run heavy, there is work to spare. Gus Edwards and Justice Hill are the two backs behind Dobbins. Gus Edwards is your prototypical early down banger. He could serve as a closer in games where the Ravens are blowing out their opponents.
Hill is an interesting case and is may be the most dynamic running back on that team. He can run well, is explosive, and capable of catching passes. If the Ravens open up Hill’s utilization in week 1, that could reap valuable fantasy production. He never topped 30 percent of offensive snaps in 2019.
WIDE RECEIVER:
Behind established the established WR1 Marquise Brown, is Miles Boykin. He averaged 38.5 percent of the offensive snaps last season while catching 13-of-22 targets last season. The Ravens are a team which offensively run through their running backs and tight ends. The passing production is realistically not there for a second wide receiver. The only window for Boykin to receive more targets and snaps is the recent departure of former Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst.
TIGHT END:
With Hurst departing to play for the Atlanta Falcons, Nick Boyle is the next man up behind Mark Andrews. Hayden Hurst’s departure leaves behind 39 targets. Boyle does not profile as an athletic between the 20’s receiving tight end but he does prove as a functional end zone weapon. It still will be worth watching how the Ravens use him in neutral game scripts in terms of routes run vs blocking.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
WIDE RECEIVER:
The Bengals were a train wreck last year. We never got to see this offense truly take form as it was playing with a backup quarterback, depleted wide receiver group, and rarely saw a neutral game script.
This group of wide receivers may be the most talented in the league. There is potential for this offense to be explosive with weapons such as A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd, John Ross, Auden Tate, and rookie Tee Higgins.
A.J. Green is 32 years old and is back after taking the 2019 season off due to “injury.” He’s back but has practiced little because of, wouldn’t you know it, injuries. It would be prudent for Bengals head coach to move A.J. to the slot this year as he is now moving into the twilight of his career. Should Green start week 1, keep tabs on his performance and on field utilization.
Both Tee Higgins (6-4, 216 pounds) and Auden Tate (6-5, 228 pounds) are comparable players that can occupy the same positions on the field. I like Tate better though, as he is has shown the ability to separate easier and has a larger catch radius. As he did in college, Joe Burrow has shown a proclivity to be generous with his targets. Whichever receiver wins the WR4 position will prove to be valuable.
If John Ross can remain healthy for an entire season, he can easily be a league winner. He is currently nursing an arm injury. If he’s healthy prior to week 1, be sure to pick him up. Burrow throws dimes and could make sweet music with Ross.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
QUARTERBACK:
Baker Mayfield has his self a new head coach in Kevin Stefanski. He runs an offense which focuses on the run game and which will put less of the weight on Mayfield’s shoulders. He still has a plethora of talented weapons around him. Hopefully his surrounding talent provides a stable floor for him. He gets the Baltimore Ravens in week 1 where they are nine point underdogs. Like it or not, we are going to see him sling the ball more than Stefanski wants him to. This will be a prime spot for us to see how he has developed.
RUNNING BACK:
Nick Chubb is one of the best backs in the NFL. Unfortunately, his upside is capped with the presence of Kareem Hunt. Chubbs’ production took a noticeable hit when Hunt was activated from suspension. We still don’t know what Stefanski plans to do with these two backs. It is possible that he keeps both of them on the field at the same time instead of using them in a rotational nature. I’m sure he is salivating at the possibilities. As I mentioned before, the Ravens are nine point favorites in week 1, so we will get a real good idea of what the Browns plan to do with them.
TIGHT END:
Austin Hooper and David Njoku both occupy the top two tight end spots on the Browns. Njoku has had some turbulence with Browns during this off season. On top of that, he has been injured for a portion of Browns training camp as well as not performing while he healthy.
Meanwhile, rookie Harrison Bryant has been making good impressions on the coaching staff in Njoku’s stead. Bryant was one of my favorite prospects coming out of college and profiles as great pass catching tight end. Dynasty players need to keep tabs on his usage during week 1.
A.F.C. EAST
BUFFALO BILLS
RUNNING BACK:
One of the most discussed back fields this off season. When Frank Gore left, Devin Singletary truthers began to see the light. Singletary ran well with his opportunities last year but was not given goal line opportunities. To Singletary’s dismay, the Bills drafted Zack Moss out of Utah. Moss profiles as the better early down back and has been earning praise for his training camp performance. Meanwhile, Singletary has reportedly been having fumbling issues.
You can see where these two players’ arrows are pointing. The expectation is for both running backs to split carries almost evenly during week 1. Moss is still a value as Singletary is still going several rounds earlier than Moss. The Bills have a dream match up against the Jets in Buffalo where they are six point favorites. The game script will afford us a great view into how they will deploy this backfield.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
QUARTERBACK:
Cam Newton is the starting quarterback. Forget all the off season blurbs that try to discredit that notion. He has has nearly a full year off and is going in the 15th round of drafts. Bill Belichick is a smart head coach and won’t force an offensive system on his starting quarterback.
The Patriots play the Dolphins at home. This week 1 game shouldn’t be too difficult for Newton to manage and could prove to be a nice warm up game for him. We could even see some rushing as the Dolphins reconstructed their defensive line and the Patriots’ offensive line is looking iffy to be fully healthy for the game.
RUNNING BACK:
It is about time we get to watch Damien Harris earn significant touches. Sony Michel missed out on the opportunity to open camp as the starter which forced the Patriots to give Harris a look as their potential starter and he has not disappointed.
Harris has been one of the bright spots of training camp this summer and that momentum seems to be carrying into the regular season. Michel just returned from injury but it may prove to be too little too late. This is another backfield where early carries may once again be split to open the season. Harris is going in the 17th round of drafts. Pick him up! If he works out he’ll be the starting running back on an offense with a mobile quarterback.
WIDE RECEIVER:
N’Keal Harry has the potential to become a WR1 by seasons end. He is a big bodied possession wide receiver. Kelvin Benjamin was a similar type of receiver and in 2016 he was fed, gaining 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns. Newton loves to throw it up to big targets. Expect Harry to finish with a decent stat line for week 1.
The third receiver position is open now with Mohammad Sanu being cut. Ex Cardinal Damiere Byrd and second year wide out Jakobi Myers are next men up. Myers carved a spot out for himself during the 2019 preseason by posting 253 yards on 20 receptions and two touchdowns.
Byrd has been somewhat of a journey man. During the past four years of Byrd’s career, he hasn’t put any stats that really stood out.
Keep an eye out for other receivers getting significant snap shares. Old Bill is always looking to pull a fast one on us. If the Patriots don’t add anybody before the season begins, this will be a position battle well worth watching.
TIGHT END:
Rookies Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene are both competing for the starting tight end position in New England.
Asiasi profiles as your typical pass catching tight end. He’s tough to bring down and can get yards after the catch. He is capable of working in line or in the slot. He’s also fairly deceptive at the stem of his route. I view Dalton Keene as the Antonio Gibson of the tight end position. He thrived off of catching passes close to the line of scrimmage on designed screen passes. Asiasi seems like he would have the edge as Keene profiles more of as situational threat.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
QUARTERBACK:
The headline story here is the status of Tua Tagovailoa. Tua’s off season narrative has entirely been about his health and if he will be healthy enough to start the season. As of now, the magic man himself, Ryan Fitzpatrick, is expected to open the season against the New England Patriots. If Tua does get healthy and can show that he’s healthy enough to play, then he’ll make for a fine QB2 this year. But I don’t think the Dolphins will risk their future franchise quarterback behind a bad offensive line which will be matched against a stout Patriots defense.
WIDE RECEIVER:
I love DeVante Parker, but drafting him scares me. He closed out the season as one the top wide receivers in the league and flourished with Fitzpatrick throwing him the ball. In week 17 last year, Parker took the Patriots to school, grabbing eight receptions for 137 yards. Lets see if he can repeat or come close to that as he gets that same match up to open the season.
Preston Williams is returning from an A.C.L injury he suffered last year. Prior to that, he had 32 receptions for 428 yards and three touchdowns across eight games. Williams natural ability is apparent when watching him play. In addition, reports on Williams coming out of training camp have been glowing, stating that he looks better than ever. His ADP is in the 15th round. Be sure to grab him before the waiver wire rush.
NEW YORK JETS
RUNNING BACK:
New York Jets’ head coach Adam Gase destroys everything he touches. LeVeon Bell should be starting his second as the unquestioned bell cow. But Gase brought in his old buddy Frank Gore to complicate things. Reports have been all over the place on what Gase intends to do with Bell this season. The latest report is that Gas intends on finding new ways to get him the ball in space. Well, he might just have to with Jets’ wide receivers seemingly being carted off to the locker room as each day passes.
If you do dip your toe into this fantasy cesspool (please don’t), pay special attention to the backfield splits and how often Bell lines up out wide. They play the Bills in week 1. Godspeed.
A.F.C. SOUTH
HOUSTON TEXAS
RUNNING BACK:
Does David Johnson still have “IT”? Texans head coach Bill O’Brien certainly thinks so because he traded a probable Hall of Fame wide receiver for him. A very Adam Gase move if you ask me. None the less, O’Brien has taken a lot of heat over the trade and he will be looking to prove a point. The Texans open the season at the Kansas City Chiefs in what is projected to be the highest scoring game of the week. Johnson should be able to put up some fantasy production in this one.
The question is if O’Brien will split Johnson out wide where he thrives. The Texans aren’t known for creating pass plays for their running backs and the Texans have a brutal run schedule this year. Johnson will need alternative ways to get the ball. If not, and he does put up points, trade him away fast.
WIDE RECEIVER:
Will Fuller, Brandin Cooks, and Randall Cobb are now the three top wide outs for the Texans. This will certainly be intriguing to watch play out in week 1. They are somewhat redundant pieces but present a lot of fantasy upside. They should all retain value over the season but how? The question for me is their utilization. With the Chiefs heavy favorites in week 1, expect to see heavy usage out of these wide receivers.
TIGHT END:
Darren Fells is the incumbent senior starter at the position. Behind Fells is Jordan Akins who has been showing well at training camp. Fells and Akins both split tight end snaps last year but Fells out produced him with touchdowns. Other than that, they matched each other in receiving production. Whoever gets ahead will return low end TE1/ high end TE2 value.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
RUNNING BACKS:
Leonard Fournette was a surprise cut by the Jaguars two weeks before the season ended and was in free agency by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Left in his wake is Ryquell Armstead, Devine Ozigbo, Chris Thompson.
Chris Thompson is the obvious preferred pass catching back on this offense. Expectations are that Armstead will open the season as the starter. He’s more athletic and profiles as the better early down back. Now, that doesn’t account for intangibles such as vision and processing time, but it is a start. If Armstead falters, then Ozigbo will get increased opportunities. The Jags play the Colts at home in week 1. The touch distribution may be even to start the season as the coaching staff tries to sort this out and box score stats may be deceiving. If so, be sure to find out where and when those touches came.
WIDE RECEIVER:
When I watch rookie wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. play football, I see 2019 Deebo Samuel. He has had a great off season and is looking to lock down the WR2 role on the Jaguars. They are projected to win five games this season which dictates a lot of catch up mode and garbage time. With an always injured Tyler Eifert at tight end, whoever wins the number two role on this offense will return significant fantasy value.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
RUNNING BACK:
Jonathan Taylor is the most prolific running back to be drafted since Saquon Barkley. He gets put behind the best offensive line in the league, but in a crowded backfield. Marlon Mack played well last season and ran for a 1,000 yards for the first time. That’s fine and dandy, but Jonathan Taylor is an absolute stud. Frank Reich has commented that Mack will open the season as the starter. Starter technically means the running back who is on the field for the first snap. Not the running back to get the majority of carries.
Nyheim Hines is the designated pass catching running back and Taylor’s biggest knocks coming of college out are his fumbling and receiving issues. However, Phillip Rivers does not care who the running back is, he will throw it to them regardless of designation. We may not get a clear picture of Taylor’s intended utilization, but the Colts will be sure to reveal something to us.
WIDE RECEIVER:
The new addition in Indy is a highly athletic specimen that goes by the name of Michael Pittman. A 6-4 223 pound that can run a 4.52 forty with a massive catch radius, Pittman is expected to open the season having locked down the number two role in the wide receiver room. With an aged Phillip Rivers at quarterback, do not expect the Colts’ pass ratio to be heavy. As cooked as Rivers looked last season, he did not lose his deep ball and loves throwing it up to receivers of Pittman’s profile.
Paris Campbell is an intriguing option who is expected to be working out of the slot. Campbell was in and out of the lineup in 2019 and came up short in terms of production. He is fully healthy this year and paired with a savvy quarterback who can fit it into tight windows. Campbell is capable of taking it to the house from anywhere on the field. If your league is deep enough, you should grab him. He makes for a fine WR 4/5.
TENNESSEE TITANS
RUNNING BACK:
Guys and gals, I really think Derrick Henry is going to catch more passes this season. With Dion Lewis now in New York, that means Derrick Henry should be the primary pass catching running back. Right? Right!!!?
The Titans drafted Darrynton Evans out of Appalachian State this year who everybody is assuming is going to take the Dion Lewis role this year. Just because you take the Lewis role does not mean that you will perform to the same caliber as he did while he was in his prime.
Evans was an accomplished running back in his own right during college. However, he only caught 38 reception over the course of three years. Evans will be able to give Henry breathers while keeping offensive momentum. But I just do not see a significant pass catching role for him. The Titans travel to play the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football for week 1. We may actually see Henry catch a handful of receptions.
WIDE RECEIVER:
Corey Davis has returned for another year on the Titans to serve as the WR2 after he was out performed by my heart throb A.J. Brown. The passing volume is not expected to be exceptionally high with this offense. I still believe in Davis’ talent. Sadly, we will most likely not see it displayed given their week 1 game against the Broncos.
TIGHT END:
Jonnu Smith may have been the most hyped tight to breakout this off season. I can understand why. Smith is a freak of an athlete and has the starting tight end position all locked up. He has the capability to pull away from defensive backs in the open field and is forming into a complete tight end going into his third season.
My only hesitance with Smith, and trust me I wish there wasn’t any, is the target share. The Titans threw the ball minimally last season and are hoping to do the same this year. If he can average 5-7 targets a game I would be satisfied. Their week 1 game will be telling.
