The Tennessee Titans have fantasy sleepers just like the rest of the NFL. The Titans also have one of the easiest schedules in the league for 2022. Easy schedules equal an influx of fantasy points. Derrick ‘King’ Henry sits on his throne next to Jonathan Taylor for the consensus second overall player in fantasy value. That is a given. There are other fantasy options on the projected 2022 Titans roster that could sneak on to the relevance radar. The following fantasy prospects have statistics provided by ESPN and the predictions are based on maximizing player value with the PPR (points per reception) scoring format.
Austin Hooper’s Fantasy Ceiling Is Too Low
Austin Hooper, a tight end, signed with the Titans after spending his first four seasons with the Falcons and the last two in Cleveland. Hooper’s injury history is not substantial as he has only missed seven games in the last three seasons. The Titans, undoubtedly, will utilize a run-heavy scheme and might affect Hopper’s targets. It is important to note that under head coach Mike Vrabel Tennessee’s tight end units have averaged a robust 24% target share in his four seasons in Nashville. Hooper is projected with a line of 50 receptions on 74 targets for 493 yards and four touchdowns. This prediction ceiling is too low for Hooper’s pass catching talent and Ryan Tannehill’s constant usage of tight ends.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Sleeper Number One WR
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (NWI) is poised for a sizable role in Tennessee’s offense this season. Following the trade of A.J. Brown, this undrafted free agent is likely to be the team’s number three wide receiver. His place on the roster could rise during the season due to the nature of Robert Wood’s injury (ACL) and rookie Treylon Burks’ durability (asthma). NWI’s status would then be boosted to the number one wide receiver spot. NWI was effective last season playing 632 snaps with 476 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. This season ESPN predicts a line of 52 receptions on 84 targets with 659 yards for 4 touchdowns. Like Austin Hooper, that ceiling is low because of the Titans’ run first operation. Westbrook-Ikhine can ball and an upward swing in stats is on the horizon.
Titan’s D/ST Will Finish Strong (Again)
Under Mike Vrabel’s stingy defensive mind, the Titans’ defense/special teams has placed in the top 12 for fantasy output in three of the last four seasons. According to ESPN, “Tennessee has finished no lower than 10th in INTs each of the last three seasons and was top 12 in sacks, yards allowed, points allowed and touchdowns last season.” Jeffery Simmons, Kevin Byard, Harold Landry, Zach Cunningham and Amani Hooker are all back for 2022. Bud Dupree and Caleb Farley are returning after both players were out for a significant amount of time last season. Tennessee’s additions of Elijah Molden and Roger McCreary on the outside will boost its weak link of pass coverage. The core is set and Mike Vrabel is used to moving pieces so expect another strong finish this season.
The Titans’ roster has fantasy sleepers in its midst. These players and defense are on the right track for an impactful season. Training camps are starting soon, the regular season is around the corner, and the fantasy research and mock drafts are in full swing. This article serves as a reminder that the shifting nature of the NFL can have important implications for fantasy results. The more you pay attention to the shifts, the greater your chance to raise your reputation to league champion.
