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Titans kicker Nick Folk celebrates as his 41-yard, game-winning field goal vs. the Los Angeles Chargers in overtime.
Photo: Denny Simmons / Tennessean.com
For the first time in around 10 months, the Tennessee Titans have won a football game! It wasn’t the greatest game, but when it mattered most, the offense did just enough to score, with 27 points while the defense held a high-powered Chargers offense to just 24 points, for a nail-biting, heart-wrenching overtime win at Nissan Stadium.
Game Observations
The offense has another gear in them. It was definitely a better showing than last week’s 15-point sputter, but the Titans offense can go up another notch. Treylon Burks had 3 grabs for 76 yards, but on only 4 targets. He needs the ball more often, as he is probably the most explosive playmaker. Speaking of explosive playmakers, rookie RB, Tyjae Spears had just 8 carries, but racked up 49 key yards while spelling Derrick Henry. The offensive line wasn’t good, giving up 5 sacks, but they were without LG Peter Skoronski, who was out with illness. I expect them to be better next week. On the other side of the ball, the defense was solid. An overall good game for a unit without starters, CB Kristian Fulton, and star S Amani Hooker. While Chargers WR Keenan Allen did have a big day (8 catches, 111 yards, 2TD’s), the Titans defense held the rushing attack to just 61 yards, albeit without superstar Austin Ekeler. A key takeaway was the lack of Chargers big plays. Besides the Justin Herbert-Allen connection, the D had a great bend-but-don’t-break mentality, especially late in the game, with a huge Harold Landry sack to force OT. We have finally found a reliable kicker. After going 5/5 on field goals in week 1, Nick Folk went 3/3 on PAT’s, and 2/2 on field goals, kicking the game-winner in OT. Wow, that feels amazing to finally say!
Stats and Fantasy Tips
Ryan Tannehill: 20/34, 246 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 1 carry, 12 yards, 1 rushing TD
Derrick Henry: 25 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD, 3 catches, 15 yards
Treylon Burks: 3 catches, 76 yards, 25.3 avg, long of 70
DeAndre Hopkins: 4 catches, 40 yards, 10 avg, long of 14
Chris Moore: 1 catch, 49 yards
My thoughts on fantasy for Tennessee remain the same as last week. Put up the Titans defense if possible, they have top-5 potential, and at worst they are a great team if your starting D is on bye. Pick up Treylon Burks. This is just a glimpse of what he can do, and I expect even more touches for him in week 3. He put up 10.60 points, around +2 of his projected. Imagine what can happen if he is utilized correctly. Another sleeper is Tyjae Spears, who could get more touches next week, as he is proving to be a great secondary option to Henry. Spears was projected slightly under 5, but got 7.50. Once he hits the end zone, he could be a sleeper threat on your team Last but not least, if Nick Folk is available, he is a great option at kicker, because of the field goal opportunities that he will rack up. He got 9.00 points, +3 to his projection of 6.
Final Thoughts
It was a solid win over a team that made the playoffs last year, and you’ll always take those. There are still some kinks to be worked out in the offense, but if they stay healthy there is no reason for the Titans not to make the playoffs, especially in a weak AFC South. Next week the boys in Two-Tone-Blue are off to Cleveland to play the Browns, who are looking like a sleeper team to win the stacked AFC North. Definitely a tough game, but there is no reason why the boys can’t pull it off. #TitanUp
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