The Tennessee Titans will end their season with three divisional matchups, beginning in Week 16 with the Indianapolis Colts. When the two teams met earlier this year, the Titans had every opportunity to win the game, and by all rights should have won. But they couldn’t put together a solid offensive drive, and Will Levis’ injured AC joint affected his ability to move the ball.
The Titans also faced Joe Flacco in Week 6, and the Titans were fresh off of their bye. This week, though, they’re likely to face Anthony Richardson, who poses an entirely different threat than Joe Flacco. This game will be heavy on the ground game as neither team truly trusts its starting quarterback (regardless of which one either team starts).
Fantasy options in this game will be limited. The Titans’ offense may see some light behind Mason Rudolph, but it’s not certain that he will be the starter. The defense has been solid all season, but they’ve struggled down the stretch because of depth problems. The Colts aren’t in much better shape than the Titans, despite being favored this week.
All of that said, let’s take a look at a few considerations for your fantasy football lineup this week. This isn’t to say you should go pick up one of these players, but if you already roster one, look closely at their matchup this week. The following players have favorable fantasy matchups in Week 16:
RB Jonathan Taylor
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He’s not Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry, but Jonathan Taylor has provided the Colts with a reliable and consistent ground game for the last four years. Injuries over the last couple of seasons prevented him from reaching 1,000 yards, but he will break that this year. The Titans give up the 10th most fantasy points to running backs and have a middling ground defense. Taylor is projected 14.08 points this week, but the truth is, if the Titans don’t get some help in the middle of the defensive side of the ball, Taylor is going to run wild. Injuries to Luke Gifford (concussion) and Otis Reese (ankle) aren’t helping, either.
RB Tyjae Spears
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Tyjae Spears struggled to find his footing early in the season and then missed a couple of games with an injury. But since his return, he’s made the most of the opportunities he’s been given. He’s returning kicks with success, he’s stepping in for Tony Pollard when needed, and last week he led all receivers with 87 receiving yards and a touchdown. He’s becoming a fantastic utility player for the Titans, and this week he has some serious upside. Pollard was limited with an ankle injury last week and it remains to be seen if he will hit the field this week. The Colts have the third-worst run defense in the NFL and give up the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs (18.71).
The Titans have no reason to risk further injury to Tony Pollard, who they definitely want to keep on their roster for as long as possible. Spears provides an opportunity to rest Pollard, but even if the Titans don’t rest him, Spears will still be an active part of the offense this week.
TE Chigoziem Okonkwo
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Chigoziem Okonkwo was a fantasy must-play last week and he delivered, catching eight of 10 targets for 59 yards. He was the most targeted pass catcher on the team and was second in receiving yards to Tyjae Spears. The Colts give up the fourth0most fantasy points to tight ends (8.86), so it’s reasonable to assume that he will be used often again this week.
QB Anthony Richardson
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Take this with a grain of salt as Anthony Richardson is just as prone to throwing interceptions as Will Levis. The difference is that Richardson is a dual-threat quarterback who actually leads the Colts’ in rushing yards. The Titans, as mentioned before, give up the 10th most fantasy points to running backs, and Richardson is not much more than a glorified running back who occasionally throws the ball. Don’t seek this guy out for your team but consider the matchup if he’s on your roster.
K Nick Folk/K Matt Gay/Colts DST
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Let’s be real, neither of these offenses is very dynamic and neither of them is great at moving the ball down the field. That said, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see this become a game of field goals. Plus, the Colts’ defense is projected the most fantasy points of any defense by ESPN this week (8.8). It might look slightly different with Mason Rudolph on the field, but he’s shown he’s just as capable of turning the ball over as Will Levis. This week, the kickers could steal the show in Indianapolis.
