How to watch, what to watch for Titans vs. Broncos in Week 1

The Titans had a season above expectations last year, as Ryan Tannehill took over for Marcu Mariota and had his best season ever. Tannehill and Derrick Henry led their team to the playoffs and an upset win over the No. 1 seeded Baltimore Ravens. The question this year is if Tannehill can continue his great efficiency in back-to-back seasons?

The Broncos managed to go 7-9 last season, as their defense continued to play well, holding opponent’s under 20 points per game. Unfortunately their offense could only muster 17.2 points per game. Drew Lock took over the starting quarterback job in Week 13 and helped them to a 4-1 record, but didn’t exactly shine with 6.5 yards per attempt. He’s the starter now and the key for the Broncos hopes. He’ll get a tough test against a solid Titans defense to start the season.

TV Info

Date: September 14
Time: 10:20 EST
Channel: ESPN
Live stream: WatchESPN

Broadcast region: National

Notable Statistical rankings (Football Outsiders)

Titans (2019): 22nd vs. Pass, 11th vs. Rush
Broncos (2019): 14th vs. Pass, 15th vs. Rush

DraftKings Sportsbook odds

Titans: PK
Broncos: PK
Total: 41

Pick: Titans

The Broncos improved their team this off-season, but they still have plenty of questions, starting at quarterback. Drew Lock is still a work in progress while the Broncos just lost Von Miller for the bulk of the season. The Titans are a well rounded team that should be able to impose their pace on this game.

Injury report

Titans

Thursday

DNP: G Jamil Douglas (hand), LB Derick Roberson (knee), S Kenny Vaccaro (not injury related)

Limited: LB Vic Beasley (knee), WR Corey Davis (hamstring), RB Darrynton Evans (hamstring)

Broncos

Thursday

DNP: LB Mark Barron (hamstring), LB Von Miller (ankle)

Limited: LB Bradley Chubb (knee), G Graham Glasgow (ankle), WR K.J. Hamler (hamstring), TE Albert Okwuegbunam (ankle), WR Courtland Sutton (shoulder)

Full: S Trey Marshall (wrist)

Fantasy football start/sit advice

Titans

A.J. Brown, Wide receiver, $6,300

Others are higher on Brown than I am this year, but he’s without a doubt a big time playmaker. I’m worried about some regression to his and Tannehill’s efficiency numbers. That doesn’t mean he’s not a high-upside play every week. If I’m attacking the Broncos, I see their cornerbacks as their weakest links. We know the Titans are going to use Derrick Henry to beat the Broncos defense down, but Brown could end up the better producer this week.

Corey Davis, Wide receiver, $4,000

For the most part, I’m not playing any Titans’ player other than Brown or Henry, but if I’m taking a gamble on an upside player in DFS, Davis is the guy. He’s super cheap and the No. 2 receiver with big play ability. He’s going to be inconsistent for sure, but when he hits, it will be worth it.

Broncos

Courtland Sutton, Wide receiver, $6,200

The Broncos have Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler added to Sutton and Noah Fant, giving them a strong group on paper. But, the only receiver we can trust right now is Sutton. He doesn’t get an easy matchup, but we know he will get his chances, which include deep shots.

Melvin Gordon, Running back, $5,500

It looks like Gordon and Phillip Lindsay will share work to start the season, which hurts both. The trouble is, this Denver team wants to run the ball and if they can keep the game close, they will run it until they can’t anymore. Gordon should get the most touches of the two and has the highest upside.