The Tennessee Titans host the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium this Sunday, and it’s a game with a lot of storylines. Former head coach Mike Vrabel returns to Nashville for the first time since his firing in 2023. Brian Callahan was fired as Vrabel’s replacement earlier this week, which also saw Bill Callahan resign as offensive line coach. The Patriots are surging in Drake Maye’s second year, and the Titans are struggling to find footing behind Cam Ward.
Start: QB Drake Maye
Maye is having a surprisingly good sophomore season. Rather than a slump, he seems to be on the rise. He’s thrown 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions through the first six weeks, and has just one game with fewer than 261 yards passing. The Titans’ pass defense isn’t great, and if they allow Maye to get the ball off, the target is likely to catch it. He spreads the ball around, not afraid to use all of his weapons, and has two rushing touchdowns as well. He’s a definite start in any league against the Titans in Week 7.
Sit: WR Stefon Diggs
Diggs is questionable to play this week with a chest injury, but that’s not the only reason to sit him this week. He has been inconsistent all season, despite being the Patriots’ top target. He will be facing L’Jarius Sneed and Darrell Baker Jr., both of whom have played well the last couple of weeks. Plus, the Patriots spread the ball around often. He’s a flex option, at best, in Week 7.
Start: TE Chig Okonkwo
This might sound crazy, but the Patriots rank 26th in fantasy points allowed to tight ends. They have an incredibly stout run defense, and with Patrick Surtain holding down the secondary, the middle third of the field provides the most opportunity for Cam Ward. Chig is the second-most targeted receiver for the Titans, and with Calvin Ridley questionable to play, Okonkwo is poised to get increased targets. Use caution, here, he’s not a TE1 option most weeks, but he could see a big week against the Broncos.
Sit: RB Tony Pollard
Pollard has been so-so this season. He’s done a little bit, enough for everyone to continue to trust him with the ball, but he has done it quietly. He averages just 3.9 yards per carry and has just two rushing touchdowns on the season. Against the Broncos, Pollard isn’t a good option in any league.
Sleeper: RB TreVeyon Henderson
The Titans have the 26th-ranked run defense in the NFL, and they give up the second-most fantasy points to running backs (22.67). Henderson only got 29% of the snap share in Week 6, but he converted 10 carries into 36 yards while Rhamondre Stevenson logged 13 carries for only 18 yards. The Titans have allowed nine rushing touchdowns through six weeks, and Henderson is looking for his breakout game. It comes at the expense of the Titans in Week 7.
