What can the Tennessee Titans do for you this fantasy season? Check out Athlon Sports' team report as we break down the rookies, veteran players to watch and avoid, fantasy playoff schedule and more to help you get ready for the 2012 season.
Inside the Locker Room
with Nathan Rush, Athlon Sports
Is Chris Johnson still worthy of a first-round selection?
Yes. Chris Johnson remains the undisputed centerpiece of the Titans offense. Last year was a tale of two seasons for CJ, who was a miserable disappointment over the first eight games (572 total yards, one TD) and a solid fantasy starter over the final eight contests (878 total yards, three TDs). CJ’s second half included outbursts of 193 total yards in Week 12 and 157 total yards and two TDs in Week 13 — key weeks on the fantasy calendar’s stretch run.
Will there be any lingering effects of Kenny Britt’s terrible knee injury in Week 3 last year?
Britt had a second surgery in late May, as a result of continued swelling around the knee during rehab training. Although this was spun as a routine cleanup procedure to help the healing process, the operation did little to alleviate the growing concern that Britt will not be 100 percent in Week 1 this year. He has played in only 31-of-48 possible games as a pro. As usual, expect Britt to do significant damage with limited playing time in 2012.
Athlon's Best Bets
Sleeper: Jared Cook, TE
Deep-Sleeper: Damian Williams, WR
Overvalued: Nate Washington, WR
Top Rookie: Kendall Wright, WR
Bounce-Back: Kenny Britt, WR
Top IDP: Colin McCarthy, LB
2012 Draft Class
| 1. | Kendall Wright | WR | 5-10 | 196 | Baylor |
| 2. | Zach Brown | LB | 6-1 | 242 | North Carolina |
| 3. | Mike Martin | DT | 6-1 | 306 | Michigan |
| 4. | Coty Sensabaugh | CB | 5-11 | 189 | Clemson |
| 5. | Taylor Thompson | TE | 6-6 | 287 | SMU |
| 6. | Markelle Martin | S | 6-1 | 207 | Oklahoma State |
| 7. | Scott Solomon | DE | 6-3 | 262 | Rice |
Fantasy Impact: With Kenny Britt rehabbing from a torn ACL, the Titans needed to add another receiver to the mix. Kendall Wright brings big-play ability and could start this season. He should be selected in redraft formats and is one of the top keeper picks at receiver. The rest of the Titans’ draft was focused on building the defense, as five selections went into that side of the ball. Taylor Thompson played defensive end at SMU but has the size and hands combination to make an impact at tight end in the NFL. However, he is a project and will struggle to play in 2012.
Fantasy Playoff Run: Weeks 14-16 (at IND, NYJ, at GB)
Whether it’s Matt Hasselbeck or Jake Locker at QB, the Titans’ playmakers — Chris Johnson, Kenny Britt, Kendall Wright and Jared Cook — all have a favorable fantasy postseason slate. They are on the road to take on Colts and Packers teams that were ranked in the bottom 16 against all three position groups, and they get a solid Jets team at home in a Monday Night Football game.
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