Tennessee Titans 2013 Fantasy Football Preview

Dec 30, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) during warm up prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Fantasy Stud — Chris Johnson, RB

Okay, so Chris Johnson has fallen off the map a bit since his CJ2K days, but he’s still a low-end RB1 in most fantasy leagues, or at worst a high end RB2. Johnson bounced back from a dismal 2011 season where he rushed for just over half of what he had in 2009 when he had his 2,000 yard campaign, rushing for 1,243 yards and six touchdowns.

The biggest problem with Johnson last year was a porous offensive line that had terrible interior play, as well as the fact that Johnson has had contract issues in the past. When a guy’s head gets too big, or oftentimes when he gets a big pay day, it can take a huge toll on his fantasy production.

While Johnson may not be the 2009 Johnson ever again, he can certainly still be a 1,500 yard back and is as explosive as they come. The Titans also use him in the passing game quite a bit, so he’s a good option for PPR leagues as well. He did lose four fumbles last year, but in my mind, he’s easily the best fantasy player the Titans have.

Fantasy Bust — Kenny Britt, WR

There’s no guarantee Britt will be with the team in 2014, and his numbers in 2013 could very well reflect that. He’s struggled with injuries and hasn’t played in all 16 games since his rookie season in 2009. In his fifth NFL season, I think Britt is going to need a huge wakeup call to be a legit fantasy option. He tore his ACL in 2011, so obviously he was a bit rusty in 2012.

Britt has a good chance to bounce back in 2013, but he also has a chance to be a huge fantasy bust as well. In 2010, Britt looked like he was emerging as a star in the NFL, but off-field issues and injuries have kept him from propelling forward. I’m not betting on 2013 being “the year” especially with the Titans’ drafting Kendall Wright in the 1st round in 2012, as well as Justin Hunter high in the 2nd round in 2013. This could be the last chance for Britt in Tennessee.

Breakout Candidate — Kendall Wright, WR

Wright had a decent rookie line at 64/626/4, but he should have a vastly expanded role in 2013 and emerge as potentially the top receiver on the team in 2013. If you’re looking for a sleeper on the Titans’ roster, Wright is the guy to go with even with Jake Locker’s inconsistency as a QB.

Wright was drafted in the 1st round in 2012, and the Titans have been really encouraged by his progress this offseason. We have previously highlighted Wright as a breakout candidate in general for this season, but he looks like he could have a big impact on your fantasy team as well.

Top Rookie Option — Justin Hunter, WR

Hunter is a receiver with good height, length, and speed, and he can stretch the field. He drops too many passes, and he should have a limited role as a rookie as he is groomed to be Kenny Britt’s replacement as the eventual #1 receiver on this team. The Titans traded up for Hunter, so they obviously believe he can have an impact sooner rather than later.

I would make Hunter a relatively high pick in dynasty leagues, but he makes this list pretty much because he’s the only skill position rookie the Titans drafted in 2013.