Intro
I love writing these storyline pieces. I will go through the games and discuss one dynasty-relevant storyline per team that I’m excited to see. Usually, I’ll split the games into two sets, covering the early games in one story and the later games in another. Also, I’ll do a special spotlight on the Thursday night game from time to time, as that’s a midweek contest. I like to go into more detail for that game, just for a change of pace.
This piece will give you something specific to look for in each contest, which I hope helps you enjoy the games even more. We all play fantasy football to enhance our enjoyment of football, and I’m trying to add to that sense of happiness here. Fun is the most essential part of this hobby for all of us, including me. Let’s jump straight into the Titans and Colts!
Titans
The Titans are a run-first offense behind Derrick Henry. Henry somehow has 182 carries through eight games, averaging an insane 22.8 carries/game. Unfortunately, Henry has only caught 10 of 18 targets for 81 yards. Third-round pick Darrynton Evans has barely seen the field due to injuries; otherwise, he likely would’ve seen some work to spell Henry. As of now, Henry remains a workhorse RB1, although he’s not in the top echelon due to his lack of PPR upside.
Outside of Henry, I always enjoy watching Ryan Tannehill and his efficient play. Tannehill has repeated his 2019 success in 2020, as he’s thrown 19 touchdowns and three interceptions thus far. He’s only completed 65.7% of his passes compared to 70.3% last season, but he has 1,981 passing yards. Overall, I find it a bit crazy that Tannehill can succeed for fantasy or at all based on his career in Miami, but I guess that’s what happens when players escape from Adam Gase.
The Titans’ receiving weapons are always intriguing to discuss and watch. We know that A.J. Brown is a stud WR1. He’s my dynasty WR3 behind D.K. Metcalf and Davante Adams, and I enjoy watching Brown play every week. I’m so happy he’s moved past his injury issues from the start of the season, and he’s become one of my favorite players in the entire NFL.
The main question on the Titans represents their secondary receiving option. Specifically, is it Corey Davis or Jonnu Smith? Oddly, they drafted both players in the 2017 NFL Draft, and both players are free agents after the 2020 season. Last week, neither player did much, although Smith did catch a touchdown.
Throughout the season, I believed that the Titans would retain Smith and let Davis walk in free agency. However, it lately seems like they don’t want to use Smith or Davis heavily in the passing game. I want to closely watch both players, specifically how often Smith runs routes and how often Tannehill looks to Davis as a first read. Getting those pieces of information will help me predict what the Titans will do with Smith and Davis in the offseason.
Colts
I think the Colts carry less intrigue than the Titans. We know what Philip Rivers brings to the quarterback position. He’s just okay, and he has severe limitations as a passer at this stage in his career. Rivers isn’t under contract for 2021, so he represents a high-stakes situation in Superflex leagues.
If Rivers plays well over the back half of the season and leads the Colts to the playoffs, I believe the Colts retain him for one more year. However, if he falters, the Colts will move in a different direction. I want to watch Rivers’ play closely, specifically for further signs of decline or poor decision-making.
The Colts’ running game is equally messy. Jonathan Taylor hasn’t been the star workhorse back anyone expected after the Colts lost Marlon Mack in Week 1. I believe Taylor might turn it around, but I’m starting to get frustrated. This primetime game will give me a chance to focus on comparing Taylor to his backfield mates Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins. I want to see if Taylor is genuinely struggling or if it’s more based on the offense.
Lastly, the Colts’ receiving game presents another problem. T.Y. Hilton will return to the starting lineup for this game, but I believe that he doesn’t have the ability to make a difference anymore. He might play many offensive snaps, although I honestly think he’s taking those opportunities away from better options.
With Hilton back, he will slide into the starting lineup alongside Michael Pittman, whether that’s right or wrong. Pittman is an exciting young rookie, and let’s not forget the Colts risked missing out on Taylor to ensure they got Pittman in the 2020 NFL Draft. I believe Pittman is the long-term WR1 on the Colts as their top outside option, with Parris Campbell in the slot.
However, the Colts used Pittman as a slot receiver more in recent weeks, even though he profiles as an outside receiver. If the Colts continue to move Pittman around the formation, I’ll gain further confidence that he’s their guy. I want to see how they handle Pittman with Hilton active, though.
The Colts also have some interesting depth options, with Zach Pascal and Marcus Johnson having flashed recently. I believe Pascal will play as the WR3 with Hilton back, with Johnson purely as depth. I hope that the Colts will get Johnson on the field more, as I think he presents more upside than either Pascal or Hilton. The Colts love to use 2TE sets, so I’m concerned that Johnson won’t get his chance to shine.
Speaking of their tight ends, the Colts have three usable tight ends. However, Jack Doyle will miss this game with a concussion, and Mo Alie-Cox is questionable with a knee injury. The Colts have phased Doyle out of their offense, so his absence opens more opportunities for Alie-Cox if he plays, and Trey Burton.
While there seems to be some mysterious dynasty hype around Alie-Cox, I’m more interested in watching Burton. Burton profiles as a receiving tight end, but he failed to make an impact during his time with the Bears. However, he’s the only fully healthy tight end on the team right now, so this game is his chance to shine.
Thanks for reading this article. You can find me on Twitter at @DFF_Karp. I love to interact with anyone in the community, so reach out at any time! I take fantasy questions and help with all formats, so keep sending those questions my way.
Previous Storyline Articles: Week 6 Early Games, Week 6 Late Games, Week 7 Thursday Night, Week 7 Early Games, Week 7 Late Games, Week 8 Thursday Night, Week 8 Early Games, Week 8 Late Games, Week 9 Thursday Night, Week 9 Early Games, Week 9 Late Games
