Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota (Quarterback): Mariota has seemed like the more stable of the rookie quarterbacks however the lack of sample size of his work in the NFL makes him a risky fantasy play. Tampa Bay does have some quality defensive linemen in Gerald McCoy, Henry Melton, and Lavonte David so they should be able to bring more pressure thus affecting Mariota's timing. Mariota will have tougher opponents but he is not a recommended start at this time.
Kendall Wright/Dorial Green Beckham/Harry Douglas (Wide Receiver): Beckham should handle the goal line/ red zone work. Beckham is a lot bigger than any other wide receiver on this team so he should be a primary target for Mariota. Wright is Mariota's favorite target and can be extremely elusive so he will probably draw the top coverage from Alterraun Verner. Douglas was recently added as a dependable possession receiver but could have a bigger role as he failed to breakout in Atlanta being overshadowed by Julio Jones and Roddy White. Bottom line, for the Titans passing game to have a good day Wright and Beckham need to produce.
Delanie Walker (Tight End): Walker should be Mariota's security blanket but who knows what type of chemistry they will have in an actual game. Walker should be a mid-level TE 2 going into this contest.
Terrance West/Bishop Sankey (Running Back): West has a big opportunity to start fresh, the only problem is it is with the awful Tennessee Titans offensive line. West will need to prove himself as a play maker if he wants a solid role in the Titans offense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jameis Winston (Quarterback): Winston has been shaky in preseason and could throw a couple of picks in his first few outings however he has the confidence of a starting quarterback and that is necessary to make plays. Winston also has the best receiving core out of these two teams so it should be pretty easy to outscore the Titans. In his first official NFL start Winston is not a solid option at QB but has the weapons to put up points.
Mike Evans (Wide Receiver): Evans has not yet fully practiced since the injury to his hamstring in week 2 of the preseason. Since then the Buccaneers are being cautious however if this is a real injury that is keeping him from the field then he could be in for some limited snaps. If you drafted Mike Evans you probably took him as your WR2 so no real reason to sit him, but temper expectations.
Doug Martin (Running Back): Martin has one of the more intriguing matchups of the week. He gets to face a terrible Titans defense behind a terrible offensive line. Martin has looked a lot faster than in previous years so he should be able to put up some points and establish himself as the lead back for the Buccaneers. Martin is a great start this week.
Vincent Jackson (Wide Receiver): Jackson could see some more targets thanks to Mike Evans hamstring but it is more likely that the Buccaneers run the ball more if Evans is dinged up. Either way it opens up targets for Jackson who has shown in the preseason that he can still get open early and often in preseason. Jackson should be a WR3 with WR2 upside.
