Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, November 28th at 1:00 PM ET
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Betting Odds: NE -6.5, 44.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: CBS
Tennessee Titans
Quarterback
Ryan Tannehill (Sit, QB2)
Last week Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill was forced out of his comfort zone last week, as the Titans were upset by the Texans. Tannehill threw 52 passes last week, the second time he has thrown 49 or more this season, both in losses. However, despite the increased volume, Tannehill had his worst fantasy game of the season. Injuries to his receivers didn’t help, but the Titans don’t want to be in negative game scripts, and this week they may find themselves in a similar situation. Tannehill has scored as a weekly QB2 in 72% of his starts this season. That makes him a solid start in 2QB leagues but he can’t be trusted as a traditional starter this week.
Running Backs
D’Onta Foreman (Sit), Dontrell Hilliard (Start, Low-end Flex)
Since Derrick Henry was placed on IR, the Titans rushing attack has ground to a halt. Adrian Peterson and D’Onta Freeman have split carries three ways with either Dontrell Hilliard or Jeremy McNichols taking a third of the work. None of these backs have been very good, but on Wednesday the Titans released AP, which opens the door for Foreman to pick up a larger share of the rushing work. Expect Foreman to handle most of the work on the ground but you will want to give it a week to verify. He is a solid hold but New England is sure to be ready for him.
Hilliard saw plenty of work as a part-time rusher and full-time pass catcher, earning 10 targets last week. Hilliard is a decent long-shot Flex option for managers that are struggling to find a Flex or RB2 starter. He’s a shot in the dark though, because the main reason he saw so many targets, was because the team was forced to pass the ball 52 times. In a game where the Titans could be behind again, Hilliard may see plenty of targets again this week.
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
A.J. Brown (Start, Flex if healthy), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (Sit), Chester Rodgers (Sit), Anthony Kirkser (Sit)
This passing game has been a mess to figure out over the past few weeks. Fantasy managers have been essentially forced into starting A.J. Brown these past few weeks, but he has failed to score more than 10 points since Week 8. Brown has been dealing with a variety of injuries and finds himself back on the mend again this week. Brown has finished as a weekly WR2 or better in just three of his starts, and he’s missed two others. He is a tough player to get behind this week, against a top-five fantasy defense against receivers. If you must, put him in your Flex but don’t be upset if you can’t find a way to get him into your lineup.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Chester Rodgers, and Dez Fitzpatrick were forced into action due to the increased passing volume last week, and while all earned targets (Rodgers scored), none can be trusted this week, even as a Flex play. With so many options in the passing game, it is hard to choose the one who will have a breakout game.
Anthony Firkser also caught five balls last week but managed just 26 yards. There are better options as a tight-end streamer.
New England Patriots
Quarterback
Mac Jones (Start, Low-end QB1)
Patriots rookie QB Mac Jones has been a solid real-life signal-caller, leading his team to first place in the division and third in the conference. As a fantasy options Jones is just 30th in quarterbacks points per game. However this week Jones faces a fantasy defense that is 27th in points surrendered to the position. Jones is a risky option this week but the team should control the game at home as they attempt to take over first place in the conference from the Titans. These two quarterbacks are on opposite trajectories, with Jones rising quickly. If you need a streaming option, Jones is a good shot to return value.
Running Backs
Damien Harris (Start, Flex), Rhamondre Stevenson (Start, Flex), Brandon Bolden (Sit)
One of the biggest questions heading into last week was what the rush split would be between Damien Harris, returning from injury, and Rhamondre Stevenson ascending as a ball carrier. They essentially split carries and both looked good as ball carriers. Expect this same committee approach to continue this week, and perhaps the rest of the season barring injury. The Pats rushing attack is strong, and with 10-15 touches and a chance for a score for each, both can be used as low-end Flex options.
Brandon Bolden has operated as the passing game back, but he has been underwhelming. Bolden cannot be trusted this week.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Jakobi Meyers (Start, Low-end Flex), Kendrick Bourne (Start, Low-end Flex), Nelson Agholor (Sit), Hunter Henry (Start, TE1), Jonnu Smith (Sit)
The Patriots’ passing attack has also been underwhelming for most of the season. Partly because the Patriots have relied on a strong rushing attack, and have eased their rookie quarterback into the playbook. Partially because the receiving corps is crowded with league-average players. Jakobi Meyers (54-522-1) and Kendrick Bourne (37-562-3) have essentially operated as Flex options for most of the season, and this week should be no different. When the season ends, both players will have decent stat-lines, perhaps even 1000-yard seasons, but squeezing out fantasy performances will have been difficult. Both players are decent Flex options this week, hoping for a touchdown from either, but if you have better options they belong on your bench.
Hunter Henry (33-378-7) leads the team in receiving touchdowns and has been a primary target for Jones in the red zone. His scoring potential alone places him as a weekly tight end streamer but be aware that the Titans have been great defending the position. On the season they are allowing just 33 receiving yards per game, and have allowed just three scores. Henry is a long-shot TE1 streamer this week but many fantasy managers may have to force him into the lineup with the state of the position.
Nelson Agholor (29-396-3) is scoring touchdowns but he is the third or fourth option most weeks. Jonnu Smith has been almost invisible (22-210-1) most weeks and is not a player managers can trust in lineups, as long as Henry is healthy.
-Marc Salazar (@oldsnake77)