Tennessee Titans @ Cincinnati Bengals
Final Score: Bengals 43, Titans 36 (OT)
Writer: Griffey Geiss (@ggeiss_PL on Twitter)
Tennessee Titans
Quarterback
Cam Ward: 26/40, 304 yards, 2 TDs | 7 carries, 41 yards, 1 fumble (lost)
Ward finally broke through with his first 300-yard passing performance of the season, throwing for a career-high 304 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s overtime loss. Despite Tennessee’s inability to finish the job, this was easily the rookie’s most encouraging performance as a passer. He consistently pushed the football downfield, connected with multiple receivers, and even contributed 41 yards on the ground. Most importantly, he finished without throwing an interception. The fantasy production was certainly encouraging, but I’m not ready to start trusting Ward in standard redraft leagues just yet. Baby steps?
Running Back
Tony Pollard: 21 carries, 117 yards, 2 TDs | 5 targets, 3 receptions, 20 yards
Pollard continues to make a strong case as one of Tennessee’s most valuable offensive players. After recording three touchdowns against Cleveland last week, the veteran followed it up with another 100-yard rushing performance and two more scores. He opened the game with an explosive 40-yard touchdown run and later found the end zone again from one yard out in the third quarter. Pollard has now recorded five touchdowns over his last two games, and the workload remains exactly what fantasy managers want to see. His receiving involvement also provides a little additional upside, particularly with Tyjae Spears sidelined.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Chimere Dike: 6 targets, 5 receptions, 71 yards, TD
Dike was one of the biggest beneficiaries of Tennessee’s changing receiver rotation, delivering his best performance of the season with five receptions, 71 yards, and a touchdown. With Carnell Tate sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Tennessee turned to Dike as his direct replacement, and the 24-year-old wideout made the most of the opportunity. He also contributed in the return game, accumulating 160 kick-return yards. I don’t think Dike provides much fantasy value, nonetheless this was a fantastic performance.
Wan’Dale Robinson: 7 targets, 6 receptions, 57 yards, TD
Robinson found the end zone for the first time in a Titans uniform, finishing with six receptions and 57 yards. Tennessee utilized 11 personnel for nearly the entire contest (h/t Nathan Janke, PFF), allowing Robinson to maintain a consistent role in the slot while benefiting from Tate’s absence. His touchdown was particularly encouraging, as Ward continues to develop a connection with the veteran receiver. Still, I’d like to see a lot more consistency before treating Robinson as a routine flex option late in the season.
Gunnar Helm: 9 targets, 5 receptions, 76 yards
Daniel Bellinger: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 36 yards
Elic Ayomanor: 5 targets, 3 receptions, 34 yards
Calvin Ridley: 3 targets, 1 reception, 10 yards
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Joe Burrow: 38/48, 462 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs | 3 carries, 10 yards, TD
What a performance from Mr. Bureaux! The veteran quarterback threw for a staggering 462 yards and five touchdowns, adding a rushing score in overtime to complete Cincinnati’s comeback victory. The three interceptions certainly weren’t ideal, but Burrow consistently attacked Tennessee’s secondary and made several big-time throws throughout the afternoon. His connection with Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase was particularly impressive, as the two combined for 296 receiving yards and three touchdowns. This is exactly the kind of ceiling fantasy managers have been waiting for.
Running Back
Chase Brown: 12 carries, 55 yards | 9 targets, 8 receptions, 46 yards
Brown wasn’t particularly effective as a traditional runner, but his involvement in the passing game provided a solid fantasy floor. He hauled in eight of nine targets for 46 yards, continuing to serve as a reliable outlet for Burrow. With Cincinnati’s passing attack generating so much production, Brown’s receiving role remains particularly valuable in PPR formats. He’s still a weekly fantasy starter, although the overall offensive environment gives him plenty of touchdown upside that didn’t quite come to fruition against Tennessee. I’d really like for Brown to start generating a tad bit more — especially considering what his ADP was coming into this season — but he sets a solid floor in terms of what to expect from one of your two running backs.
Samaje Perine: 4 carries, 10 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 9 yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Tee Higgins: 11 targets, 10 receptions, 155 yards, 2 TDs
Higgins was absolutely dominant, finishing with 155 yards and two touchdowns on 10 receptions. He consistently won downfield and gave Tennessee’s secondary problems throughout the afternoon. His second touchdown was particularly important, tying the game at 36-36 late in the fourth quarter and ultimately forcing overtime. Higgins has now recorded back-to-back 100-yard performances, making this an especially encouraging stretch for fantasy managers. When healthy, he’s more than capable of producing alongside Ja’Marr Chase without sacrificing much of his own ceiling. He’s a must-start in every format.
Ja’Marr Chase: 16 targets, 11 receptions, 141 yards, TD
Chase was equally impressive, commanding a massive 16 targets and finishing with 141 receiving yards and a touchdown. The target volume is exactly what fantasy managers want to see, especially with Burrow operating at such a high level. Even with Higgins producing a monster game of his own, Chase remained heavily involved and consistently found ways to create separation. Elite players do elite things.
Mike Gesicki: 6 targets, 4 receptions, 76 yards, TD
Dohnte Meyers: 3 targets, 3 receptions, 34 yards
Jack Endries: 1 target, 1 reception, 1 yard, TD