TNF Preview, Week 10

Week 10 kicks off tonight with a doozy as we get a battle atop the AFC South as the Colts travel to battle the Tennessee Titans. The Titans started out on fire, winning their first five, then dropped a pair of games before getting back on track last week. The Colts, meanwhile, started the season off with a loss, then moved to 5-2 heading into last week’s meeting with the Ravens. The loss there dropped them a game back of the Titans again, something they’ll seek to rectify with a Thursday night road win.

But this isn’t just a matchup of teams near the top of the division, it’s a matchup of teams with opposite issues. The Titans’ offense has been strong thanks to running back Derrick Henry, receiver A.J. Brown and tight end Jonnu Smith, all being led by veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill. But, at times, their defense has struggled to hold the opposition down.

The Colts, meanwhile, have had an exceptional defense that has carried the team. But offensively, it’s sometimes been a struggle. The team has used half a dozen receivers, three running backs and three tight ends to score enough points to pull off five wins this season. Meanwhile veteran quarterback Phillip Rivers has struggled at times to lead the team, and the offense in general has been a tough play for fantasy fanatics.

The question in this battle is whether the Colts defense or the Titans offense will prevail. But for fantasy players, it’s more about who from the Colts you feel comfortable starting.

For the Titans, Henry, Brown and Smith should all be safely played, and are all top options at their position. Tannehill is a solid start in Superflex and 2 QB leagues, and a decent bye week fill in. The only other Titan I’m considering is Corey Davis. The receiver had scored 11 or more points in all five of his games this season prior to last week’s bagel. Still, he has some deep league flex appeal here.

For the Colts, I’d like to believe in rookie running back Jonathan Taylor, but he’s been in a big split with Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins, suppressing the value of all three. Taylor is more of an RB3 at this point. Among pass catchers, I’d stay tight end Trey Burton is the most appealing option if you need a play at TE, otherwise I’m not bullish on the passing assets even in a decent matchup. Rookie receiver Michael Pittman, Jr. could also be a deep league flex option, too.

Prediction: The Titans get win No. 7 and open a bigger lead in the AFC South.

Drive In Podcast Network Picks

It was an uneven week for Matt Bruening, who still holds the lead but has seen it shrink a bit. At the halfway mark in the season, it’s still anyone’s game.

Matt Bruening:
Last Week: 7-7
Season: 86-47

Matthew Fox:
Last Week: 9-5
Season: 81-52

Lindsay Fox:
Last Week: 8-6
Season: 81-52

Dennis Bennett:
Last Week: 11-3
Season: 78-55

Jacob Throneberry:
Last Week: 6-8
Season: 76-57

Ricky Valero:
Last Week: 7-7
Season: 72-61

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a proud member of the Drive-In Podcast Network.