The 2023 NFL Season is here, and the Music City Drive In is getting you ready. Check back each day from now until September 3 as we look at each team and make award and playoff predictions. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments.

The Titans came into the 2022 season having been the winners of the AFC South the past few seasons. Things didn’t go according to plan. After losing key players in the off-season and losing more key players during the season to injury, the Titans sputtered. The team ended up 7-10, losing seven games in a row to close the season. Now, they have to find a way to get back on track.

Off-Season Changes

The Titans saw a few veterans depart, both on offense and defense. The team saw linebacker Bud Dupree head off to the Falcons, while linebacker David Long signed with Miami. Defensive end DeMarcus Walker signed with the Bears and defensive end Mario Edwards went to Seattle. Offensively, receiver Robert Woods left to sign with the Texans and tight end Austin Hooper signed with the Raiders. That left the Titans without their top two targets from 2022.

In free agency and the draft, the team moved to add new pieces. The biggest signing is free agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who was released by the Cardinals. For his career, Hopkins has caught 853 passes for 11,298 yards and 71 touchdowns. He’s by far the best option in the Titans’ passing game.

In the draft, the team grabbed tackle Peter Skoronski with the First-Round selection. In the Second-Round, the team drafted quarterback Will Levis. At Kentucky, Levis threw for 5,232 yards and 43 touchdowns in two seasons. He figures to be a developmental prospect for the team. In the Third Round, the team drafted running back Tyjae Spears to add some depth behind Derrick Henry.

Fantasy Impact

The biggest challenge for the Titans in 2022 was the health of Ryan Tannehill. He was limited to 12 games, which contributed to the Titans’ slide to end the season. If he’s back and healthy, I like him as a QB2. I also prefer Levis to Malik Willis as a deep bench stash. In the backfield, Derrick Henry was RB4 a year ago. I expect him to be an RB1 as long as he’s healthy. Spears is little more than a handcuff for me.

In the passing game, it comes down to Hopkins, second-year receiver Treylon Burks and young tight end Chig Okonkwo. I expect Hopkins to take most if not all the 151 targets vacated by Woods and Hooper. I like him as a WR2. Burks didn’t have a great rookie season, but I like him to take a step forward in year two. He’s a better asset in dynasty, but I could see him delivering on his ADP of WR40. Okonkwo came on at the end of the season and is developing into a solid tight end. I like him as a TE2.

Prediction

The Titans struggled to close 2022. They have some strong veteran pieces that, if healthy, should keep them competitive. The Jaguars are a better team, but the Titans should hover around .500 and be in playoff contention.

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. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.