Two 0-3 teams meet in a battle to avoid falling deeper into the hole, and while neither side has inspired confidence, fantasy managers know that when bad teams play each other, somebody’s gotta score for the Texans and Titans. This divisional clash offers sneaky upside for some overlooked names, plus a few studs who could finally get rolling. Let’s break it down.
🔥 Starts: Division Foes Fight for First Win of the Season
- Joey Slye (K, Titans) 🔥
- Yes, you read that right — a kicker makes the “start” list. Joey Slye has quietly been one of the most consistent fantasy options this season, putting up 12 points in Week 1, 13 in Week 2, and 8 in Week 3. With Tennessee’s offense stalling in the red zone, Slye’s leg will once again be a weapon.
- Projection: 3 FGs, 2 XPs, 11 fantasy points
- Nick Chubb (RB, Texans) 🔥
- Tennessee has struggled against the run, and this sets up as the perfect get-right game for Chubb. While he hasn’t exploded yet this season, he’s been steady, and this is the matchup where Houston can lean on him to control the clock. Expect Chubb to find the end zone.
- Projection: 18 carries, 92 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, 14 yards
- Nico Collins (WR, Texans) 🔥
- The Texans need a win to avoid bigger questions about their season, and Collins is the best bet to deliver. He’s scored in back-to-back weeks and remains the most reliable red-zone option for Cam Ward. Volume and scoring opportunities should both be there.
- Projection: 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD
- Calvin Ridley (WR, Titans) 🔥
- Ridley is motivated after a sluggish start to the year and draws a beatable Texans secondary. With Cam Ward likely airing it out, Ridley should see his share of chances. He’s got WR2 upside in this matchup.
- Projection: 5 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD
- Tony Pollard (RB, Titans) 🔥
- Pollard has been quietly productive through three games, and Houston has struggled against the run, surrendering rushing scores in three straight weeks. Pollard’s ability to grind out yards and punch in a score makes him a strong RB2/flex.
- Projection: 15 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD, 3 catches, 20 yards
❄️ Sits
- Dalton Schultz (TE, Texans) ❄️
- After showing some flashes with 5 grabs last week, Schultz still doesn’t have consistent usage in this offense. Tennessee’s linebackers have been solid against tight ends, and with Collins dominating targets, Schultz is more likely to disappoint than deliver.
- Projection: 3 catches, 28 yards
- Titans Defense ❄️
- Neither defense is a strong play, but Tennessee in particular could struggle against Houston’s run game with Chubb pounding away. The Titans haven’t forced many turnovers this year and could end up bleeding points.
- Projection: 24 points allowed, 1 sack, 0 turnovers
🌙 Sleeper
- Chig Okonkwo (TE, Titans) 🌙
- Okonkwo is quietly carving out a steady role, with 6 catches last week and 4 the week before. His involvement is trending upward, and with Houston focusing on Ridley outside, Chig could be the one to find mismatches over the middle. A sneaky tight end play this week.
- Projection: 5 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
Titans’ Chig Okonkwo: Leads Tennessee pass catchers – Roto Wire Staff
Wrap-Up
While both Tennessee and Houston limp into Week 4 at 0-3, this divisional matchup has sneaky fantasy value. Expect Nick Chubb and Nico Collins to be the cornerstones of Houston’s game plan, while Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley headline Tennessee’s attack. Joey Slye may once again swing fantasy matchups with his consistency, and Chig Okonkwo is a name to circle as a deep sleeper. Neither defense is trustworthy, so lean on offensive skill players and watch this one unfold.
📝 Predicted Game Script
This feels like a low-scoring slugfest that turns into a field-goal battle, with both offenses leaning on their running backs and kickers. Expect long, methodical drives and red-zone stalls rather than explosive scoring plays. In the end, Joey Slye’s consistency and Nick Chubb’s ground game could decide the outcome in a 20–17 type of game.
