2010 Team Outlook: Tennessee

The Titans are an obvious run first, second and third team behind fantasy stud Chris Johnson. There are rumors that CJ might hold out of training camp as he's well aware that he holds all the cards for an offense that averaged a mediocre 22 pts per game in 2009. Johnson is the consensus #1 RB heading into 2010 coming off a 2009 season for the ages. Johnson became just the sixth player in NFL history to run for more than 2,000 yards, and set the record for most yards from scrimmage with 2,509. The Titans' #2 RB Lendale White was reunited with his college coach following a draft day trade to Seattle. Javon Ringer will be the handcuff RB to select for all Chris Johnson owners.

The Tennessee passing game is usually an afterthought except in deeper fantasy leagues. Vince Young gives the Titans a dynamic dual threat under center, but the passing game finished ranked 23rd in 2009 by averaging only 189 yards/game -- making VY nothing more than an average QB2 and bye week replacement. At receiver, the Titans will be banking on further development from 2009 rookie Kenny Britt (Rutgers), who finished as their leading receiver (700 yards, 3 TDs). Britt has the talent to emerge as a decent WR3 if he continues to develop chemistry with Young. WR Nate Washington never cracked 100 yards in any game in his first season in Tennessee (signed 6 year 27 million contract), but he did reach the end zone 6 times and could be primed for further production in 2010 (especially in TD-leagues). The Titans drafted Damian Williams (USC) in the 3rd round and he'll compete with Justin Gage (383 yards, 3 TDs) for the #3 receiver position. He'll also add a boost to the Titans' below average return game. Williams averaged 14.2 yards per punt return with two touchdowns at USC last season, but he was never used on kickoffs. Kenny Britt will no longer be used on special teams so that he is able to concentrate on developing as the #1 WR.

The Titans' defense was below average in 2009 as they failed to generate a consistent pass rush (recorded 32 sacks). The ability of the Titans to pressure the quarterback should be improved in 2010 following the first round selection of DE Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech) and offseason signing of free agents DE Jason Babin and LB Will Witherspoon. The Titans' secondary was among the league's worst, finishing ranked 31st by allowing 259 yards/game and 31 touchdowns through the air. They were able to pick off 20 interceptions and the defense totaled 13 forced fumbles (seven recovered) and four touchdowns. The defense is going through a transition period following the loss of DE Kyle Vanden Bosch to the Lions via free agency and Jevon Kearse (not resigned). Veteran LB Keith Bulluck is a free agent recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season, and will not likely be resigned. The Titans' Defense/ ST lacks playmakers and will likely rank outside the top 15 by the end of 2010.

In 2008, the Titans had a magical season finishing 13-3. They came back down to earth real quick in 2009 as losing their first games before a furious late season push (where they won 7 of 8) ended with them falling just short of a wild card birth. I would expect another 9-7 season for Jeff Fisher as the defense is questionable and the passing game has limited weapons. Vince Young will need to develop some consistency otherwise Chris Johnson will continue to see 8-man fronts. Bottom line is outside of RB Chris Johnson -- I'm not sure there is another starting caliber fantasy player on the Titans' roster except in deeper leagues.

QB Vince Young, TEN (QB - #23) - Bye Week Fill-in

Vince Young breathed life into a deflated Tennessee team when he replaced Kerry Collins after the team's Week 7 bye. VY led the Titans to a 6-2 season and nearly back to the playoffs following a disastrous 0-6 start. He's never going to be mistaken for Peyton Manning, but VY did average a career best 7.3 yards per attempt (but the completion rate -- 59% -- leaves a lot to be desired). Young is not starter-worthy in most leagues as he passed for only 10 touchdowns in 12 games (two rushing touchdowns). Fantasy owners will have to hope for 40-50 rushing yards per game to help offset his below average passing production. With an emerging Kenny Britt and Chris Johnson out of the backfield, there is definitely big-play potential. However, the inconsistency makes him no better than a QB2 / matchup play. Young is currently being selected around the 17th-18th quarterback off the board in early season mock drafts (#125 overall).

RB Chris Johnson, TEN (RB - #1) - Stud (low risk)

Johnson followed up an impressive rookie season with one of the best seasons in NFL history by a running back. His game breaking speed makes him a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. In 2009, CJ totaled 2,006 rush yards, 503 receiving yards, and an out of this world 5.6 yards per carry average. He carried the rock 358 times for 16 total touchdowns with just three fumbles lost (which separates him from Adrian Peterson as the consensus #1 fantasy RB heading into 2010). With Lendale White now in Seattle, Johnson might see even more carries (provided that his rumored holdout doesn't extend into the regular season).

He's only the 6th running back to eclipse the 2000 yard mark and will be fighting history as the five previous running backs to top 2,000 yards have all seen declines the following season (Eric Dickerson, Jamal Lewis, Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis and O.J. Simpson). Johnson has age in his favor as he enters his 3rd season in the NFL at age 25, runs behind a top offensive line, and plays in an offensive system where he is the main focus. CJ has an 11-game streak of 100-yard rushing performances still active heading into week 1. Some may argue that Adrian Peterson is the #1 fantasy RB now that Chester Taylor is gone but until he limits the fumbles, losing red zone carries is a possibility. Johnson is #1 in my book as he is a lock to get 20-25 carries per game and is probably the most explosive player in the NFL.

RB Javon Ringer, TEN (RB - #77) - Fantasy Handcuff

The draft day trade of LenDale White to Seattle opened the door for Javon Ringer to step in as the backup to all everything Chris Johnson. The 5'9, 203 pound running back out of Michigan St was inactive for most of his rookie season (nine games in street clothes). His smallish size could be a question mark in the NFL and he is somewhat raw in the passing game. Ringer rushed for 4398 yards in his career at Michigan State (4.1 yards per carry average). He lacks big time break away speed, but will be a wise investment as insurance for all Chris Johnson owners.

WR Kenny Britt, TEN (WR - #36) - Sleeper (undervalued)

In the five weeks that Justin Gage missed in 2009, rookie Kenny Britt took the bull by the horns and caught three TD passes while also eclipsing 100 yards twice. By the end of 2009 (as the Titans were fighting for their playoff lives), Gage and Washington were reinstalled as the starting receivers, but I fully expect head coach Jeff Fisher to realize that Britt's game breaking ability has to be in the starting lineup. The super athletic 6-foot-3 wide out led the Titans in receiving with 701 yards on 42 catches (16.7 avg.). His big play ability was evident by the fact that 34 of his 42 catches went for first downs or touchdowns, including 10 grabs for 20+yards. He'll be on many sleeper lists and makes for a good value as a WR3 that you can likely get in rounds 9-10. He'll go earlier in dynasty leagues as his upside is only limited by inconsistent quarterback play. Britt's current ADP is around WR40 and he's being selected just outside the top 100 picks.

WR Justin Gage, TEN (WR - #94) - Deep-league Only

The 29 year old regressed in 2009 following a 2008 season where he totaled 650 yards and six touchdowns. Gage battled injuries (spine) last season and missed four games. He was surpassed on the depth chart by rookie Kenny Britt but reemerged in the starting lineup late in the season, finishing with only 28 catches for 383 yards. Gage has the talent to bounce back to his 2007/2008 production when he averaged 700 yards and four touchdowns if he proves to be fully recovered from the back injury that derailed his 2009 season. However (similar to Nate Washington), being the #2 receiver in a run happy offense is not a recipe for fantasy success. He is no better than a WR4 and should not be selected amongst the top 60 wide receivers on draft day.