Cam Ward overcame a brutal pass rush and a handful of dropped passes to help Tennessee push one of the league’s toughest defenses into overtime territory. The box score wasn’t kind, but the film showed poise and accuracy on money throws, even as the OL and receivers let him down at key moments. Calvin Ridley and Chig Okonkwo didn’t deliver in big spots, complicating Ward’s fantasy outlook, while Chimere Dike’s return-game spark kept Tennessee alive. Joey Sly’s four makes kept the door open, and questions about Callahan’s play-calling linger after a rough opening.

The opener exposed OL fragility and a need for Ridley to assert himself as a true WR1, but Ward’s upside remains intact for fantasy if the line steadies and the offense catches up to the defense.

Tennessee dropped Week 1 to Denver, and a big story line was L’Jarius Sneed’s usage. He played 19 first-half snaps but didn’t appear in the second half, a clear coaching call on a pitch-count that left fantasy managers scratching their heads after his spring ramp-up from PUP. Tennessee’s offense settled for four field goals, with Joey Slye handling the kicking duties. The result raises questions about how Tennessee will manage Sneed’s workload, and whether others on the defense or the kicking game can offset potential ceiling dips while the plan takes shape.

Joey Slye could be a centerpiece in Week 1 at Mile High as the Titans visit the Broncos. The thin Denver air is said to extend kicking range, with an extra margin of roughly five yards on long attempts. Slye already has a documented 63 yard make, and chatter in Tennessee hints at the potential for even longer kicks in this altitude-enabled setting. The matchup also raises fantasy intrigue around long distance field goals, turnover-free drives, and the value of a kicker who can swing points with 60+ yard attempts.

Sept 7 at Empower Field becomes a real test lab for a kickers upside in fantasy formats. If the Titans stall in the red zone, Slye could punish opponents with extended range field goals that lock in extra points for fantasy rosters. Weather and wind will matter, but the lid is off for big leg kickers in the Mile High era, and Slye is positioned to capitalize.

Tennessee’s 23-13 preseason win over Minnesota showcased a cohesive attack and a disruptive defense. Cam Ward flashed development in limited snaps, while Jeffery Simmons anchored the line. Van Jefferson answered a critical drop with big plays, and Joey Slye’s leg provided dependable range. The Titans’ pass rush remains uneven, but Cedric Gray and Ward’s trajectory offer real fantasy intrigue, with Proche’s roster spot in flux and a few depth pieces standing out.

From a fantasy lens, Ward’s continued growth, Jefferson’s bounce-back, and Gray’s ascendancy are the top indicators to monitor, along with Slye’s kicking cadence. Jeudy-Lally’s in-camp edge and the pass-rush questions add volatility, making preseason performance a springboard for sleepers and risk-reward bets as rosters tighten toward the regular season.