Cam Ward's NFL debut for Tennessee flashed both promise and growing pains. He moved with poise, threaded a few crisp throws, and showed pre-snap savvy, but Denver’s rush and a muffed punt yielded six sacks and just 112 passing yards in a 20-12 loss. Ward’s lesson—get the ball out quicker and sharpen line checks—shapes Tennessee’s plan as he grows into audible freedom. Week 2 vs. the Rams will test development and fantasy managers will watch how Ward translates these checks into consistent, cleaner throws.

Ward’s connection with Helm and the rookie-playmaker ethos around Gunnar Helm offer a glimmer of upside for Dynasty/rookie-season rosters if Tennessee can leverage improved protection and tempo. For fantasy players, Ward is a wait-and-see streamer with potential if the Titans lean into quick-hitting throws, tablets of progress, and a more effective run game to set up bigger plays as the season unfolds.

The Titans’ Week 1 on the road vs. Denver highlighted a sturdy, improving offensive line and a rookie QB showing signs of growth. Peter Skoronski anchored left guard with 57 snaps, not allowing sacks or pressures and posting an elite 88.0 pass-blocking grade. Kevin Zeitler was steady at guard, allowing just two pressures on Ward’s throws across 57 snaps. Gunnar Helm, a fourth-round rookie, appeared for 23 plays, snagging one catch for 16 yards and hinting at a larger role. JC Latham showed strong run-blocking while Cam Ward, despite a rough box score, displayed poise with a 60% adjusted completion rate and no turnover-worthy plays on 28 attempts.

Denver’s defense was formidable, but the Titans’ resilience on the road was evident. The combination of Skoronski, Zeitler, Helm, and Latham gives Ward a protective framework to grow within, while Helm’s early involvement could push a rising target share for Tennessee’s offense as the season unfolds. Fantasy managers should monitor Helm’s snaps and Ward’s progression in the weeks ahead, especially against tougher pass rushes, to gauge ceiling opportunities for the Titans’ playmakers.

Gunnar Helm, Titans tight end, hails from Englewood, Colorado, and played at Cherry Creek High School before starring at Texas. Week 1 pits Helm against his childhood team, the Denver Broncos, at Empower Field. Helm is Tennessee’s No. 2 tight end and should see action in his NFL debut, adding an intriguing homecoming angle to the opener televised regionally by Fox at 2:05 p.m. MT.

Helm’s hometown roots and Mile High familiarity color the storyline as he transitions from college standout to pro. Denver’s defense will try to slow him, while Tennessee will lean on designed packages to get him involved early. Fantasy managers may view Helm as a speculative bench stash, with upside if his role expands beyond limited early-down duties and goal-line opportunities.

In a season-opening clash that blends narrative flair with on-field intrigue, Helm represents a bridge between his Broncos past and Titans present, with the Mile High stage providing a unique backdrop for this rookie’s first NFL exposure.

Gunnar Helm’s arrival spices the Titans’ tight end picture, nudging Chig Okonkwo for targets as Tennessee leans into two-TE sets and expanded formations.

Cam Ward’s No.1 overall selection and rookie targets Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor could unlock a markedly more dynamic offense, even with quarterback inconsistencies from last season.

Okonkwo’s durability and back-to-back 50+ catch seasons keep him relevant, but a dip in yards per catch and a few fumbles raise the stakes for clean ball security in Ward’s new-era attack.

Harold Fannin Jr. sits in the Browns’ depth chart as a versatile late-round TE with sneaky immediate upside. Drafted 3rd round by Cleveland, he flashed in camp and could carve a role alongside Njoku with Flacco feeding big targets, making him a viable final-round dart in redraft formats.

Terance Ferguson is a Rams stash who sits behind Tyler Higbee but has the athletic profile to push for rotational snaps. His long-term upside exists if given opportunities in two-tight-end packages or in injury scenarios, keeping him on watch lists late in drafts.

Gunnar Helm is a Titans rookie who could pop if Cam Ward and the offense click, though he remains far behind Okonkwo. Drafts deep or monitor waivers early; his upside is contingent on early-season involvement and Cam Ward’s trust.