New England Patriots - Fantasy News

Titans vs. Patriots DFS Sleepers

by Adam Markowitz

1/9/18

NFL

New England Patriots

James White

The competition itself between the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots probably won't be there. These two teams are on different planets right now, and it would take an upset of epic proportions to see the Titans advance to the AFC Championship Game.

That said, there are plenty of players on both sides of this matchup who could provide some great value as fantasy sleepers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Corey Davis (4.77 Dober Fantasy Points Per Game)
Projected Fantasy Points vs. Patriots: 6.5

Eric Decker might feel like the better play here, but he had some big problems with drops last week against Kansas City and only had his day made thanks to a touchdown reception.

Corey Davis, meanwhile, was the most-targeted wide receiver last week for the Titans. He only caught four passes for 35 yards, but he could be in for a much better day, especially if the Patriots succeed in making Marcus Mariota more of a pocket passer and less of a runner or thrower on the run.

The rookie from Western Michigan hasn't had many huge games this season, but this could be his coming out party in Foxboro this weekend.

James White (7.57 Dober Fantasy Points Per Game)
Projected Fantasy Points vs. Titans: 6.5

It's so hard to handicap the Patriots' backfield any given week. James White hasn't taken a single snap in either of New England's last two games, but with Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee still fighting through injuries, White could be the beneficiary as a bit of a do-it-all back. White caught 56 passes in the regular season this year, and after being the Super Bowl hero last season, it's hard to not count on him when the going gets tough for Tom Brady.

The Titans have an awfully good run defense, and Josh McDaniels is certainly aware of the problem that comes with constantly trying to ram the ball down the throat of this unit. Brady could use his short passing game to supplement the ground game. That's music to the ears of those who are going to take the risk and use White on Dober Play Cards.

Kenny Britt (3.97 Dober Fantasy Points Per Game)
Projected Fantasy Points vs. Titans: 3.0

A team like New England doesn't add a player like Kenny Britt at the end of the regular season to not use him. Britt has had two more weeks to acclimate himself with his new team, and he figures to be used on multiple deep routes over the course of this game.

Britt was on the field for 29 snaps in Week 17, a stark increase from the two he had in Week 15 and the nine he had in Week 16. With Chris Hogan out, Britt is definitely going to play the role of the burner. Any given catch could be enough to give Britt his 3.0 Dober Fantasy Points.

Jonnu Smith (2.29 Dober Fantasy Points Per Game)
Projected Fantasy Points vs. Patriots: 2.5

You might not think of Jonnu Smith as a man you'd put on your Dober Play Card, but we think you should reconsider. Sure, Smith is playing second fiddle at tight end to Delanie Walker, but he's used a ton in short yardage situations.

The Patriots are bound to dare Marcus Mariota to throw the ball, and that could leave plenty of opportunities for Smith to catch two or three passes. He's been targeted at least twice in three straight games and had two grabs for 15 yards last week against Kansas City.

Smith won't put up double-digits in Dober Fantasy Points, but three or four isn't out of the question.

David Fluellen (0.13 Dober Fantasy Points Per Game)
Projected Fantasy Points vs. Patriots: 0.5

Derrick Henry didn't leave the field last week against the Chiefs, and we have to believe that's largely going to be the case again versus New England. But David Fluellen could be in for at least a couple touches with DeMarco Murray once again sidelined with an ankle injury.

Fluellen has only taken 17 snaps all season, but Henry has been on the field for at least 60 snaps in consecutive weeks and is bound to be taking a beating. He's a punishing back, but it only takes one modesty good carry to give Fluellen the six yards he needs to beat his Projected Fantasy Points total.