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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24:  Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 37-19.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 37-19. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesAndy Lyons/Getty Images

Tennessee Titans: Top 10 Fantasy Options against Jacksonville Jaguars

Chad MintonDec 3, 2010

Heading into the season, the Tennessee Titans had one of the top fantasy players out there in Chris Johnson, but in standard leagues, Johnson has fallen short of expectations.

Kenny Britt emerged as the new fantasy stud on the Titans, but his injury in Week 8 caused many fantasy owners to shuffle for a new wide receiver to take his place.

It's that point in the season where fantasy owners are dealing with injuries to their top players, and many are dealing with the tough losses of Frank Gore and Hakeem Nicks.

Hopefully your fantasy team isn't struggling enough to be looking at Titans players, but if you are, then here's your 10 best options on the conservative Tennessee Titans.

10. Marc Mariani

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31:  Marc Mariani #83 of the Tennessee Titans carries the ball against the San Diego Chargers in the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Titans 33-25.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/G
SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Marc Mariani #83 of the Tennessee Titans carries the ball against the San Diego Chargers in the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Titans 33-25. (Photo by Jeff Gross/G

If your league rewards points for kick and punt return yards, then you should consider Marc Mariani, but obviously only if your desperate.

Mariani is among the NFL leaders in average punt return yards per attempt and already has two special teams touchdowns this season.

Without the scoring for return yards, then Mariani is a hands down no to your fantasy team.

ESPN Fantasy Points to date: 8

9. Javon Ringer

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NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 20:  Javon Ringer #21 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Houston Texans at LP Field on September 20, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 20: Javon Ringer #21 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Houston Texans at LP Field on September 20, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Javon Ringer would be a great fantasy option if he got more than a few carries a week. In fact, Ringer hasn't had more than six carries in a game since Week 6.

He's No.9 on this list for that reason, but he still cracks the list because he's always capable of bursting a long one to get your team some quick points. Problem is that's a huge risk and you have to be pretty desperate at this point at running back.

It's also important to remember that the Titans throw a lot of passes into the flats so there's always that chance that Ringer could catch a short pass and turn it into a long gain.

If Chris Johnson goes down with an injury, don't hesitate picking this downhill runner up off waivers.

ESPN Fantasy Points to date (standard scoring): 23

8. Justin Gage

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HOUSTON - NOVEMBER 28:  Wide receive Justin Gage #12 of the Tennessee Titans makes a catch in front of cornerback Kareem Jackson in the first quarter at Reliant Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON - NOVEMBER 28: Wide receive Justin Gage #12 of the Tennessee Titans makes a catch in front of cornerback Kareem Jackson in the first quarter at Reliant Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

No matter how you look at it, Justin Gage has been a huge disappointment this season.

He finally looks to be healthy for good, so if you're looking to add a wide receiver that gets a fair amount of redzone looks, then Gage might be an option for you. Just don't expect him to light up the scoreboard.

From a positive standpoint, the Titans are playing the 28th ranked pass defense in the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. It's also looking more and more possible that Kerry Collins will be delivering the ball as opposed to Rusty Smith.

You also always have to consider the distraction that is Randy Moss, which could free up Gage for some big catches.

Just remember you're always playing with fire when using a Titans wide receiver.

ESPN Fantasy Points to date (standard scoring): 21

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7. Bo Scaife

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21:  London Fletcher #59 and Reed Doughty #37 of the Washington Redskins force Bo Scaife #80 of the Tennessee Titans out of the end zone to prevent a touchdown at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Redskins
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: London Fletcher #59 and Reed Doughty #37 of the Washington Redskins force Bo Scaife #80 of the Tennessee Titans out of the end zone to prevent a touchdown at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Redskins

It's been a down year for Bo Scaife up to this point, but a Titans tight end is always capable of having a big game.

Scaife does a lot of his damage after he catches the ball on short, out-routes.

It's not the worst option in the world to go with Scaife against the Jaguars this week. He put up 11 fantasy points in the Titans' first matchup with Jacksonville.

If you're hurting at tight end then Scaife should be a safe option here. He's owned by less than 4 percent of fantasy owners in ESPN leagues, so he should be available if you need a tight end.

ESPN Fantasy Points to date (standard scoring): 36

6. Kerry Collins

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24:  Kerry Collins #5 of the Tennessee Titans throws a touchdown pass during the NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 37-19.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Im
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24: Kerry Collins #5 of the Tennessee Titans throws a touchdown pass during the NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 37-19. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Im

The only way I could possibly see someone adding Kerry Collins to their fantasy roster is if they're in a league that starts two quarterbacks. Even then I'm not so sure there isn't a better option out there.

If you insist on taking Collins, then here's what you're getting yourself into: Collins hasn't thrown for more than 300 yards since 2005, and he's also a major health risk.

The only upside here is the weak secondary of the Jaguars.

I understand there is some intrigue in Collins airing it out to Randy Moss and throwing everything else to Nate Washington or Justin Gage but just remember what Collins did in his first outing with Moss to his disposal. He threw for just 51 yards and no completions to Moss.

ESPN Fantasy Points to date (standard scoring): 36

5. Randy Moss

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MIAMI - NOVEMBER 14:  Wide receiver Randy Moss #84 of the Tennessee Titans makes a catch against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
MIAMI - NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Randy Moss #84 of the Tennessee Titans makes a catch against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

ESPN fantasy football expert Matthew Berry has already put Randy Moss on his "dead-to-me" list, but I understand there's still some intrigue with Moss for fantasy owners.

It seems almost like Moss is due for a big game, and what better team for it to come against than the 28th ranked pass defense of the Jaguars?

Plus Moss has had another week to get used to the offensive system. I find it hard to believe the Titans won't find ways to get Moss the ball more often.

All we ask from Moss is a little more effort, and I'm sure that first touchdown in a Titans uniform is close to happening.

ESPN Fantasy Points to date (standard scoring): 62

4. Rob Bironas

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 18:  Kicker Rob Bironas #2 of the Tennessee Titans kicks a field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at EverBank Field on October 18, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida.  (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 18: Kicker Rob Bironas #2 of the Tennessee Titans kicks a field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at EverBank Field on October 18, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

It's kind of sad when a kicker cracks the top five on a team's fantasy football value, but that's what we're dealing with for the Tennessee Titans.

The Titans settle for a lot of field goals, which obviously increases the value of Rob Bironas.

To add to that, Bironas' range easily exceeds 50-plus yards, so if your league offers bonus points for long kicks then Bironas is a great option at kicker against the Jaguars.

Bironas is currently fifth in ESPN standard leagues among kickers in fantasy points, so it's likely Bironas isn't available in your league. If he is, then go snatch him up for some easy points this week from your kicker.

ESPN Fantasy Points to date (standard scoring): 93

3. Nate Washington

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NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 23:  Nate Washington #85 of the Tennessee Titans breaks away from the Arizona Cardinals defense after making a first down catch during a preseason game at LP Field on August 23, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Grant Halvers
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 23: Nate Washington #85 of the Tennessee Titans breaks away from the Arizona Cardinals defense after making a first down catch during a preseason game at LP Field on August 23, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halvers

Nate Washington has consistently been the No. 1 target at wide receiver for the Titans all season long. Even with the acquisition of Randy Moss, Washington remained getting the most targets.

Now the Titans head into a contest with a team that struggles against the pass, and it looks like Kerry Collins will make his return as the starter.

In ESPN leagues, Washington is only owned by approximately half of fantasy owners. If you're struggling with the loss of Hakeem Nicks then Washington might be a good option here.

It's hard to have confidence in a guy that has had a few zero-point weeks but have faith in Washington.

Usually having a team's No. 1 target going against a weak secondary means good things for your fantasy team.

ESPN Fantasy Points to date (standard scoring): 75

2. Chris Johnson

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21:  Kareem Moore #41 of the Washington Redskins tackles Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Kareem Moore #41 of the Washington Redskins tackles Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

It's hard to not put Chris Johnson at No.1, but you have to realize how risky it is to start Johnson at this point. Especially if you have another solid running back to put in his place.

The Titans are playing bad offensive football right now, and it's hurting Johnson's value. It's critical that the Titans don't fall behind early against Jags for Johnson to have his normal 15-point game.

Keep in mind that the Jags actually did a descent job at containing Johnson in their first meeting if not for allowing a late 35-yard score.

With that said, it's by no means the end of the world if you start Johnson this week. He's still always one big run away from turning a few fantasy points into 20 fantasy points or more.

ESPN Fantasy Points to date (standard scoring): 149

1. Titans Defense/Special Teams

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24:  LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by Michael Griffin #33 during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by Michael Griffin #33 during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Don't let last week's performance against the Texans scare you away from the Titans defense. These guys get after the quarterback and force a lot of turnovers.

The Titans are tied for second in the NFL in sacks and tied for seventh in takeaways. They're also facing a Jags offense that has the most giveaways in the AFC at 26.

Want even more reason to start the Titans defense? David Garrard isn't the healthiest he's ever been at this point in the season, and it's a possibility that Trent Edwards will get the start this week.

Anyone remember what the Titans defense did to Edwards earlier this season?

You also never know when Marc Mariani could return another touchdown to give your fantasy team a quick six points.

Now if only fantasy leagues awarded defensive units points for getting in fist fights then this team would be the lock of the week!

ESPN Fantasy Points to date (standard scoring): 103

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