Tennessee Titans DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut could be poised for an increased workload on Sunday afternoon against the New England Patriots. With Tyjae Spears (hamstring) already ruled out, Chestnut is expected to open the game as the No.2 option. However, the lead running back Tony Pollard (foot) is listed as questionable which could open the door for Chestnut to start. In addition, Pollard has not practiced this week, which is not a promising sign for his availability. Chestnut has played three seasons with the Titans but has logged only 20 attempts with 61 yards and four catches for 50 yards. If he gets the start, he would be viewed as a low-end flex option, simply off volume.

New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye (personal) missed Friday's practice but is expected to return for this weekend's game against the Tennessee Titans. The 25-year-old has struggled with volume lately, converting all 11 of his extra-point attempts while going 11-for-13 on field goals. While some of these accuracy numbers are solid, fantasy managers should be dismayed by his reduced opportunities within a subpar offense. The Patriots don't look particularly desperate to score points this year, which does not bode well for fantasy managers or any other fans who are invested in Slye's success.

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (foot) and wide receiver Tyler Boyd (shoulder) are both listed as questionable for Week 9. Pollard has been unable to participate in any practices this week but the team is leaving the door open for him to play this weekend. Boyd has also been sidelined all week but could also be available. The Titans will already be without Tyjae Spears (hamstring) which could open the door for Julius Chestnut to operate as the lead back if Pollard cannot play. If Boyd is unable to play, fantasy managers should expect Calvin Ridley to see a heavy target share with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine serving as the No.2 option.

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 9's contest against the New England Patriots. Spears opened the week as a limited participant but was then downgraded to a non-participant on Thursday and Friday. Spears will now miss his third-straight game and will set his sights on returning next weekend to face the Los Angeles Chargers. Through the first-half of the campaign, Spears has been deployed as the clear No.2 option behind Tony Pollard. However, Pollard (foot) is listed as questionable and could also be in danger of missing Sunday's game. If he is unable to suit up, fantasy managers should expect Julius Chestnut to serve as the lead option.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (shoulder) is off the injury report and is expected to suit up on Sunday when the Titans face the New England Patriots. Ridley did not practice on Wednesday but was upgraded to full participation on Thursday. He sat out during Friday's practice for a non-injury reason. Ridley is coming off the best game of his season where he brought in ten of his 15 targets for 143 yards. Fantasy managers should expect the 29-year-old to see a heavy dose of targets once again with DeAndre Hopkins now in Kansas City. This weekend he should be viewed as a high-end WR3 facing the New England Patriots who have allowed the 19th-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.