DFS Showdown Lineup Picks: Titans-Chiefs

By Matt Schauf 3:11pm EST 11/6/22

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Patrick Mahomes has faced the Tennessee Titans 3 times since Mike Vrabel took over as HC.

He had a terrible outing last time, completing just 57% of his throws for 206 and 0 TDs, while taking 4 sacks and throwing a pick in a 27-3 beatdown on the road last October. Before that, though, he hit up the Titans for 3 TDs in consecutive meetings both during and after (playoffs) the 2019 season.

This rematch finds a pass-funnel Tennessee defense. The Titans lead the league in run-defense DVOA, according to Football Outsiders. They sit just 15th against the pass. Tennessee has been neutral to QB scoring, by our adjusted fantasy points allowed; toughest in the league on RB scoring.

Derrick Henry, meanwhile, has logged 19+ carries in 4 straight meetings with Kansas City -- despite mixed efficiency in those games.

He enters this round off 3 straight games of 28+ rushes, with either a significantly limited Ryan Tannehill (ankle sprain) or Malik Willis behind center. Either way, expect the big guy to get fed.

So who are the value plays to fit around the Sunday night studs? Let's check the charts ...

DraftKings

Kadarius Toney has gotten the buzz this week, because we're about to see him for the 1st time with the Chiefs -- and basically for the 1st time this season. But can we really expect him to play more than rookie WR Skyy Moore? Any uncertainty makes Moore the easy play at one-tenth the salary.

On the Tennessee side, rookie TE Chigo Okonkwo has topped 40% playing time in 2 straight games. That hasn't done much for his opportunity count, with just 3 total targets in those 2 games. But being out there more obviously gives him the chance to get a couple extra chances in any given game.

FanDuel

Paying up for Malik Willis doesn't seem like a great idea, after the Titans had him throw only 10 passes in his starting debut. But there's certainly rushing upside to him if he gets more opportunities in a game more likely to find them falling behind.