The teams themselves might not be great, but the Tennessee Titans-Tampa Bay Buccaneers game Sunday should generate all sorts of interest. For the first time in NFL history, the No. 1 overall pick (Jameis Winston of the Buccaneers) and the No. 2 pick (Marcus Mariota of the Titans) square off as quarterbacks in Week 1 of the season. That's good for intrigue, yeah?
Fantasy football advice, Week 1: Who to start/sit for Titans vs. Buccaneers
For some games, finding a storyline to write about is difficult. This game ... not so much.
On top of that, the Titans come into Sunday's game almost totally healthy from a fantasy perspective. The Buccaneers are also fairly healthy, with one notable exception -- wide receiver Mike Evans. The second-year receiver was on the injury report all week with a hamstring injury, and is no guarantee to play, though he's still listed as questionable.
Tampa Bay plays host for Sunday’s game, scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET. Let’s look at the fantasy names to consider:
TITANS
Start 'em: The only player in the Tennessee offense that looks like a decent fantasy option is Delanie Walker, who should be a fine tight end all season.
Start 'em?: In a pinch, you might be able to make Kendall Wright work in fantasy, even if he isn't particularly exciting or a sure thing.
Sit 'em: You like the future of Marcus Mariota. You are also aware these things can take time, and you stay away for now. ... The Tennessee running game is basically just Bishop Sankey and Terrance West, and that's not a happy story. ... The second tier of Tennessee receivers -- Harry Douglas, Dorial Green-Beckham, Justin Hunter -- has some potential, but it's not anything like a fantasy-useful group. At least not yet. ... The Tennessee offense might not support many kicking opportunities for Ryan Succop. ... The Titans' defense isn't anything of note.
BUCCANEERS
Start 'em: The injury concerns of Evans make Vincent Jackson an intriguing play early in the season.
Start 'em?: They saying goes "once bitten, twice shy," but with Doug Martin, the bites and the shyness both have much higher numbers. Still, he's looked so good in the preseason that he looks like a fair flex play. ... In a normal scenario, Mike Evans is a must-start, but his injury concerns and the game's late start makes him a bit scarier. ... Austin Seferian-Jenkins showed some flashes a year ago, but also had some issues. Still, he's a giant out there, and an appealing target. He's a mid-range TE2 with upside. ... The Buccaneers' defense isn't as good as it has been, but then the Tennessee offense isn't any great shakes either.
Sit 'em: Just like Mariota, Jameis Winston has plenty of potential, but he's not really on the fantasy radar yet. ... The re-emergence of Martin renders Charles Sims a fantasy afterthought. ... Hey, look, it's another team that has gone to a new kicker. I'm avoiding Kyle Brindza until we see how he does.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Delanie Walker, Vincent Jackson
Start if you're desperate: Kendall Wright, Doug Martin, Mike Evans, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tampa Bay defense
Bench: Marcus Mariota, Bishop Sankey, Terrance West, Harry Douglas, Dorial Green-Beckham, Justin Hunter, Ryan Succop, Tennessee defense, Jameis Winston, Charles Sims, Kyle Brindza
