NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans
Aug 23, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands in the pocket against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Carnell Tate, Cam Ward and Calvin Ridley will need to play a big role for the Tennessee Titans in 2026 if they want to stun NFL fans in a competitive AFC South.
Their season begins on Sept. 13 against the New York Jets, a very favorable matchup for Brian Daboll’s team. Meanwhile, the Titans have several young players in the fold, but can they be fantasy football relevant?
Tennessee’s playoff expectations may not be super high. However, fantasy football fans are banking on significant production from the team’s highly-drafted players like Tate and Ward.
Let’s examine some key start or sit candidates for the Titans in Week 1.
MORE: Malik Nabers’ Week 1 status now more in doubt
Carnell Tate start or sit advice
NFL: Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley and wide receiver Carnell Tate look on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Preseason did not go how Tate would’ve wanted it to after instantly becoming the number one target in the passing attack.
The Jets give Tate a fresh start though after dominating college football with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Tate averaged over 17 yard per catch during his final season with the Big Ten program.
He doesn’t jump out as a player with elite speed, but he’s about as good as it gets when it comes to making contested catches. If Ward can instantly develop some rapport with the fourth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft there could be a lot of fireworks in this offense.
Verdict: Start
MORE: Fantasy football Week 1 tight end rankings
Cam Ward start or sit advice
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws at team practice Vanderbilt Health Football Center Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward throws at team practice Vanderbilt Health Football Center Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Ward needs to start 2026 off on the right foot, especially facing a Jets defense that didn’t have an interception all of last season.
The former Miami Hurricanes star didn’t exactly have the Year 1 that he hoped for after being drafted first overall. However, Tennessee did boost his receiving corps with the likes of Tate and Robinson.
Expect Ward to sling the ball around just like he was doing towards the end of last season. Ward posted 19 or more fantasy points in three of his final four games in 2025, including big showings against Kansas City and New Orleans.
Verdict: Start
Calvin Ridley start or sit advice
NFL: Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward and wide receiver Calvin Ridley joke around against the Chicago Bears during pre-game warmups at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Ridley remains a key weapon for Ward in a competitive passing attack for the Titans. The only issue for Ridley is that he’s one of many options for Ward to distribute the ball to in 2026.
Tate certainly holds the top spot in the pecking order in terms of how much Tennessee invested in him. Meanwhile, Daboll’s familiarity with Wan’Dale Robinson from his time with the New York Giants doesn’t help Ridley’s case.
Last season, the 31-year-old only played seven games for the Titans. Meanwhile, those games didn’t exactly show a lot of fantasy relevance and inconsistency with Ward throwing him the ball.
MORE: Fantasy Football Week 1 running back rankings
The veteran WR seems destined to continue his drop off in 2026 given where the Titans are at with their roster.
Verdict: Sit