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The sweat may be pooling up in all the wrong places, but, before you know it, changing leaves, cool temperatures and football will be in the air. To help fantasy managers and devoted bettors get through summer’s soaring heat, The Gaming Juice’s resident gridiron gambler, Brad Evans, is here to preview each NFL franchise — fantasy values, prop picks and team win totals. Channeling Richard Dent, Reggie White and J.J. Watt, the Three-Point Stance has eyes on sacking the sportsbooks and fantasy rivals.
Today’s featured squad: Tennessee Titans.
Fantasy value — Calvin Ridley, WR (ADP: 127.9, WR37)
Riddle me this. Riddle me that. At WR3, the Riddler could make gamer wallets fat.
Last season with Mr. Mayo (Will Levis) spinning unappetizing passes in his general direction, Ridley still amassed 64 receptions for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns. Those weren’t earth-shattering numbers, but he finished a laudable WR36 in half-point PPR per game production.
Under the hood is where Ridley really revved the engine. According to PlayerProfiler, he set the pace among all NFL wide receivers in total air yards (1883) while also ranking top-five in average depth of target (15.7) and total deep ball targets (32, 1.9 per game). His top-10 standing in yards per reception (15.9) and WR20 finish in total route wins (199) also commanded attention.
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Of course, reliable QB play is absolutely key for the once indispensable fantasy WR1 with the Falcons. In 2024, Ridley posted the most unrealized air yards of any NFL receiver. So many opportunities missed. Cam Ward’s competitive spirit and accurate throwing arm will have to transition somewhat seamlessly for the veteran wideout to live up to his scribe’s boosted confidence.
To help alleviate top cornerback coverage, the Titans will reportedly feature Ridley on quick hitting routes and screens. If that scheme is successfully implemented, his target share should spike. Mix that with a fairly unintimidating strength of schedule (WR18), and a WR25 or better finish is entirely attainable. Titan ... UP!
Prop pick — Cam Ward 20 or more passing touchdowns (+110, DraftKings)
Investing in what should be a profitable play tied to the rookie is no money-draining sCam.
Ward’s competitive zeal is what drives him. As witnessed at The U, he never backs down from a fight. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished QB10 in adjusted completion percentage and QB3 in big time throw rate last season. He also graded QB5 or higher in four different passing facet categories. His sidearm release may be funky, but his touch and arm strength are plus attributes.
Yes, his arsenal won’t make gamers undress. Ridley has stud potential, but Tyler Lockett, Chig Okonkwo and the running back stable (Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears) own a wide range of outcomes. Additionally, Ward’s QB18 strength of schedule for fantasy devices doesn’t move the meter.
Still, the former Hurricane’s doggedness cannot be overstated. That — combined with Tennessee’s forgiving defense — should push the rookie past the 20 passing TD mark in his inaugural campaign. Get wacky.
Team lean — Titans OVER 5.5 regular-season wins (-150, Caesars)
“Transition” best describes the type of season the Titans should have under first-year head coach Brian Callahan. They will have their moments, but honky tonks on Broadway will occasionally overflow with fans looking to numb the pain.
Several sad country songs could be written about the Nashville representatives. However, the presented threshold in wins is crossable.
ESPN’s Mike Clay projects the Fightin’ Frank Wychecks to emerge victorious in 6.6 games, giving them greater than a 40% win probability in seven contests. The early slate is murderous, but this team should show considerable improvement in favorable November and December matchups. Overall, Tennessee has the second-easiest projected strength of schedule.
Despite the unattractive juice, pencil in this willing investor for six wins.