The Tennessee Titans will look to build on their Week 6 victory when they host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, and fantasy football managers will have some difficult lineup decisions to make ahead of the matchup.
Tennessee is coming off a 26-20 comeback victory over the Indianapolis Colts, while Cleveland enters the contest following a 13-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens. With both teams coming off defensive battles, fantasy managers will need to be selective when setting their lineups.
There are a few intriguing opportunities in this matchup, particularly in the backfield, but not every player should be trusted this week.
Here are five players to start or sit in fantasy football for the Titans' Week 7 matchup against the Browns.
Sit: Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans
The second-year quarterback has shown flashes of potential throughout his first season, but his inconsistent production has made him a difficult option to trust in fantasy lineups.
Ward completed 11 of 22 passes for 102 yards against Indianapolis in Week 6, struggling to generate much through the air before Tennessee mounted its comeback.
Unfortunately for Ward, the matchup against Cleveland doesn't offer much relief. The Browns have one of the more disruptive defensive fronts in the league, and their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks could create problems for Tennessee's passing game.
Ward's rushing ability provides some added fantasy appeal, but his limited passing production and turnover risk make him difficult to trust outside of deeper superflex formats.
Sit: Deshaun Watson, QB, Cleveland Browns
Although Cleveland has managed to win games, Watson's fantasy outlook remains underwhelming heading into Sunday's matchup.
The veteran quarterback has struggled to consistently generate explosive plays, and Tennessee's defense could make things difficult with its ability to pressure the pocket and force opponents into uncomfortable situations.
The Titans are coming off a strong defensive performance against Indianapolis, recording six sacks and forcing three turnovers. That type of production should give Tennessee confidence heading into this matchup.
Watson's rushing ability can provide some additional fantasy value, but his inconsistency as a passer makes him a risky option in standard leagues.
Unless fantasy managers are dealing with significant bye-week or injury problems, Watson is best left on the bench.
Start: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns
Judkins has emerged as an important piece of Cleveland's offense, and his workload makes him an attractive option for fantasy managers heading into Week 7.
His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver gives him multiple paths to fantasy production, even if Cleveland struggles to establish its passing game.
That could prove particularly valuable against a Tennessee defense that has shown improvement recently but still needs to prove it can consistently contain opposing backfields.
Judkins' volume should be his biggest selling point. If Cleveland can keep the game competitive and establish its rushing attack, he has the opportunity to deliver a productive afternoon.
With his health no longer a major concern, Judkins is a start as an RB2, with additional upside if he finds the end zone.
Start: Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee Titans
The rookie wide receiver has shown the ability to create separation and make plays downfield, giving him an opportunity to become a reliable contributor in the Titans' offense.
Tate's biggest obstacle has been the inconsistency of the passing attack. Ward's struggles have limited the upside of Tennessee's receivers, making it difficult for fantasy managers to confidently project their weekly production.
However, Tate's target share and involvement in the offense give him an appealing path to fantasy relevance.
The Browns' defense presents a difficult matchup, and fantasy managers shouldn't necessarily expect a massive performance. Still, Tate's ability to make plays on limited opportunities makes him an intriguing flex option, especially in deeper leagues.
He's a start for managers looking for upside, although expectations should remain tempered.
Start: Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans
Pollard is the Titans player fantasy managers should feel most comfortable starting this week.
The veteran running back remains a key component of Tennessee's offense, and his workload gives him a reliable opportunity to produce even in a difficult matchup.
Pollard has averaged 17.4 touches and 67.8 total yards per game since Week 2, making him a consistent source of volume despite some disappointing fantasy finishes.
The matchup against Cleveland won't be easy. The Browns have the defensive personnel to make running lanes difficult to find, and Tennessee's offensive struggles could limit scoring opportunities.
However, Pollard's involvement in the passing game gives him a potential avenue to fantasy production if the Titans fall behind or struggle to move the ball on the ground.
He's a reasonable RB2 for Week 7, with touchdown potential providing additional upside.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns: 5 players to start/sit for fantasy football in Week 7
