DraftKings NFL Picks & Optimal Lineups for Titans vs. Texans Showdown

Optimal Lineup

– CAPTAIN: Jonnu Smith ($6,000)
– DeAndre Hopkins ($12,600)
– Deshaun Watson ($11,800)
– Corey Davis ($8,400)
– Dion Lewis ($7,800)
– Ryan Succop ($3,000)

The Jonnu Smith hype train is picking up steam and I've officially hopped on board. The Titans tight end is coming off a game in which he saw a single game career-high in both targets (eight) and receptions (six). He totaled 44 yards in that game, and in each of the two games prior managed to find the end zone.

Smith's arrow is pointing up in a big way as he gets more comfortable in the Tennessee offense. To make his spot even more appealing, the Texans have allowed 52 receptions for 583 yards and five touchdowns this season to opposing tight ends. He's the most cost-effective captain option on the slate, and I like how much using him as both a captain or flex play opens up the rest of the lineup.

I'll likely have the Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins stack in the bulk of my lineups. While the Texans have done their best to monitor Watson's workload a bit in recent weeks due to early-season injuries, this is a good spot for him to have a big game. The Titans run defense is impressive, and while they are solid against opposing quarterbacks, the same can't be said for receivers.

Hopkins finds himself with arguably the best spot on this showdown slate. He faces a good personal matchup and the Titans as a whole have allowed 1,838 yards and 14 touchdowns this season to wide receivers. It's a monster spot for him and one where I expect him to potentially pull down two touchdowns or at the very least top 100 yards with ease.

As far as the Dion Lewis spot goes, it's actually a pretty interesting debate between using the Titans back or Lamar Miller. While Miller has the worse matchup due to the lack of success pass-catching backs have had against Tennessee, Lewis is in a tough spot as well. Houston has allowed just 771 yards and five touchdowns on the ground this season. The big difference is the success through the air, which is why Lewis gets the nod.

On the season, the Texans have given up 54 receptions for 406 yards and five touchdowns through the air to opposing backs. On the flip side, the Titans have allowed 42 catches for 292 yards and no touchdowns. Smith has more appeal due to his pass-catching and I expect to see him get a solid number of targets here.

I cited both kickers in the captain section, and while there's not a ton of need to dive deep into the two options, this game has the perfect setup to be a field goal fest. The Texans defense should be able to keep the Titans from scoring a large number of touchdowns and their passing game will do more than enough to be in field goal range. Both Ryan Succop and Ka'imi Fairbairn are in play for this slate with solid floors.

The 150-max lineup features a fair amount of upside but certainly comes with risk as well.