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

Single Entry/Cash Lineup

– CAPTAIN: Jonnu Smith ($6,000)
– DeAndre Hopkins ($12,600)
– Deshaun Watson ($11,800)
– Marcus Mariota ($10,000)
– Tajae Sharpe ($4,800)/Texas DST ($5,400)
– Ka'imi Fairbairn ($3,600)

*Note: Switching Tajae Sharpe for the Texans DST is a fine play, as they arguably have a safer floor. I think Sharpe will see a solid volume of work based on Taywan Taylor sitting out, and most people don't love pairing a defense and kicker together, but it makes a lot of sense in this type of game.

I'll likely mix and match the option of using Tajae Sharpe and the Texans defense in this spot. If you think the Texans run away with this game or simply hold the Titans offense in check, then Houston's defense is the way to go. On the flip side, Sharpe has a tough matchup but will receive a fair number of targets. He saw seven looks last game and caught five fo them for 37 yards and one touchdown.

With Taylor out, Sharpe should be a lock for 90-plus percent of the team's offensive snaps. He's shown solid rapport with Marcus Mariota and while he had a one-catch game against the Dallas Cowboys, a large part of that had to do with him suffering a pregame setback. The week just prior was Sharpe's best, as he caught seven balls for 101 yards.

I'm also back on the Jonnu Smith train here, but I will say that he won't be in as many of my lineups as it seems. That's not to say I don't love his spot and upside, but I try to avoid going with any type of risk in more than 50-60 percent of lineups unless it's just an elite situation. Regardless, Smith has a safe floor and is going to see his work while also being a name who benefits from Taylor's absence.

There's no surprise with the Deshaun Watson pairing with DeAndre Hopkins and I raved previously about how much I like both plays. Each player has the potential to be the highest-scoring player on the slate. I'll have both as captains in various spots as well, but I do think that we'll see somewhat of a lower-scoring game, which is why I didn't force either into the captain spot for these lineups.

Marcus Mariota is an interesting target and his price makes him even more appealing. Although the Titans young quarterback dealt with some sort of a neck stinger last game, he's good to go for this matchup. The Texans pass defense is good, but Mariota had scored five touchdowns over a two-game span prior to being injured against the Colts.

Speaking of that game against Indianapolis Mariota was off to a fine start there also, completing 10-of-13 passes for 85 yards with four rushing attempts. Tennessee's quarterback helps to provide a safe floor due to his ability as a runner, and he's run at least four times in five games this season. If he's able to take off a few times in this game, he'll have little problem posting fine numbers and the potential to have a big day.

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