Week 5 at Miami Dolphins
Nobody did much offensively for the Titans last week in Houston, including DeMarco Murray, who had 31 yards on 7 carries. He also had just 2 catches for 4 yards. The good news is that he was more effective than Derrick Henry. The bad news is that he got just one more carry than Henry as this looks more and more like a timeshare. With their QB situation in flux, the Titans could try to lean on their running game. Miami is allowing more than 50 receiving yards to running backs and that is more Murray's forte. Given the timeshare, Murray is a No. 2 back.
Week 4 at Houston Texans
So much for DeMarco Murray losing his job. He had 14 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown last week to hold off Derrick Henry for another day. Murray's grasp on the job continues to slip a little, as his 14 carries were a season-high. He also has just 5 receptions thus far this season. This is turning into more of a timeshare than anything, and that's never good for fantasy owners. Fifteen or so touches per game makes Murray more of an RB2 than anything.
Week 3 vs. Seattle Seahawks
DeMarco Murray had just 9 carries for 25 yards last week before leaving with some hamstring tightness. It limited him in practice all week but head coach Mike Mularkey is hopeful he'll be ready to practice Friday and play Sunday. The Seahawks allowed 159 yards rushing to 49ers running backs last week, so there's some hope here if Murray plays. Then again, he might have left the door open a bit for Derrick Henry, who looked good in Murray's absence. Don't use Murray as anything more than a low-end No. 2 RB or flex play this week if he checks out okay.
Week 2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
DeMarco Murray carried the ball only 12 times last week for 44 yards as the Titans went a little pass happy. Look for that to change a bit this week. And also look for Murray to get back involved in the passing game, as well, after getting just 2 receptions for 16 yards. He had a combined 165 yards rushing and a touchdown on 35 carries in two combined games against Jacksonville last season. He should perform as a low-end No. 1 RB this week.
Week 1 vs. Oakland Raiders
DeMarco Murray ripped up the Oakland Raiders defense to the tune of 116 yards and a touchdown on just 16 carries last season. He also had 5 catches for 41 yards in that game. There's no reason to think he can't have similar success against the Raiders this time around. The Titans might be a little more wide open this season than they were last, but they'll still rely on a very solid running game keyed by Murray. He should be a solid No. 1 running back start this week.
Fantasy Upside
DeMarco Murray bounced back from a forgettable year in Philadelphia to put up 1,287 yards and nine scores on the ground, while also hauling in 53 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns in his first season as a Titan. He finished tied for third with David Johnson in rushing attempts last season with 293, totaling nearly 350 touches.
Fantasy Downside
Second-year back Derrick Henry lurks in the shadows. He already stole some carries from Murray down the stretch last season, averaging nearly three more rush attempts per game during the second half of the season. The Titans also added a bevy of pass catchers in an attempt to bump up their passing game.
2017 Bottom Line
Murray plays behind a good offensive line in a system that loves to run the ball. Even if he shares some time with Henry, he should still get 300-plus overall touches this season. Murray is a workhorse running back who also catches the ball well - he's averaged 51.8 receptions over the past four seasons. His current ADP places him right outside the first round, which means you're going to draft him as a lower-end RB1 or very high-end RB2. Neither is a bad option.
Week 17 vs. Houston
Murray had just 42 yards on 14 carries last week as Tennessee's offense disappeared against the Jaguars. He also had just two receptions for 18 yards, giving him just 16 touches, his fewest of the season. Murray had a line of 25-95-2 rushing the first time around against the Texans and the Titans figure to be run-heavy to protect Matt Cassel in this game. Trouble is that the Titans could use this game as a tryout for Derrick Henry next season, as well. Murray should produce enough, even against stacked boxes, to be a very solid No. 2 back.
Week 16 at Jacksonville
Murray was solid again last week, rushing for 89 yards on 18 carries, while also catching five passes for 52 yards. He had a season-high 123 rushing yards and a TD back in Week 8 against Jacksonville and the Titans will continue their game plan of riding their running game. Murray should get his usual 25 or so touches this week, which makes him a RB1 based on both production and touches.
Week 15 at Kansas City
Murray had 21 carries for 92 yards and a score last week but did not catch a pass for just the second time this season. Murray should find some running lanes again this week as the Chiefs have given up 101 yards rushing per game to opposing running backs. Yes, he's losing a handful of carries to Derrick Henry, but Murray remains the bell horse. He should be a solid start this week.
Week 14 vs. Denver
The week off should have given Murray's nagging toe injury some time to heal up and that's good news for a guy who's averaged nearly 23 touches per game. While Denver's pass defense is tough, the run defense is definitely vulnerable as its 21st ranking against opposing backs would suggest. The Titans are as good as nearly anyone running the ball and they'll pound away with Murray and Derrick Henry in this one. Murray should be a solid RB No. 1 start.
