2021 Fantasy Upside
Jonnu Smith's departure to New England leaves plenty of opportunity for Anthony Firkser over the middle of the field as he steps into the starting tight end role in Tennessee. Firkser will compete with middling slot man Josh Reynolds for targets behind A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. Firkser doesn't jump off the page from an athletic or production standpoint at this point in his career, but he has good hands and managed to finish sixth among tight ends in yards per route run (1.82) last season in limited opportunities working behind Smith. Ryan Tannehill's target distribution figures to be narrow behind Brown and Jones, meaning Firkser could carve out a role worthy of streaming consideration in fantasy leagues, particularly if that role includes red zone looks. Tannehill has shown the ability to support fantasy pass catchers despite Tennessee's affection for establishing the run with Derrick Henry, and Firkser is in a prime position to receive more opportunity than he has ever seen before as part of the Titans' efficient passing attack heading into 2021.
2021 Fantasy Downside
Firkser's measurables are unremarkable and there is no guarantee he dominates the Titans' passing game opportunity behind the dynamic combination of Brown and Jones outside. Whether Firkser or Reynolds claims the third role in the passing game, they figure to place a distant third in target share, meaning they will have to make the most of their touches to return fantasy dividends. Firkser has yet to clear 400 receiving yards in a season through three years in the NFL and has never scored more than one touchdown in a single campaign. While Firkser is in line to receive an increased workload this year, nothing in his track record inspires certainty he will take advantage of the increase in targets. Firkser will also deal with the usual volume concerns in Tennessee when positive game scripts allow them to hammer their opponent with the run game.
2021 Bottom Line
Firkser ultimately projects as a touchdown-dependent streaming option at a shallow position. He can only be drafted as a TE2 in redraft leagues and will most likely require an injury to Brown or Jones to provide consistent fantasy value in 2021. Even so, Firkser provides some upside as a cheap tight end option if he can take advantage of an increase in playing time and the narrow target tree in Tennessee.
