The Titans were looking to recapture some of that old Jonnu Smith magic in their offense when they drafted another move tight end in Okonkwo, and he certainly flashed as a rookie. Okonkwo was a weapon in space for the Titans and averaged 9.8 yards per target with receptions of 48, 41, 31 and 41 in four of his five games from Weeks 9-13. The July signing of DeAndre Hopkins pushes Okonkwo down in the passing-game pecking order, taking shine off the young tight end as an intriguing sleeper. Smith's best season with Ryan Tannehill featured 41 catches, 448 yards and eight touchdowns on 65 targets. It's hard to expect eight scores from Okonkwo, which played a big part in Smith's quality Fantasy finish. Okonkwo is the type of young tight end who could break out if he commands a bigger portion of the passing game than expected, but he's now a late-round flier rather than a potential starting option in Fantasy.
Okonkwo once again disappointed Fantasy managers in Week 2 against the Chargers with four catches for 35 yards on four targets, but it was an improvement from his Week 1 stat line against the Saints when he had no catches. We'll see what happens in Week 3 against the Browns, but Cleveland has so far eliminated Irv Smith Jr. and Pat Freiermuth in two games with a combined four catches for 19 yards and no touchdowns on six targets. I'm not starting Okonkwo in any leagues in Week 3 if I can avoid it.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Tallies first catches of season
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Okonkwo recorded four receptions on four targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 27-24 overtime win over the Chargers.
Okonkwo was targeted only twice and failed to record a catch Week 1, though he bounced back for a decent performance against the Chargers. His primary contribution came early in the third quarter when he caught a short pass over the middle of the field before dragging defenders for a gain of 20 yards. Okonkwo will likely see inconsistent volume when the entire Tennessee receiving corps is healthy, but he continues to prove capable of making big plays when given a chance.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Sleeper TEs
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I originally had Okonkwo as a sit in Start 'Em & Sit 'Em when DeAndre Hopkins was expected to play in Week 2, but now it appears like Hopkins is out with an ankle injury. That should make Okonkwo more of a focal point in the passing game, and he can be used as a starter in deep Fantasy leagues. In Week 1 at the Saints, Okonkwo was a non-factor with no catches on two targets. But he should get more attention from Ryan Tannehill in Week 2, and the Chargers just allowed Durham Smythe to catch three passes for 44 yards on seven targets in Week 1. Okonkwo could have a stellar game with seven targets, which hopefully will happen now with Hopkins hurt.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: TEs to Sit
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Okonkwo didn't have a good Fantasy outing in Week 1 at New Orleans with no catches on just two targets, and it's hard to trust him in Week 2 against the Chargers. While Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe saw seven targets against Los Angeles in Week 1, he finished with just three catches for 44 yards. At this point, Fantasy managers with Okonkwo would love to have even that level of production. Keep him reserved in all leagues for Week 2.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Blanked in Week 1
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Okonkwo did not record a reception on two targets in Sunday's 16-15 loss to the Saints.
Okonkwo was a breakout candidate for much of the offseason, though those hopes were seemingly derailed by the addition of DeAndre Hopkins. That came to fruition in Week 1, as Hopkins dominated with 13 targets on only 33 catchable pass attempts from Ryan Tannehill. Okonkwo could become a threat in the red zone, but he'll likely face a difficult path to seeing consistent targets.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: TEs to Sit
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Okonkwo is one of my favorite tight ends to stash, but I don't want to start him in Week 1 against the Saints. For starters, I want to see how Tennessee's offense looks with DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks and Okonkwo all healthy, and Okonkwo has to prove he will command targets from Ryan Tannehill while sharing the field with those receivers, as well as Derrick Henry. The Saints were also No. 1 in fewest PPR points allowed to opposing tight ends last year, and this defense should be able to limit Okonkwo's production this week.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Week 1 Waiver Priority List
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Despite the addition of Hopkins and the presence of Burks, Okonkwo should still get enough targets from Ryan Tannehill where he could be a low-end starter in all leagues. I like drafting Okonkwo with another tight end with upside -- like Dalton Kincaid or LaPorta -- and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Okonkwo as the better Fantasy option. Kyle Philips (knee) being out should help Okonkwo, and I would add him in all formats for up to 5 percent of your remaining FAB.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Returning to practice
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Okonkwo (leg) will return to practice Monday, Paul Kuharsky of PaulKuharsky.com reports.
The Titans never expected Okonkwo to be out for long even though he missed the final preseason game. He's expected to be the team's top pass-catching TE and now has two full weeks to prepare for a Week 1 game in New Orleans.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Should return soon
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Coach Mike Vrabel said Saturday that he expects Okonkwo (leg) will return to practice this week, John Glennon of SI.com reports.
Okonkwo was held out of Friday's preseason win over the Patriots after suffering a minor leg injury during joint practices leading up to the game. He should be fine for Week 1 at New Orleans and could even be the second option in Tennessee's passing game (behind WR DeAndre Hopkins) if WR Treylon Burks (knee) is still bothered by an LCL injury.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Sees preseason action
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Okonkwo recorded one reception on three targets for 19 yards in Saturday's 24-16 preseason victory over the Vikings.
Okonkwo made his 2023 preseason debut, though he worked with Malik Willis as Ryan Tannehill sat out. He didn't show great rapport with Willis, though he still managed to tally one significant gain. Okonkwo should be more involved in the offense during his second professional season, particularly if Treylon Burks (knee) is forced to miss any time.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Records third TD of season
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Okonkwo gathered in three of four targets for 42 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 20-16 loss in Jacksonville.
Okonkwo's 21-yard connection with quarterback Joshua Dobbs for a touchdown with 5:32 remaining in the second quarter pushed the Titans to their largest lead of the game at 10-0 after a successful PAT by Randy Bullock. Otherwise, Okonkwo mostly was held in check as Dobbs mustered just 179 yards through the air. A rookie fourth-round pick, Okonkwo really came on in the second half of the season to finish it with 32 catches (on 46 targets) for 450 yards and three TDs. He'll now turn his attention to the 2023 campaign with Tennessee officially eliminated from the playoff picture.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Three catches in loss
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Okonkwo made three catches on four targets for 24 yards in Thursday's 27-13 loss to the Cowboys.
Okonkwo showed immediate rapport with Joshua Dobbs, catching a pair of passes for 24 yards on the Titans' opening drive. He disappeared for the majority of the rest of the contest, though the switch from Malik Willis to Dobbs appeared to be an upgrade for Okonkwo's chances to produce. Regardless of the quarterback, Okonkwo has at least three receptions in five of his last six games.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Production stalls
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Okonkwo recorded one reception on two targets for 10 yards in Saturday's 19-14 loss to the Texans.
The entire Titans' passing attack was underwhelming with Malik Willis under center in place of Ryan Tannehill (ankle). Okonkwo was no exception, as he posted his lowest yardage total since Week 8. While he's shown promise in the second half of his rookie season, Okonkwo may find it difficult to produce consistently across the final two games of the campaign.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Week 16 Waiver Priority List
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Okonkwo could be in bad weather this week against Houston, and Treylon Burks (concussion) could return. We also have to keep an eye on Ryan Tannehill and his injured ankle. But if the weather holds up and Burks remains out, we could see Okonkwo still be useful as a low-end starter in deeper leagues. He has at least nine PPR points in three games in a row, and he had 18 PPR points in his most recent home game against Jacksonville in Week 14. It would be great if he could do that again in Week 16 against Houston.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Sleeper TEs
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Treylon Burks (concussion) is out again this week, which should help Okonkwo build on his recent solid production. He had six catches for 45 yards and a touchdown on six targets in Week 14 against Jacksonville, and he's now scored at least 10 PPR points in consecutive games. With Burks out, I like Okonkwo as a potential top-10 Fantasy tight end in all leagues, even in a tough matchup with the Chargers.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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We'll see what happens with Treylon Burks (concussion) this week, but if he remains out then Okonkwo should have the chance to build on his recent solid production. He had six catches for 45 yards and a touchdown on six targets in Week 14 against Jacksonville, and he's now scored at least 10 PPR points in consecutive games. If Burks remains out then I like Okonkwo as a potential top-10 Fantasy tight end in all leagues, even in a tough matchup with the Chargers. I'll lower my expectations for him if Burks plays, but it's hard to imagine the Titans not leaning on Okonkwo in this potential shootout.
The return of Treylon Burks could splash some cold water on Okonkwo, but I'd still be interested in streaming him. He's playing too well for the Titans to go away from by averaging 15.2 yards per catch and 10.3 yards per target. Think of him like a wide receiver playing tight end. We expect the Titans to be chasing the score against the Chargers this week.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Week 15 Waiver Priority List
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I thought Okonkwo would play well in Week 14 against Jacksonville, and he delivered a solid game with six catches for 45 yards and a touchdown on six targets. He's now scored at least 10 PPR points in consecutive games, and we'll see how he does if Treylon Burks (concussion) is able to play against the Chargers in Week 15. Without Burks, Okonkwo can be considered a low-end starter in all leagues. If Burks is back, then Okonkwo's Fantasy value will take a hit, but I would still consider him a starter in deeper leagues. He's worth adding for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAB.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Breakout continues
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Okonkwo recorded six receptions on six targets for 45 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Jaguars.
Okonkwo was praised by offensive coordinator Todd Downing leading up to Sunday's matchup, and the rookie tight end delivered. He was relied upon heavily by Ryan Tannehill, finishing third on the team in targets behind Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Robert Woods. Okonkwo made the most of that opportunity, hauling in a 10-yard touchdown and also converting a two-point conversion midway through the fourth quarter. He could see his role slip once Treylon Burks (concussion) can return, but Okonkwo now has at least five targets in three consecutive games.
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Titans' Chigoziem Okonkwo: Week 15 Early Waiver Targets (Add/Drop)
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Okonkwo is starting to build some hype in a slow-burning rookie season, and Sunday was his best game yet. With Treylon Burks out, he played a bigger role, with his six targets ranking third on the team – his six catches led the team, too. Okonkwo is an impressive athlete at the tight end position in a passing game that desperately needs playmakers, and that's what he's been giving them. If you need a streamer, he could be one who sticks down the stretch.
