To cap off their horrible 2024 season, the Titans ended up getting the first overall pick and didn’t hesitate to take Cam Ward with the selection. While the Titans’ coaching staff paraded the idea of a “quarterback competition” between Will Levis and Cam Ward this offseason, it was apparent (whether you truly believed that it was a competition to begin with) that Ward would be the starter.
Fantasy managers should expect the “competition” to drag out throughout training camp. Eventually, the Titans will have to anoint Ward to the starting role. No disrespect to Will Levis, but it seems that the players on the roster have already fallen for Cam Ward during OTAs and mini-camp, speaking nothing but glowing reports throughout the earlier portion of the offseason.
But should fantasy managers expect the “moon and stars” from the rookie quarterback in his rookie season?
Cam Ward’s Fantasy Outlook in 2025
If we’re being fair, the Titans have nowhere to go but up. Falling to the basement of the NFL last season, Cam Ward has the talent to get them out of the cellar in his rookie season. Will Levis finished with a 2-10 quarterback record until he was benched for Mason Rudolph, who didn’t perform better. Rudolph ended up closing the season out with a 1-4 quarterback record. Levis and Rudolph combined for 3,621 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. This should be a manageable starting point for Cam Ward to step in and have more success than the aforementioned quarterbacks.
Ward’s final season with the Miami Hurricanes showcased the kind of talent that the Tennessee Titans were looking for. Ward finished the 2024 season throwing for over 4,300 yards and 39 touchdowns. Now I’m not saying it will be a piece of cake for him to do because there is always the “NFL learning curve” to consider. But Ward has some solid weapons to help him get the job done.
Calvin Ridley is a thousand yard receiver just itching to get back to his former glory. Yes, he did cross that threshold last season but just barely (1,004). Ward’s potential in an offense geared to passing the ball is what the “doctor ordered” to revive the Titans pass game. Last season, the Titans were the seventh-worst passing yards. The Titans also held the honor of having the sixth-worst scoring offense in the NFL at just 18.3 points per game.
Again, that’s not to say that they don’t have some interesting pieces for Cam Ward to play with. Tyler Boyd joined the Titans during the offseason, reuniting with his former offensive cooridinator in Brian Callahan. Tony Pollard is still a thousand-yard rusher and totaled over 1,200 yards from scrimmage last season with five rushing touchdowns.
As with any rookie, tempering expectations is probably the best course of action when it comes to Cam Ward. The potential is there but the quarterback position is one with greater misses than hits. We’ve also seen that team situation needs to be accounted for as well. Just ask Caleb Williams last season. Ward will have his fair chance to excell and he’ll even have some good weeks. For Redraft, fantasy managers may want to keep tabs on him through the waiver wire or, if you’re daring enough, take him later in your draft as a stash play.
Dynasty managers should be thinking “long-haul” because if you’re drafting with the first overall pick… you may need the help. Cam Ward may not be the top pick in rookie drafts this season but if you’re considering drafting a quarterback and have the opportunity, Ward should be in your cross-hairs this fantasy season.
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