7 Players to Watch in Titans-Ravens Preseason Week 1 Game: Opportunity to Shine for Titans’ Malik Willis

The Baltimore Ravens host the Tennessee Titans in one of the two preseason games opening the first full week of action Thursday. Preseason football is filled with uncertainty, and especially when it comes to how head coaches will divide playing time. 

There are a number of interesting storylines for both the Titans and Ravens, so here’s seven players to watch during Thursday’s action.

7 Players to Watch in Titans-Ravens

Malik Willis, QB, Tennessee Titans 

Once in the betting conversation to be the No. 1 pick and favorite to be the first quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Willis fell all the way to the Titans in Round 3 in April.

Expected to begin the year behind starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Willis probably won’t see much meaningful playing time during the regular season if things go to plan.

As a result, the next three weeks might be the best opportunity to see how Willis profiles as a pro. He oozes plus-athleticism with the arm strength and speed to reinvent an offense.

Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore running back depth chart is littered with injuries at the top, as J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are both still working their way back from 2021 knee injuries sustained last preseason.

Of course, Hill also missed all of last season due to an Achilles injury, and he’s accumulated just 70 carries over 28 games entering his fourth season – and the final in his rookie contract.

With Dobbins and Edwards sidelined Thursday, Hill will have an opportunity to build on the momentum he’s been gaining in training camp. Hill has the chance to earn a role in the Baltimore offense as a change-of-pace back who can also help in the passing game.

Check out the latest comprehensive and most trusted Sportsbook Reviews by SBR.

Hassan Haskins, RB, Tennessee Titans 

The fourth-round selection out of Michigan in the 2022 NFL Draft will need a string of solid preseason showings to prove he’s capable of holding his own at the highest level during the regular season.

Considering Haskins is +12500 to win the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award at Caesars Sportsbook, he’s not forecasted to be an immediate contributor for the Titans this season.

However, star running back Derrick Henry only played eight games last season, so if he misses time again in 2022, Haskins could prove to be the best fit to step in for him. Fellow running backs Dontrell Hilliard and Jordan Wilkins lack the rushing physicality out of the backfield that the rookie offers.

James Proche and Devin Duvernay, WRs, Baltimore Ravens

There’s been a lot of positive reports out of camp for Proche, and he’s been receiving plenty of first-team reps. The third-year receiver is currently battling with fellow receiver Duvernay to be the next man up behind No. 1 wideout Rashod Bateman.

With that in mind, Proche missed practice Tuesday with an undisclosed injury, so there’s no guarantee he’s going to play Thursday. Duvernay has also missed time during training camp with a thigh bruise.

Additionally, it’s also important to highlight tight end Mark Andrews projects to remain a go-to target for quarterback Lamar Jackson, so there don’t project to be a lot of looks for Proche and Duvernay in the Baltimore run-heavy offense.

Treylon Burks and Kyle Philips, WRs, Tennessee Titans

Listed as the No. 3 and 4 wide receivers on the Tennessee depth chart, there’s potential for both Burks and Philips to ascend ahead of Week 1. Wide Receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is currently listed second, and he doesn’t offer the same athleticism as Burks, and Philips could prove to be the better slot option.

Additionally, after a disappointing offseason leading into training camp, Burks is now being praised by beat writers. Philips has also been running with the first-team offense at times during camp.

With veteran wide receiver Robert Woods projected to have a sizable and consistent role in the offense, and the organization familiar with what Westbrook-Ikhine offers, Tennessee providing opportunities for Burks and Philips to show off Thursday against the Ravens shouldn’t surprise.

Make sure to keep an eye on our Live Odds page throughout the week to get the best lines possible and connect with others in the SBR community on our popular sports betting forum.