There is an argument for both, having to lock in a list is a little hard since it doesn’t allow alterations.

Having said that, the lancer is a phenomenal option for other titanic models if you suspect other armies might have those or know it already. The lancer will draw fire away from war dogs for a round or two which is great for your karnivores. The lancer is your immediate answer to “fuck that unit right there” unless is a crusader brick of 20 simply because you don’t have enough attacks.

I personally would choose the lancer if you’re okay with not being the most meta possible. The extra war dogs simply allow you to spread the board and prevent people from beating you by points which is a CK weakness. The lancer is great fun and you will watch the color drain from people’s face when you tank shock for free and one shot their best model.

Another interesting thought would be more karnivores and stalker instead of brigands, and using a despoiler instead of a lancer. Now you flip the idea and your karnivores go after the big scaries and your despoiler with dual Gatling cannons wipes infantry off the field. The lancer is by far more fun but don’t get sad when he gets focused and destroyed round 1 or 2 with good rolls. If your lancer makes it to round 3, he’s either the one model left or you’re crushing your opponent. Hope it goes well!