When we talk about tight ends, upside doesn’t often come to mind. A large part of their value is dependent upon reaching the end zone but they don’t have upside in the way a wide receiver has. Seeing a tight end go for 100-plus yards just isn’t something that will happen often unless you are dealing in the truly elite territory. Fifty yards and a touchdown is a perfectly reasonable expectation from your tight end, and that means your budget should be allocated accordingly. Just make sure you are paying for the production you are getting though.
This doesn’t mean you should never look towards the higher end options if the situation dictates or the salary cap allows, but tread carefully here. There is a fine line to walk between risk and reward as you can’t afford taking a zero from a lineup spot. At the same time, you don’t want to spend any more than necessary at the risk of other positions.
For those who have yet to subscribe, what are you waiting for? Until then you will get one free pick to whet your appetite. Let’s just cut right to the chase and start at the top of the list. I’m not sure I have ever seen this before but the most expensive tight end on Draft Kings is Mark Andrews($4,900 DK, $6,500 FD) is less than $5,000. While Andrews does have five touchdowns on the season he hasn’t scored in the last four games but he did have his best game of the season otherwise last week. Andrews was targeted nine times and caught seven passes for 61 yards against the Patriots and with Nick Boyle now sidelined increased opportunity is there for him. Perhaps more importantly we do know what Andrews is capable of.
Subscribers can now expect to get six more picks as we take a closer look at some more tight ends at varying price points who deserve our attention this week along with a few from whom we should keep our distance. And not all will break the back either which will leave plenty of room for help at other positions. So, keep on going and take a look at what we have to offer.
Before we get going, the important thing to note is that on Fan Duel, Taysom Hill ($4,500 FD) is eligible as a tight end despite the fact that he will be starting under center for the Saints. This is a rare opportunity to start two quarterbacks, and while the passing upside could be limited, we know that he can make things happen with his legs and it is highly likely he will be the highest scoring tight this week. And with a price that won’t break the bank I’m not sure how you can pass on him.
Let’s continue with the trend this season of player’s finding their groove against the Jets. Tight ends have had success against New York so far this year and Hunter Henry ($4,600 DK, $5,500 FD) will likely be no different this week. The Chargers have leaned on Justin Herbert’s legs in the red zone so far this season but it was a good sign to see Henry catch his second touchdown pass of the year last week against Miami. With 37 receptions for 387 yards his performance has been underwhelming to this point but with 59 targets Henry does have a role in Los Angeles’ offense. Henry is averaging just 10.5 yards per reception but the hope is that he capitalizes on the Jets’ defensive failings and continues to receive those red zone targets.
At this point we have to accept the Browns’ offense for what it is, and it is lacking explosiveness in the passing game. Philadelphia has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends so far this season so that should place Austin Hooper ($3,900 DK, $5,100 FD) on our radars. Prior his appendix related absence, Hooper caught five passes in each of three consecutive games but last week his struggles followed suit with the rest of Cleveland’s offense. Baker Mayfield threw for just 132 yards with Hooper catching just one of his two targets for l1 yards. Based on his price the risk is minimal and at least we don’t have to worry about his role in the Browns’ offense.
Over his last three games Hayden Hurst ($4,400 DK, $5,500 FD) was targeted 22 which he turned into 18 receptions for 184 yards as he is finding his groove in Atlanta’s offense. While Hurst has just three touchdowns on the season you have to like his consistency over the past few weeks which gives him 37 receptions for 411 yards. Hurst fits perfectly with our other options this week as none are terribly exciting but he has shown to be a reliable contributor.
Let’s go back to chasing touchdowns with T.J. Hockenson ($4,200 DK, $6,000 FD) as he looks to continue his solid performance this season. The majority of Hockenson’s value this year has come from his five touchdowns while catching 36 passes for 373 yards. Last week he took a step backwards from a performance perspective with just two receptions for 13 yards but there will be plenty of opportunities available for Hockenson this week with Kenny Golladay, Danny Amendola, and D’Andre Swift all sidelined.
As it is this season the New Orleans offense we have been seeing this year is not what we are accustomed to and now with Drew Brees sidelined things will likely change even more. The Saints will likely lean on the running game and Alvin Kamara even more so than normal while they play conservatively. Jared Cook ($4,100 DK, $6,100 FD) hasn’t found much success this season with just 21 receptions for 279 yards and last week he failed to catch either of his two targets. I’m continuing to keep my distance here.
While Eric Ebron ($4,000 DK, $5,400 FD) has shown flashes of value and success this season there is just not enough targets to go around in Pittsburgh’s offense. Ebron hasn’t caught more than six passes or gained more than 52 yards in a given week and with just three touchdowns he hasn’t been a consistent red zone option either. Pittsburgh is in a favorable situation against Jacksonville this week, but the bulk of the production will likely be shared among their wide receivers.
