The tight end position has long been recognized as one of the most challenging roles to manage in fantasy football, often presenting a dilemma for managers each week. Tight ends can be selected at various price points and have a scoring potential that heavily relies on touchdowns, which are notoriously unpredictable from week to week.
In this article, we spotlight tight ends who have performed notably well, utilizing our advanced FantasyLabs Player Models that are beneficial for daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests, yet applicable to all fantasy formats. These tools provide valuable insights as player performances and projections are continually updated, allowing enthusiasts to make informed decisions.
Among the standout players this week is Trey McBride, priced at $6,800 on DraftKings and $8,500 on FanDuel. McBride has been a rising star, averaging 18.5 PPR points per game, significantly outpacing others at his position. Over the last five weeks, he has finished as a top-two scoring tight end four times, with three TE1 rankings during that span. His elite utilization is evident, leading tight ends with a 27% target share and matching that for air yards share. Under quarterback Jacoby Brissett, McBride has excelled, logging 57 targets in the past five games and surpassing 100 receiving yards in consecutive matches. His newfound scoring capability, with six touchdowns in five games, has made him a key option as he faces the Jaguars, who rank among the bottom in points allowed to tight ends.
Mark Andrews, on the other hand, priced at $3,800 on DraftKings and $5,700 on FanDuel, appears to be on a downward trend but remains a viable option. Despite lower route participation and target share this season, Andrews has seen a resurgence recently, scoring four touchdowns in his last three games, including a career-first rushing touchdown. Given the Ravens’ high implied score against the Jets, Andrews could be poised to find the end zone again, representing notable value at his price point.
In tournament play, Kyle Pitts, priced at $4,300 on DraftKings and $4,900 on FanDuel, is a player to watch. Despite a disappointing start to his career, he could benefit from a favorable matchup against the Saints and newly minted quarterback Kirk Cousins, who previously leaned heavily on Pitts in their last game. As the Falcons’ passing attack may increase, Pitts might emerge as a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
Travis Kelce, priced at $5,000 on DraftKings and $6,000 on FanDuel, remains a reliable option despite the Kansas City Chiefs’ struggles. Set to go against a mediocre Colts defense, Kelce still maintains a solid 19% target share and demonstrated his continued relevance with 91 yards and a touchdown last week.
For those considering lower-owned contrarian picks, Hunter Henry and Theo Johnson are noteworthy. Henry’s clash with the Bengals is appealing, given their struggles against tight ends, while Johnson also presents a buy-low opportunity as the Giants may need to increase their passing output significantly in upcoming matchups.
As the season progresses, engaging with FantasyLabs’ comprehensive DFS tools and models can help enhance your roster management decisions. Whether you’re crafting lineups through our Lineup Optimizer or utilizing our projections, the evolving landscape of player performances offers plenty of opportunities for savvy fantasy players to capitalize and refine their strategies effectively.