Week 1 waiver-wire targets at tight end are drawing attention, with Cade Otton, Brenton Strange, and Jonnu Smith emerging as the top names for fantasy managers, according to veteran analyst Matthew Berry. As a position that has gained both prominence and depth in recent years, the TE landscape is offering more viable streaming and start-sit options than ever, making early-week adds particularly valuable.
Why these three are leading the pack
– Cade Otton: A known depth option who has shown the capacity to produce in the passing game, Otton is being viewed as a clear immediate target for managers seeking a reliable Week 1 contributor and potential long-term use.
– Brenton Strange: The rookie has generated buzz for his role expansion and workload, giving managers a plausible path to meaningful snaps and targets early in the season.
– Jonnu Smith: A veteran option with familiarity and proven production, Smith is seen as a safe floor-play with upside in favorable matchups or game scripts that tilt toward tight ends.
What to watch for in week 1 and beyond
– Volume and role: Look for opportunities in the passing game, target share, and red-zone involvement to gauge which TE might offer the most consistent week-to-week value.
– Matchups: Consider defenses facing high pass volume or weak coverage against tight ends, as favorable matchups can elevate streaming candidates.
– Risk and volatility: Week-to-week TE production can be volatile; these adds are best viewed as flexible options rather than weekly guarantees.
Practical takeaways for fantasy managers
– If you’re rostering multiple tight ends or dealing with bye weeks, these three represent strong options to plug in for Week 1 while you monitor roles and usage.
– Prioritize players with clear paths to increased opportunities early in the season, especially if your roster lacks depth at the position.
– Balance upside with reliability by pairing one high-upside option (Strange) with a steadier veteran (Smith), adding Otton as a middle-ground target if his offense shows early promise.
Bottom line
The Week 1 waiver-wire landscape at tight end looks more favorable than in years past, offering multiple viable paths to steady points and upside. Otton, Strange, and Smith stand out as leading adds for managers looking to fortify the position early in the season and capitalize on evolving roles.
Summary
Early season TE pickups are shaping up to be more valuable than usual, with Otton, Strange, and Smith highlighted as top options by Matthew Berry. Managers should watch for volume, role clarity, and matchup context as the season unfolds, aiming to secure one or more of these players to stabilize their tight end position.
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