Tight-end is a fickle position in fantasy football and this season is no different. There is the usual variety of underwhelming options in the back half of the TE1s. If you need to stream the position, or have had enough of your starter already, we’ve got you covered.
All of the options discussed in the article are rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo fantasy leagues. These suggestions are aimed at players in 10-12 team leagues. In shallower leagues there may be better available. In deeper leagues there’s a good chance some of these players will not be available for you.
Zach Ertz, Arizona Cardinals
Rostered in 10 % of Yahoo Leagues
Zach Ertz returned from last years season ending ACL injury into a huge role in the Cardinals offence. The athleticism of his early career isn’t quite there, but it hasn’t needed to be this season. Josh Dobbs is locked in on Ertz targeting him an insane 18 times over the first two games of the season. It’s been predominantly check-downs for Ertz, which don’t offer much in terms of big play potential but the points add up quick in PPR leagues. There also isn’t likely to be much in the way of redzone targets in a broken offence, but if Ertz can continue to catch 6 balls a game he’ll be a serviceable fantasy tight-end.
This week’s match-up against the Dallas Cowboys isn’t one we’d be looking to target most weeks. They were the second best defence against Tight Ends last season, and haven’t allowed a touchdown to the position so far this year. However, this is a pure bet on Josh Dobbs locking in on Ertz for the third week running. If Ertz can get 8-10 targets again this week, and there’s no reason to think he won’t as the Cardinals should be playing from behind all game, another reasonable points haul should follow.
Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rostered in 2 % of Yahoo Leagues
The Bucs are the surprise team of the season so far. They have started the season 2-0, despite moving from Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield at QB. Cade Otton looks to be growing into a solid role after tying for the team lead in targets in week 2. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin drawing a lot of the defensive attention, Otton can have some success but he isn’t the most explosive of players. Having said that, if he can continue to be the check-down option for Mayfield and draw some looks in the redzone he can be useful fantasy option.
Week three sees the Buccaneers host the Philadelphia Eagles who have been shredded by tight-ends to start the season. The Eagles have allowed at least 56 yards and a touchdown in both weeks this season including two touchdowns to TJ Hockenson on Thursday night. The Eagles strong defensive front should be able to pressure Mayfield throughout this game, so we can expect a number of check down passes. Otton might not be a reliable option through-out the season, but this week looks like one to target.
Hayden Hurst, Carolina Panthers
Rostered in 35 % of Yahoo Leagues
|t’s back-to-back appearances for Hayden Hurst in this article. After a very promising week one, Hurst had a quieter week two, catching 3 for 20 yards as the Panthers lost to the Saints. The Saints have been a tough defence for tight-ends both in 2022 and early this season, so there isn’t necessarily cause for concern.
In week three Hurst gets a much better match-up this weekend against the Seattle Seahawks. Through two weeks the Seahawks have given up a combined 61 points to the 49ers and Lions. In both games they allowed 63+ yards to tight-ends. The Panthers might be on the road in this one, but given the connection between Hurst and Bryce Young he’s a solid option both this week and beyond.
Other Options
Hunter Henry (55% rostered) is just above the 50% ownership we’re trying to keep below, but he has to be mentioned. Henry has had 50+ yards and a touchdown in both games this season. Given the lack of safe options at the position he’s a great option going for this year. However, a trip to the Meadowlands to play the Jets this week isn’t a great spot on paper.
The Cowboys tight-end situation got a lot murkier in week two, as three players earned red-zone touches. However, Jake Ferguson (38% owned) still appears to be the leader and should have the most opportunities against the Cardinals on Sunday.
If he can be cleared from concussion protocol Logan Thomas (3% owned) is worth playing. After 8 targets in week one, he caught 2 of 3 for 22 yards and a touchdown on Sunday before being ruled out in the 2nd quarter.
Despite playing 82% of the Bronco’s offensive snaps Adam Trautman (4% owned) failed to catch his only target. In a plus match-up against Miami, he should get more looks this weekend.
Interested in reading more? Check out our Rookies to Watch series here. Follow on twitter @ThinkingFantasy for more thoughts and notifications when new articles go live!
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