Five weeks into the season and we’re getting a feel for which Tight Ends are producing and which don’t have the roles we hoped for. Unfortunately, it means we’re getting pretty thin on the ground for streaming options. Realistically, I think there are just three players owned under 50% that I’d be comfortable playing. For those in deeper leagues, it could well be an awkward week if you’re streaming!
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.
Logan Thomas, Washington Commanders
Rostered in 15 % of Yahoo Leagues
Logan Thomas looks to be fully recovered from the concussion he suffered in week 2. After a quiet game last week, he had a great night against the Bears on Thursday catching 9 of 11 for 77 yards and a TD. Thomas has now has 8+ targets in 2 of the 3 games he has finished. It looks like it should continue as well with Sam Howell playing competently enough for fantasy purposes.
Up this week is a trip to the Atlanta Falcons who just allowed Dalton Schultz to have his best game of the season as he caught 7 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. In fact, they have allowed at least 7 catches and 50+ yards to tight ends in each of the last three weeks. The Falcons are actually unbeaten at home with Desmond Ridder at QB, so expect a competitive game and plenty of targets for Thomas.
Tyler Conklin, New York Jets
Rostered in 6 % of Yahoo Leagues
It was another competent performance from Zach Wilson on Sunday as the Jets beat the Denver Broncos. There wasn’t an awful lot of passing yardage, but Wilson wasn’t asked to be the hero. Despite that Tyler Conklin still managed a team leading 67 yards on 4 catches. That’s the third time in four weeks he’s passed the 50 yard mark. He’s yet to catch a touchdown, but if Wilson continues to play solid football it’s just a matter of time.
This week it’s another plus match-up for Conklin as the Jets host the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have had a formidable run defence so far this year, and with their high-powered offence we can expect the Jets to need to throw more this week. Given Conklin’s strong role in the offence, we can expect another 5+ targets and a solid fantasy day.
Jonnu Smith, Atlanta Falcons
Rostered in 16 % of Yahoo Leagues
Jonnu Smith has had a surprisingly large role in the Atlanta offence to date. Despite being behind Kyle Pitts on the depth chart, Smith has 6+ targets in each of the last 4 games. On the downside, Bijan is the clear focus of the offence in the redzone, so his TD upside isn’t massive. However, as long as the targets remain there, he’ll be a viable streamer.
Looking at the season as a whole, the game against the Washington Commanders isn’t the best. However, they were just shredded by the Chicago Bears including allowing Cole Kmet to score 2 touchdowns. Based on volume alone, Smith has a really solid floor and some TD potential in a Falcons home game.
Other Options
Noah Fant (2%) is worth considering for the Seahawks in a nice match-up agains the Bengals.
If Mike Evans is out, Cade Otton (2%) is worth a look against the Lions.
Otherwise it’s pretty thin on the ground for streaming options. There’s a few TD dependant options with decent match-ups you could gamble on such as Adam Trautman (0%), Hayden Hurst (13%) or Kyler Granson (1%)
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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