It’s looking to be a really awkward week for those in need of a streaming tight-end, especially those in deeper leagues. There are 6 teams on a bye this week and not too many strong options available. Between injuries, poor match-ups and those on bye there’s one option I really feel comfortable with and another two that are solid. Beyond that, I wouldn’t like to take anyone.
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.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
Rostered in 5 % of Yahoo Leagues
Michael Mayer is by far the best TE option available under 50% ownership, if he’s available I’d be all over him. After a slow start to his rookie season, Mayer has seen a nice uptick in his role over the last two weeks. He earned 3 targets in week 5 and doubled that to 6 targets on Sunday against the Patriots. He’s also seen his snap rate come right up to 81%, far in excess of Austin Hooper. If Mayer has established himself as the clear starter as it appears, he should be on the TE1 borderline most weeks going forward.
This week he definitely is as the Raiders travel to Chicago to face the Bears. The Bears have been among the most generous defences to the tight end position. Over the last 5 weeks they’ve allowed 6+ receptions to a tight-end in 4 of them. Regardless of whether Garoppolo or Hoyer starts at QB, I like Mayer to see solid target numbers going forward. As the cherry on top Mayer gets the Lions’ even worse TE defence in week 8, so if you grab him now he should be good for two weeks at the very minimum.
Luke Musgrave, Green Bay Packers
Rostered in 19 % of Yahoo Leagues
For the most part Luke Musgrave has had a solid role in the spluttering Green Bay pass attack this season. Through 5 games, Musgrave has earned 23 targets operating primarily as the safety valve for Jordan Love. He has had a smattering of deeper targets, but Love’s poor completion rate of 55.6% has made it hard for any Packers pass catcher to succeed. However, there are reasons for hope, Aaron Jones and Christian Watson are getting healthier which should help open up the offence and keep the Pack on schedule.
The Packers return from their week 6 bye to face the abysmal Denver Broncos defence who are fresh off giving up 124 yards to Travis Kelce. This a great spot for the Packers to come out firing after a week to rest up. Musgrave offers a pretty solid floor in PPR leagues and although he hasn’t scored a touchdown to date there’s definitely potential this week.
Jonnu Smith, Atlanta Falcons
Rostered in 19 % of Yahoo Leagues
Jonnu Smith was featured in this spot last week and duly delivered with 36 yards and his first touchdown of the season against the Washington Commanders. His target numbers were his lowest since week one, although he did still earn 5. With his consistent target numbers he’s an easy choice in PPR leagues and can still get there with yardage or a TD in regular leagues.
In week 7 the Atlanta Falcons travel to face their division rivals Tampa Bay in the early window. Tampa Bay have been relatively stingy against Tight Ends this season giving up 41 yards or fewer in each game. However, Desmond Ridder is pretty locked in on his tight ends and is likely to be playing catch-up against Baker Mayfield. We’re betting on volume of opportunities paying off in this one, good for PPR but maybe one to avoid in regular leagues.
Other Options
If Juwan Johnson is out, Taysom Hill (7%) is worth playing against the Jaguars.
Cade Otton (3%) has a nice match-up against Atlanta, but really we’re praying for a TD with him.
Dawson Knox (16%) would be a solid start if Dalton Kincaid misses a second week with a concussion.
Either of the LA Chargers tight-ends, Donald Parham (3%) and Gerald Everett (25%) could spike a TD against Kansas City.
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