Week Eight in the NFL and we somehow have a full set of 16 games being played. So there’s as many options at tight end as there’s going to be. There are a few strong options available, but like last week there isn’t a lot of depth beyond them. If he’s available, I’d definitely be making a waiver claim for Jake Ferguson. Beyond that, I’d lean towards waiting for waivers to clear and see whose left behind.

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.

Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys

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Rostered in 46 % of Yahoo Leagues

With the Cowboys on a bye last week Jake Ferguson’s ownership percentage dropped massively. A single target game in week 6 also contributed to him being ditched for bye week streamers. It was easily his worst mark of the season and in a relatively tough game against the Chargers. I feel pretty confident that was an aberration given he played 86% of snaps and the Cowboys offence as a whole was pretty poor in that game. He should be a popular addition this week and end up way above the 50% ownership mark come Sunday afternoon.

This week the Cowboys get a much friendlier match-up for tight-ends against the LA Rams. They didn’t give up much to Steelers’ tight-ends last week but before that they’d given up 80+ yards to the position in three straight weeks. The Cowboys have had the bye week to get back to the drawing board and come with a game plan for this one. So, I think we’ll see a better performance on offence and a rebound fantasy performance for Ferguson.

Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders

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Rostered in 28 % of Yahoo Leagues

I talked up Michael Mayer in last week’s article and he repaid me with a disappointing 2 for 13 yards on 4 targets as the Raiders stunk against the Bears. He was at least the clear starting tight-end for the Raiders again and more than doubled Austin Hooper’s snap numbers. If the Raiders can get some more competent play at Quarterback, whether with Brian Hoyer or Jimmy G, Mayer should see plenty of better weeks over the rest of the season.

This week Mayer gets another strong match-up against the Lions who were among the worst in the league at defending tight ends and just gave up two TDs to Mark Andrews. With Jimmy Garoppolo expected to return from his back injury, Mayer should see some better QB play this weekend so I’m expecting better quality targets for Mayer and more red-zone drives for the offence as a whole. It’s hard to go back to someone that burned you, but I think Mayer is worth taking a shot on again this week.

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Rostered in 44 % of Yahoo Leagues

Logan Thomas has been a relatively reliable option at tight-end and his ownership percentage is starting to reflect that. Outside of a 1 catch dud in week 6, Thomas has managed 5+ points in each week he has played this season. His target numbers are up and down a bit, between 3 and 11 if we discount week 6. So there is still a fair bit of volatility in Thomas but he did leave week 2 with a concussion in the interest of fairness. He has managed reasonable yardage or a TD in the low target games for the most part this year.

The Commanders host the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of week 4, one where the Commanders almost managed a huge upset. In that game, Thomas caught all three of his targets for 41 yards and added a 2 yard rush. That was his first game back from concussion and since then he’s had 11, 1 and 6 targets. So their some pretty high upside with Thomas and the risk of a complete stinker. I’d lean towards a solid fantasy day from him this week.

Other Options

Dalton Kincaid (43%) is in line for an increased role now that Dawson Knox is set for wrist surgery. The match-up isn’t ideal against Lavonte David and the Bucs defence

Juwan Johnson (11%) is expected back for the Saints against the Colts. He’s clearly their best option at the position if he’s playing a full set of snaps.

Gerald Everett (25%) went off injured on Sunday, if he’s healthy for next week I’d consider him against the Bears.

Chig Okonkwo (28%) is a real gamble – but the match-up against the Falcons is nice. If Tannehill plays he’s in the conversation for a desperation play.

Connor Heyward (0%) had an 86% snap rate with Pat Freiermuth on IR. He didn’t do a lot with them, but he has a nice match-up against Jacksonville this week.

Trey McBride (2%) looks to be taking the Cardinals starting tight-end role from Zach Ertz. However, I wouldn’t play him against the Ravens this week.

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