Streaming Tight Ends
Did you make it? Was it a grueling battle or win and get in Week 14? Either way, we’re back at it and have to get it right now. It’s playoff time!! George Kittle returned to tight end glory as he nabbed the top spot in a get-right game for the 49ers. David Njoku came in second and has seen his target share increase by 13% over the last two games without Cedric Tillman in the lineup. George Pickens was a surprise miss this past week, and Pat Freiermuth filled in and found the end zone. Juwan Johnson also came in clutch for a pivot last week as he was one of the few pass catchers remaining for the Saints.
Bye weeks have ended, leaving us with more options than ever. In most cases, you’d have a starter at the position, but consistency has not been a shining point at the tight end position. Looking at matchups, I want nothing more than to offer up Kyle Pitts in the second-best matchup this week, but I have lost faith in Kirk Cousins to deliver. Cade Otton gave us a good performance, but I worry about him in the most challenging team against the position in the Chargers. Sam Darnold put on a clinic this weekend, connecting with the wide receivers for 5 scores. Let’s spread the love to T.J. Hockenson this week. The Panthers have used the tight end position increasingly this year, but now, Tommy Tremble and the rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders are seeing work cutting out fantasy viability. Is it a super deep league? Do we look at Stone Smartt if Will Dissly doesn’t suit up? Herbert looks at the position often and is in line for a shoot-out this week.
And now, here are a handful of my favorite streaming options for you all to consider this week:
Jake Ferguson
Don’t You Ferget About Me
The first week of the playoffs, and where do we go? To Carolina, of course. The Panthers are allowing the post points to the position on the year, and despite better play from the Panthers over the last month, they still struggle there. Playing a player with a backup quarterback doesn’t inspire much, but Cooper Rush has plugged in and been survivable to keep Dallas’s pieces alive. Jake Ferguson is coming off a game in which he saw just shy of a 20% target share. In a game with a solid Vegas line, Ferguson should give you enough points to advance in the first week of the playoffs.
Tucker Kraft
A Krafty Option at TE
We have another higher-owned streamer, but we must return to this early season, darling. Tucker Kraft has been spotty as of late, but in the last game, he caught the lone touchdown, saw a 25% target share, and also ran the most routes for the Packers. Romeo Doubs has not cleared concussion protocol as of Tuesday, leaving even more targets available for Kraft. The entire Wide Receiver room for the Packers has been unpredictable, but Kraft continues to see work as the Packers reach the end zone. Let’s return to the well for another solid week from our tight end six on the season.
Zach Ertz
Love Ertz!
For our last guy, I want to highlight someone coming off a bye week who should be an easy grab if you are nervous about your usual play. Zach Ertz continues to get run in this offense, having seen over 7 targets in his last four games. The Commanders have over a 25-point implied team total, which leaves ample opportunities for the offense to be out there and score. With Zach Ertz at the top of the routes run list for his team, I like him in the first round of the playoffs to bring us to Round 2.
Let me know what you think about these players! Any questions? Please find me on Twitter/X @TooMuch_Brian.
Feature image by Michael Packard (@CollectingPack on Twitter) / Photography by Larry Radloff / Icon Sportswire