Streaming Tight Ends
We’ve got another one in the books, and it started with a wild, tight-end-filled Thursday game. In that game alone, we had four different tight ends score a touchdown, and across most leagues, these guys weren’t even started. Pat Freiermuth was the standout from the game, recording 111 yards and a score. The Chargers’ rookie Oronde Gadsden II has had back-to-back blow-up games and has put his YAC ability on display. Trey McBride has found the end zone three times in two games with Brissett, which is as many as Kyler has with him over the last season of games. Jake Ferguson stays relevant in CeeDee Lamb‘s return with a couple of scores. Tyler Warren continues his dominant run as he chases down those Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Jaxson Dart put on a show in Denver, and he got two of his tight ends involved. Daniel Bellinger went for 88 yards and a score, and in his second year, Theo Johnson finished with 66 yards, including his improved hook-and-ladder play that took him into the end zone.
George Kittle disappointed fantasy managers with his goose egg; better days are ahead. Tucker Kraft continues to give top-end numbers and has a promising matchup with the Steelers. Travis Kelce is a screaming sell for me. He found himself with a decent outing in Rashee Rice‘s first game back, but it was off a busted play. Dalton Kincaid missed Week 6 with an injury, but coming off a bye, he should be right back in lineups this week. Zach Ertz struggled in the two games earlier in the season with Marcus Mariota; he may have no choice but to involve Ertz due to the onslaught of injuries in the wide receiver room.
And now, here are a handful of my favorite deeper streaming options for you all to consider this week:
Orande Gadsden II
Breaking out in progress
Oronde Gadsden has been unleashed, and as fantasy managers, we can’t ignore usage like this. The Chargers have a myriad of receiving options, and from what we’ve seen, Gadsden should continue to be a key player. Offensive Coordinator was a part of the unlocking of Mark Andrews, and we might be watching it unfold again. Gadsden found himself on the field for 80% of the one tight end sets, which tends to be one of the biggest hurdles for rookies: actually seeing the field. He isn’t lined up for the easiest matchup with the Vikings on Thursday, but Minnesota is the best against receivers, which may open him up for enough work to be a solid start in lineups.
Cade Otton
No receivers, no problem
Cade Otton is being rolled out again. He still isn’t rostered as much as he should be with the role he is tied to. Again, he isn’t a sexy play, but Tampa Bay lost Mike Evans for most of, if not all of, the regular season, and Chris Godwin is still hampered. Baker Mayfield is going to need more help than just rookies Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson. Otton may not have the highest of ceilings, but 5 catches with 50 yards is easily attainable in this offense.
Chig Okonkwo
Break Glass in Case of Emergency
We’re digging deep for this one, but in the “bye-pocalypse,” some teams may be turning here. The Titans draw the Colts this week, and as the highest scoring team this year, they put teams in garbage time quickly. That sets Cam Ward in the position to toss the rock, and one big catch could be all he needs. The Colts have given up points to the tight end this year, and Chig is now the most experienced pass catcher on the team after the team released veteran Tyler Lockett this week. The Colts have been giving up the third-highest point over expectation to the position, so if you need a deep play, you can do a lot worse than the Titans’ tight end.
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 John Byrum / Icon Sportswire