The tight end position in the NFL in 2017 seems to be very top-heavy. There’s six or seven guys that are must starts each week and then “everyone else”. Among those six or seven, Travis Kelce is the cream of the crop. I know Rob Gronkowski is the more “sexy” name but durability has obviously been an issue with him, and Kelce seems to make plays each and every week. There’s a very clear explanation for it; Kansas City leads the NFL in TE target percentage. Alex Smith targets his TEs on 34.4% of passing attempts. Kelce has one of the toughest matchups this week of the “must-start” TEs, but with target opportunities like you get in KC, he’s always a confident TE1.
Chicago has had a rough season as far as winning goes, but defense has not been the issue. They rank 3rd in the NFL in TE points against. That could present some issues for Zach Ertz this week. The Philadelphia TE has been a stud all season when he’s been active, and I would never tell you to sit him (I have him on one of my teams in fact), but he could be in for a long day. The only upside is the gentleman throwing him the ball. Carson Wentz has been fantastic in his sophomore season, thus making most of his receiving weapons matchup-proof. Ertz is receiving roughly 21% of the team’s targets (not stellar), but he is trailing only Jimmy Graham in TDs. Play Ertz this week, but be wary.
Many fantasy owners stream the tight end position, meaning you don’t have a permanent player for the position, but look for good matchups on the waiver wire each instead. A deep sleeper I’m suggesting this week is Benjamin Watson of the Baltimore Ravens. He is available in 85.9% of ESPN leagues, and has a very good matchup against Houston. The Texans rank 22nd against opposing TEs. Baltimore targets their TEs on 25.5% of passing attempts which should set Watson up for a good amount of opportunities.
Here’s the complete list of TEs heading into Week 12:
- Rob Gronkowski (NE) vs dolphins
- Delanie Walker (TEN) at colts
- Travis Kelce (KC) vs bills
- Evan Engram (NYG) at redskins
- Kyle Rudolph (MIN) at lions
- Jimmy Graham (SEA) at 49ers
- Vernon Davis (WAS) vs giants
- Zach Ertz (PHI) vs bears
- Jared Cook (OAK) vs broncos
- Jack Doyle (IND) vs titans
- Austin Seferian-Jenkins (NYJ) vs panthers
- Benjamin Watson (BAL) vs texans
- Hunter Henry (LAC) at cowboys
- Marcedes Lewis (JAX) at cardinals
- Tyler Kroft (CIN) vs browns
- Charles Clay (BUF) at chiefs
- Julius Thomas (MIA) at patriots
- Ed Dickson (CAR) at jets
- Cameron Brate (TB) at falcons
- Jason Witten (DAL) vs chargers
- Coby Fleener (NO) at rams
- Austin Hooper (ATL) vs buccaneers
- David Njoku (CLE) at bengals
- O.J. Howard (TB) at falcons
- Jesse James (PIT) vs packers
- Tyler Higbee (LAR) vs saints
- Eric Ebron (DET) vs vikings
- Jermaine Gresham (ARI) vs jaguars
- George Kittle (SF) vs seahawks
- Martellus Bennett (NE) vs dolphins
The comment box is below, say something. Express your feelings, let me know what you think. I’d love a back and forth. Follow the site for updates and new stories!
