Fantasy football owners hitting the waiver wire in search of tight ends this week have several good options. Jimmy Graham owners still hurting from his zero will need some help for his bye week, and everyone else is chasing Graham’s owners.
If you don’t have an elite option, check out these top 5 options who are available in over 50% of ESPN leagues. They’re listed in the rough order that I would pick them up in most formats. The Percentages in parentheses are the ESPN ownership as of Tuesday night. If you have a team-specific question drop it in the comments at the bottom of the page or find me @ZT_Sports on twitter, and I’ll do my best to help you out with your roster calls.
1. Heath Miller-Pittsburgh Steelers (20.3%)
Miller’s comeback after the injury he suffered last year is amazing, and he’s stepped right back in as one of Big Ben’s top targets in the Steelers pass-heavy offense. Miller had six catches in each of the last two games for a total of 154 yards. He should continue to be a big part of the Steeler offense going forward and find the end zone this week against the Ravens. He’s the top option to check for at the TE position since he’s the least risky name on this list based on his track record.
2. Jeff Cumberland-New York Jets (2.5%)
Cumberland has filled in nicely with Kellen Winslow out for the Jets. He had seven catches the last two weeks with 138 yards and is a big-play threat with his size and athleticism over the middle. Cumberland has a pair of scores in the last three weeks and is a solid play this week against the Patriots.
3. Jordan Reed-Washington Redskins (4.0%)
Reed has been a favorite target of RG3 all season and has at least three catches in every game this year. He missed a few weeks, but came back strong last week with four catches and 58 yards against Dallas and is in line for another solid week against the Bears who were shredded by Jimmy Graham two weeks ago.
4. Timothy Wright-Tampa Bay Bucanners (0.0%)
Wright has put together two solid games in Mike Glennon’s two starts at QB for the Bucs. He had 91 yards on seven catches against the Eagles and five catches for 41 yards the week before. Wright is a big target that Glennon will look for making him a nice TE2 option if you need a fill-in or a flier option. He and Tampa face Atlanta who ranks seventh in the league in most fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends. Atlanta had allowed four touchdowns to opposing tight ends in the last three weeks before their bye week. Wright’s a low-end starter if you need to play him for a one-week audition.
5. Levine Toilolo-Atlanta Falcons (0.2%)
Toilolo hasn’t had huge numbers this season, but with the Falcons having to revamp their offense after the season-ending injury he’s expected to step into a much bigger role. He’s shown potential in limited playing time and had two catches on his two targets and a touchdown against the Jets. Toilolo is a flyer, but if you need depth he’s a stash that could pay off big-time if he becomes a red zone target for Matt Ryan.
This list of TE’s is part of my weekly waiver wire focus. If you need further help constructing your team, check out my top ten waiver wire picks of the week as well as my top waiver targets at each of the following positions: QB, RB, WR, D/ST.