As we come down the stretch in the fantasy football regular season, there is still time to upgrade your positions of need if you’re scrambling to get into the playoffs. Here are five tight ends who are worth a look who are available in over half of ESPN leagues as of Tuesday night. None of them are top-ten locks, but they can be helpful if you’re scrambling at the position.
1. Delanie Walker-Tennessee Titans (12.5%)
Walker and the Titans lots a tough one to the Colts back on Thursday Night Football, but don’t forget about Walker’s big game when you hit the waiver wires this week. Last week, I told you that Walker had a good rapport with Ryan Fitzpatrick, but I didn’t expect him to convert all ten of his targets for ten catches for 91 yards. He also found the end zone for the third time in the last four games. He’s not a weekly start, but he can be plugged in in favorable matchups like this week against the Raiders. For the fantasy playoffs, Walker will be matched up favorably against the Broncos, Cardinals, and Jaguars with the Texans in week 17.
2. John Carlson-Minnesota Vikings (1.4%)
Since Kyle Rudolph went down, Carlson has filled in admirably with 12 catches on 14 targets for a total of 167 yards in his two games as a starter. It doesn’t seem like QB issues effect his output too much and he’s actually in a solid matchup this week against the Packers.
3. Rob Housler-Arizona Cardinals (2.7%)
Last week, the Colts defense gave up Delanie Walker’s big game and this week they’ll tangle with Housler who has started to emerge after starting the season as a major fantasy flop despite some preseason buzz. Last week against the Jaguars, he didn’t find the end zone, but he did get six catches for 70 yards on his nine targets. He found the end zone the week before against Houston and has some upside this week.
4. Heath Miller-Pittsburgh Steelers (15.7%)
Miller was a huge part of the Steelers attack on Sunday as he finished with eight catches on ten targets going for 67 yards. The Steelers throw so much that Miller can have a good week whoever he’s against, but the Browns matchup isn’t an easy one.
5. Mychal Rivera-Oakland Raiders (0.5%)
Rivera has shown flashes of potential this season and had a strong game against Houston in week 11 finished with five catches, 54 yards, and a touchdown. Matt McGloin definitely utilized Rivera in the passing game, and his matchup is great this week as he faces the Cardinals who allow the most points per game to opposing tight ends.
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.