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Fantasy Football Week 16: 5 Sleeper TE’s to Start in the Playoffs

By Zachary Thompson

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Dec 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay (42) scores a touchdown as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds (93) stands in the background during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay (42) scores a touchdown as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds (93) stands in the background during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight end has been an increasingly valuable position the last few years in fantasy football, but injuries have continued to thin the elite options as the season winds down. Not only is Rob Gronkowski on IR, but Jordan Cameron is out too this week with a concussion as well. If you need a fill-in option or a one-week play, here are five options in positions to succeed this week:

Charles Clay-Miami Dolphins

Clay was absent from the Dolphins passing attack last week against New England for no apparent reason. Look for him to bounce back with a big week this week against the Bills who have allowed opposing tight ends to find the end zone in their last four games. Clay had caught seven passes in back-t0-back games before his dud last week against the Patriots, and the Dolphins would be wise to go back to him this week as long as the weather in Buffalo doesn’t get too nasty.

Delanie Walker-Tennessee Titans

Dec 15, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) celebrates scoring a touchdown with teammate Tennessee Titans center Brian Schwenke (62) during the second half at LP Field. Arizona won 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) celebrates scoring a touchdown with teammate Tennessee Titans center Brian Schwenke (62) during the second half at LP Field. Arizona won 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Walker is somehow still available in 70% of leagues despite a very solid second-half to the season with a brief respite due to a concussion. He showed he’s recovered last week catching eight passes for 53 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals who are the worst team in the league against opposing tight ends. This week, Walker plays the second-worst team against fantasy tight ends as he and the Titans head to Jacksonville. Walker had 62 yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville in week 10 and should be in store for another solid stat line this week.

Dennis Pitta-Baltimore Ravens

Pitta had a quiet Monday Night Football game with two catches and 24 yards after returning with a splash in week 14. This week, he and the Ravens will face a struggling Patriots defense that have allowed four tight end touchdowns in their last five games. Pitta has a nice history against New England, so if you’re in need at the position he’s a flyer that could pay off.

Heath Miller-Pittsburgh Steelers

Miller gets targets from Big Ben in the Steelers offense, but not on a consistent enough basis for him to be a weekly start. If you’re desperate though and can’t get one of the above options, it’s worth knowing that the Packers have allowed three touchdowns in the past four weeks to opposing tight ends.

Zach Miller-Seattle Seahawks

Dec 15, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Zach Miller (86) is unable to make a catch in the end zone against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Zach Miller (86) is unable to make a catch in the end zone against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

If you’re going just on matchups, check out Zach Miller who takes on Cardinals who are absolutely atrocious against opposing tight ends. No team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing TE’s in the NFL, and Miller burnt them for 40 yards and a touchdown in week 7.

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