Fantasy Football: Is Scott Chandler Worth It?

Should you add and start Scott Chandler?

As everybody in the world knows by now, Rob Gronkowski injured his surgically repaired left knee in the New England Patriots’ Sunday night 30-24 loss to the Denver Broncos. There were multiple vines of Gronk standing up under his own power and walking out of Mile High. The Patriots stated that their All-Pro tight end is week to week with a bone bruise. Why did I just say all of that? Well, someone needs to be Tom Brady’s tight end. That someone is named Scott Chandler.

On the surface, Chandler looks like Gronkowski’s long lost brother. He stands 6′ 7″ and runs surprisingly well for a big guy. Looks can be deceiving. Once Frankenstein left the game, Chandler struggled to find open space. He had a tremendous first half, which included a touch down catch. Open space was easy to come by in the first thirty minutes because Gronkowski had three defenders on him at all times. Even when Chandler was wide open, he had a hard time hauling in passes from Brady. Dropping passes is not the best way to get on Coach Belicheck’s good side. He is the “hottest” tight end in the league, but buyer beware.

The Buffalo Bills let Scott Chandler walk this off-season. In his last two seasons in Buffalo, he only caught five touchdowns. Sure, the Bills did not have an actual quarterback, but it is still alarming. Another knock against Chandler is the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense. They have been tough against tight ends all year despite performing well below expectations. Obviously, replacing Rob Gronkowski is impossible. But, we are talking about Bill Belicheck and Josh McDaniels. They will put Chandler in the right places to succeed. It is hard predicting what a player will do in a new role. This is his first time being the featured tight end in New England. Targets will come his way, but I am not sure success will follow. Do not expect Gronk numbers out of Chandler this weekend. Add him if you want but beware. I am not sold on the Scott Chandler expectations quite yet.

Next: Is Ryan Fitzpatrick A Fantasy Sleeper?

Daily Fantasy Tip: Scott Chandler is going for around $2,500. His price is unbelievably low for a starting tight end. His upside is 100 yards and 2 touch downs, so he could be the best tight end play this weekend. If you play him, you will have plenty of money to spend on other players!