FanDuel NFL 2018: Week 4 lineup
Tight End: Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons- $5,000
The Atlanta Falcons fell to 1-2 after their 43-37 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints. One positive that came from the loss was their offensive production. In two consecutive games the Falcons have averaged 34 points per game.
Hooper and the Falcons take on the Cincinnati Bengals, who have allowed 25.7 points per game, 20th in the NFL. The tight end has 11 receptions and 13 targets on the season. He is averaging 8.03 fantasy points per game.
Before Calvin Ridley’s breakout performance in last week’s loss, Hooper was behind star receiver Julio Jones, with the second most receptions on the team.
Cincinnati has given up 44 fantasy points to tight ends, fourth most in the league. Opposing tight ends are averaging 14.7 points per game, also fourth most in the NFL.
In terms of fantasy football, the Bengals are one of the worst defenses against tight ends. They have given up the eighth most yards and third most receptions.
Early on this season we have seen a lack of touchdown production from tight ends. Which can be seen from the league leaders; Will Dissly and Eric Ebron. Travis Kelce and Kyle Rudolph are also tied for the lead with those two players.
Hooper’s price tag compared to Kelce and Rudolph’s is substantially substantially lower. By selecting a value player like Hooper, that opens the opportunity to add a top running back like Ezekiel Elliott or a receiver like Odell Beckham Jr.
Playing at home certainly helps Hooper, as the Bengals have struggled against tight ends on the road. In two road games the opposition compiled 15 receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown.