Fansided

FanDuel NFL 2018: Week 6 lineup

By Joe D'Aloisio

SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 07: Running back Todd Gurley III #30 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 7, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 07: Running back Todd Gurley III #30 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 7, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEP 24: Cameron Brate (84) of the Bucs carries the ball after the catch during the regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEP 24: Cameron Brate (84) of the Bucs carries the ball after the catch during the regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Tight End: Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers- $4,500

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were on their bye week last week and did not play. They return to action later today to take on a weak Atlanta Falcons defense. One player that isn’t returning this week, is tight end O.J. Howard.

Howard suffered a sprained MCL and is scheduled to miss two-to-four weeks. With Howard out, insert Brate. The tight end has caught six passes for 63 yards and two touchdowns. He has had back to back touchdowns in two consecutive games, along with double digit fantasy points.

Tampa’s decision to  start Jameis Winston over Ryan Fitzpatrick is a huge benefit for Brate. In his last two seasons with Winston under center, Brate has caught 105 receptions for 1,251 and 14 touchdowns. His 14 touchdowns were third most at the position. When Winston started last year, Tampa tight ends led the NFL in fantasy points.  

The Atlanta Falcons have kept tight ends in check and have only given up 23 passes for 229 yards and one score. However, opposing tight ends are averaging nearly five catches for 46 yards and a first down per reception.

But, Atlanta’s defense has been poor all year. They have allowed 1,386 passing yards, 24th in the league and have given up 1,993 net yards, 29th in the league. In three games at home, opposing teams have scored nearly 35 points per game.

According to Pro Football Focus, Brate was ranked as the seventh best tight end entering the 2018 season. He also had the most touchdown receptions amongst the position group from the slot since 2015.

It’s safe to predict that Brate will catch 6 or more passes and will be a threat in the red zone.