Tight Ends
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns $6600
Travis Kelce is battling Zach Ertz for the NFL’s best tight end right now. Ertz is on a bye meaning that Kelce is the only elite option left at the position for fantasy players this week. This is a relatively tough matchup for Kelce at Cleveland. The Browns rank 20th in points allowed to opposing tight ends and have only allowed two touchdown catches to the position all year. The price jump from Kelce down is massive and this is a week to find value at the tight end position.
Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins vs Atlanta Falcons $4800
A player that used to be in the category with Kelce was Jordan Reed. Now, as a shell of himself, he will try to dominate Sunday with Kelce’s former quarterback. The Redskins stay in Washington for a battle with Atlanta. The Falcons defense, ransacked with injuries, have played relatively well against tight ends. Injuries to the top two safeties and a linebacker should open the middle of the field for Reed. If it was not for Vernon Davis, Reed would be a slam dunk play.
Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers $4700
The actual slam dunk play this week seems to be Greg Olsen of the Panthers. After catching a touchdown pass last week, the healthy Olsen is once against his quarterbacks favorite red zone target. Norv Turner’s offense will be friendly in the red zone for Olsen. This week they get a Buccaneers defense that is second in points allowed to tight ends. They’ve allowed the second most red zone touchdowns. Olsen is a great matchup here with almost $2000 in savings from the top.
David Njoku, Cleveland Browns vs Kansas City Chiefs $4600
Another former Miami Hurricane tight end, David Njoku, is in the midst of having a mini-breakout season. The young, athletic tight end is developing a rapport with Baker Mayfield as the season progresses. Njoku will be needed this week if Cleveland expects to keep up with the Chiefs offense. Luckily Kansas City has struggled to stop tight ends this season, ranking fifth in points allowed to the position. They’ve also allowed the second most yards to tight ends through eight weeks. Njoku is finally getting priced right but there are still good savings there.
Trey Burton, Chicago Bears @ Buffalo Bills $4500
For the past two weeks Trey Burton has been a great value play. His athletic playmaking is helping his young quarterback on early downs and in the red zone. This week he is the fifth highest priced tight end but still represents value. Chicago travels to play Buffalo on a short week with yet another change at quarterback. Buffalo has been tough defensively on opposing tight ends. Burton will need to find the end zone to make this one be worth it.
Value Tight End
O.J. Howard Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers $4300
The Buccaneers are having a wasted offensive explosion season. No team has thrown for more yards than the Buccaneers. Their turnover prone quarterbacks and leaky defense have squashed any success the offense may have. For fantasy that does not matter for the skill positions. One player having a great little run is O.J. Howard. He’s got four straight games with over 60 yards receiving and two touchdowns during that run. Howard is a big value against the NFL’s friendliest defense to opposing tight ends.