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DraftKings NFL: Best lineup for Week 16

By Joe Romano

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass during the first quarter of the National Football League game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on September 9, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Pittsburgh and Cleveland tied 21-21. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass during the first quarter of the National Football League game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on September 9, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Pittsburgh and Cleveland tied 21-21. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – DECEMBER 16: San Francisco 49ers Tight End George Kittle (85) is brought down by Seattle Seahawks Linebacker Austin Calitro (58) during the NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers on December 16, 2018 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – DECEMBER 16: San Francisco 49ers Tight End George Kittle (85) is brought down by Seattle Seahawks Linebacker Austin Calitro (58) during the NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers on December 16, 2018 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Tight Ends

George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears – $6000

There may not be a player carrying an offense more than George Kittle. His coach understands that Kittle is the best player on offense and is using him accordingly. It is no surprise to see him atop the fantasy ranks at tight end any more. With the Bears coming to town, Kittle will be needed more than ever. Khalil Mack and company will be roaring down on Nick Mullens, leaving Kittle as the safety blanket to save the day.

Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles vs Houston Texans – $5900

Nick Foles took over last week and Zach Ertz had his worst fantasy performance of the season despite Philadelphia scoring 30 points. That is not a good sign for anyone looking to roster Ertz this weekend. He will still be a factor but Foles does seem to look elsewhere in critical spots. This week they play a Texans defense that has given up the third most yards to tight end over the last four weeks and ranks seventh in points per game on the season. Ertz will see a lot of Tyrann Mathieu and may struggle in this game without Carson Wentz force feeding him targets.

Eric Ebron, Indianapolis Colts vs New York Giants – $5700

A player that should be comfortable in lineups this weekend is Eric Ebron. The budding star at tight end has lived up to his new contract with Indianapolis and been Andrew Luck’s favorite target this season. The offense remains at home, where they are at their best, against a lowly Giants defense. New York is the ninth ranked defense against tight ends over the last four weeks. With the Colts still pushing for the playoffs, Ebron will continue to dominate.

Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills – $5600

After a great performance against Miami, Rob Gronkowski struggled in Pittsburgh. To be fair, the entire Patriots offense did as well. However, Gronkowski has looked like a shell of himself and cannot be trusted as a plug-and-play fantasy star anymore. A tough matchup awaits for Gronkowski with the Bills coming to town. Buffalo held him to just 46 yards in the teams’ first matchup this season. Buffalo’s got a very talented and athletic secondary that can neutralize Gronkowski.

Evan Engram, New York Giants @ Indianapolis Colts – $4600

A big drop off comes between Gronkowski and Evan Engram. The talented second year tight end has been injured most of the season. However he is coming off back-to-back 70+ yard performances. This week he gets a Colts defense that has given up the fourth most yards to tight ends over the last four weeks. With Odell Beckham still battling an injury, Engram becomes the third option in the Giants passing attack that will be needed this weekend.

Value Tight Ends

Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys – $3900

The Tampa Bay Buccaneres offense is mind-boggling. They are one of the most prolific passing attacks in NFL history but have been tormented by turnovers. Jameis Winston is as talented as they come but just can’t keep the ball. Now with O.J. Howard on injured reserve it leads Cameron Brate to fill a bigger role. A role that should see plenty of opportunity come Sunday. With the Dallas secondary playing well on the outside, WInston will turn to Brate over the middle to attack the tough Cowboys defense. Brate is a touchdown or bust player still that carries risk.

David Njoku, Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals – $3800

This is not a running bit but David Njoku seems to continue to make the cut. Partially because of the lack of consistency from any tight end but also because he keeps getting good matchups. This week Njoku will see the lowly Bengals defense. Cincinnati has looked lost in the last few weeks defensively, despite a win a week ago. Njoku is the team’s best red zone option still and should see plenty of work as the Browns claw as close to .500 as we’ve seen in what feels like a decade.