The fantasy playoffs are quickly approaching, and it’s time to look ahead at the tight end position. If you don’t have one of the few elite tight ends or if you just lost Mark Andrews, you’ll likely be looking to stream the position while relying on the strength of your other players. It’s a strategy that could pay off, so let’s look at which tight ends may be an option.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Colorado, Michigan and Virginia Readers: Get up to $100 from SI Sportsbook
Bet $5 on DraftKings and get $200 in Bonus Bets if not in those states
View the original article to see embedded media.
(Opponents for Weeks 15-17 in parentheses)
Daniel Bellinger, Giants (NO, PHI, LAR)
If Darren Waller returns, you’ll start Waller and pass on Bellinger altogether. However, if he does not, Bellinger is an interesting option with all three of his matchups during the fantasy playoffs coming vs. teams that are bottom-10 vs. tight ends. In the three games without Waller, Bellinger is second only to Darius Slayton in receiving yards for the Giants.
David Njoku, Browns (CHI, HOU, NYJ)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
Njoku may be available in some leagues, and he should be a priority for playoff teams in need of a tight end. Across the past three weeks, Njoku has a team-high 27% of the target share, and his 117 receiving yards in that span are second only to Amari Cooper. Whoever ends up playing quarterback for the Browns -- whether it’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson or Joe Flacco- expect the tight end to continue to be peppered with targets -- especially vs. three teams that have been among the worst defending the position this season.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Titans (HOU, SEA, HOU)
Okonkwo may see his playing time more limited as the Titans rotate in rookies to get more experience, but his matchups are tasty. Houston has allowed the fifth-most PPR points to the position across the last three games, including three receiving touchdowns. For the season, they have allowed nearly 15 PPR points per game, and Okonkwo faces them twice.
Gerald Everett/Donald Parham, Chargers (LV, BUF, DEN)
If Everett remains banged up, you can pivot to Parham, otherwise Everett is the target here. The Chargers continue to have a high-volume passing attack, and with no Mike Williams and possibly no Joshua Palmer for the playoffs, the tight ends get an obvious bump. Quentin Johnston hasn’t been getting it done, and the matchups with the Raiders, Bills and Broncos are favorable. Denver has allowed the most PPR points to tight ends this season, and they are slated for the fantasy championship week.
Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (IND, CIN, SEA)
Freiermuth returned from injury Sunday and was targeted only once, as the entire passing attack was limited by the Browns defense. That should improve moving forward as Kenny Pickett should lean on the safety valve, and matchups with the Colts, Bengals and Seahawks will go a long way.
