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There are only so many elite tight ends in the NFL so finding key pivots can be key to finding fantasy football success. Most tight ends aren’t likely to rack up a ton of multi-touchdown games or lead their teams in receiving yards, but there are plenty of viable options ahead of Week 6. We’ve broken down why some players are optimal starts and why others could be worth sitting.
Tight End Starts
Jimmy Graham, Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers
Graham has caught two touchdown passes from Nick Foles in three games. While Allen Robinson is the Bears’ best offensive weapon, Graham has become a popular red zone target. He doesn’t need a ton of targets of receptions to be an impact player and has come up big when Chicago has needed him most.
Austin Hooper, Cleveland Browns vs. Steelers
Hooper is trending in the right direction and has caught five passes in two straight games. Jarvis Landry is dealing with hip and rib pain and was held out of Wednesday practice. Only two Browns receivers have more than 10 targets in 2020, so Baker Mayfield could have to look for Hooper more if Landry is ruled out or hobbled.
Tight End Sits
Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tonyan became a super popular waiver wire pickup after catching three touchdown passes in his last outing. Davante Adams is back now though, so the tight end shouldn’t get nearly as much work. There’s reason to believe Tonyan will still be a factor given the fact that Tampa Bay is great against the run, but it seems like he’s headed for a dramatic dropoff. I’ll be sold if he scores a TD in a fourth straight game.
Evan Engram, New York Giants vs. Washington Football Team
New York put up 34 points against the Cowboys in Week 5 and Engram was targeted twice. The tight end’s saving grace was a first-quarter rushing touchdown. Engram has really only posted one solid stat line in 2020, and that was in Week 2. It appears like the Giants are moving away from centering their passing attack around him.