What to do with Eric Ebron, Vance McDonald in Week 6 fantasy football

Gone are the days of Heath Miller for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Ben Roethlisberger has been looking to find a reliable tight end at the position for some time now. Could it be Jesse James? Maybe Vance McDonald? What about Eric Ebron?

The Steelers tight ends have generally struggled in 2020 to put up big fantasy numbers, as recently as last week against the struggling Philadelphia Eagles defense, the duo of Eric Ebron and Vance McDonald combined to catch 6 passes for only 47 yards. This week, the Steelers host the Cleveland Browns, and the pair hopes to find better production against their division rival.

Fantasy Football analysis: Steelers TEs Eric Ebron, Vance McDonald

The Cleveland Browns have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2020, so there is reason for optimism for Ebron and McDonald owners in Week 6. Unfortunately, a deeper look into the numbers shows if there is hope for a big game - and that’s a big “if” - it’s likely to come from only one of the two.

Here are Vance McDonald’s targets in each of the season’s first four games: 2, 2, 3, 1. Compare that to Eric Ebron’s targets: 2, 5, 7, 6.

McDonald might have more familiarity with the Pittsburgh offense (having joined the Steelers back in 2017 compared to Ebron who signed with the Steelers this past offseason), but Ebron is the player of the two who is garnering looks from Ben Roethlisberger. More importantly, those looks are also coming in the redzone, with Ebron the only one of the two to score a touchdown in 2020.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Ebron as a low-end TE option. Sit McDonald.