:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68504454/usa_today_15269183.0.jpg)
It is officially Week 14 in the 2020 NFL regular season, which means the fantasy playoffs are here. Unlike other positions this season, the tight end spot has been hit or miss, depending on the various matchups on a weekly basis. If you were lucky to have Travis Kelce or Darren Waller on your team, you are probably doing pretty well.
That being said, what about the other tight ends in the league? Who should you maybe grab off of waivers or possibly make the tough to sit someone? Let’s breakdown a couple of options below.
Tight End Starts
Hunter Henry, Chargers vs. Falcons
With a lot of attention likely to be paid to receiver Keenan Allen and running back Austin Ekeler on Sunday, that could open up some opportunities in the middle of the field for tight end Hunter Henry.
This season, Henry has found himself as solid top-10/15 fantasy football play, despite not putting up gaudy numbers. He has 49 receptions (78 targets) for 507 yards and three touchdowns. In last week’s game against New England Patriots, Henry was a non-factor, recording one reception for five yards.
But he should bounce back against an Atlanta Falcons’ defense, which has given up the fourth-most touchdowns to opposing tight ends (9) this season. The Falcons allowed a touchdown last week to Saints tight end Jared Cook, but went four consecutive weeks without giving up another one.
Eric Ebron, Steelers vs. Bills
This was a hard choice because you cannot go wrong with Steelers tight end Eric Ebron or Broncos tight end Noah Fant. Both players are extension of their respective teams’ passing offenses solid plays in fantasy football.
That being said, Ebron is the best choice for Week 14, seeing that he has the Bills’ defense up next. The veteran tight end had another solid performance last week versus Washington, recording seven receptions (11 targets) for 68 yards. It was the second-straight week that Ebron was targeted at least 11 times and had seven receptions.
This is also another favorable matchup for 27-year-old, who should receiving a lot of opportunities in the red zone on Sunday night. The Bills’ defense is allowing seven touchdowns and 8.3 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. In their last two games, Buffalo has also gave up 14 receptions on 19 targets to tight ends.
Tight End Sits
Darren Waller, Raiders vs. Colts
Waller is one of the two surprise names on the fade list this week. Even though he is the Raiders’ best receiving option, the matchup is not great versus the Indianapolis Colts. This season, the Colts have only given up a touchdown and 4.5 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. The lone touchdown they allowed was to Rob Tonyan of the Packers in Week 8.
With that being said, could Waller be only the second tight end to score a touchdown on Indy? Absolutely, he is a playmaker and showed that last week against the Jets, racking up 13 receptions (17 targets) for 200 yards and a touchdown. If he’s your only option, start him but temper your expectations.
T.J. Hockenson, Lions vs. Packers
Second-year tight end T.J. Hockenson is the other surprise option to fade this week, despite him being one of Matthew Stafford’s best offensive weapons. This season, Hockenson has 52 receptions (77 targets) for 614 yards and five touchdowns. But that fifth touchdown was scored in Week 9 against the Vikings.
The last time Hockesnon saw the Packers, he was held to four catches for 62, which is solid but nothing crazy fantasy football wise. This season, Green Bay’s defense has only allowed three touchdowns, with two coming back in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts. Just like with Waller, if you have no other choice start Hockenson, but keep mind the projected and actual point totals.