What to do with Jordan Akins, Darren fells in Week 1 fantasy football

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: Brandin Cooks will be ACTIVE, per Ian Rapoport. There is no word on any kind of snap limitations, but if he’s active, this is a solid matchup. The big concern is an aggravation of the injury.

The Texans tight ends have been a fantasy wasteland over the last few years, as no single player has taken the job completely. Could that change this season? Maybe, as Jordan Akins has been excelling in training camp by all reports. Darren Fells is listed as the starter, but we could see Akins take over before too long.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Texans TE Darren Fells, Jordan Akins

The two tight ends will face a Chiefs team that allowed the third-most tight end receptions and fourth-most receiving yards last season. Neither tight end is someone who we can look at his history for guidance. Fells is in his seventh season and last year’s 34 receptions for 341 yards and seven touchdowns were all career highs. Meanwhile, Akins has 53 receptions for 643 yards and two touchdowns in his two seasons with the Texans. But Akins has been progressing and had the most tight end targets on the team last season. The third year is when we should expect a tight end breakout and it looks like Akins is headed in the right direction overall.

Start/Sit Recommendation

Fells has no real upside at this point. Akins has upside, but in your normal 12-team, one-tight end leagues, you can’t risk him as your starter. Maybe in a 20+ team league, but Akins will need to show at the very least that he’s getting snaps and is running routes first. But, if you’re playing in a DraftKings Showdown, Akins makes for a nice play in GPPs.