The tight end position can be a sneaky, cheap way to inject points into your fantasy lineup, but you have to play the matchups. Here are three names who should be in consideration for Week 2 of the NFL season, as well as a few names to avoid at all costs.
Tight Ends to Start
Noah Fant, Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Fant had a great outing in the Broncos’ season opener, catching five passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. So far, he’s living up to the breakout year hype that myself and others have been preaching. It could be tougher sledding this week against the Steelers, but with Courtland Sutton’s status still up in the air, Fant should have plenty of work in the passing game.
Jared Cook, New Orleans Saints vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Drew Brees looked every bit like a forty-something quarterback last week, struggling to get yards through the air. Fortunately, he had Cook to help him out on those shorter throws. And with Michael Thomas out of action for a bit, Cook’s role certainly isn’t shrinking.
Austin Hooper, Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals
There isn’t much to like about the Browns offense, not yet. But by process of elimination, Hooper could get a shot to live up to his free agent deal this week now that David Njoku is on injured reserve.
Tight Ends to Sit
Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers
Don’t let the easy matchup fool you. Gronk did not factor into the Bucs plans last week against the Saints, and he was clearly a distant No. 2 behind O.J. Howard. He may as well go back to wrestling or selling CBD.
Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills
The Dolphins had Gesicki on the field plenty last week against the Patriots, but New England’s defense erased him from any meaningful role in game plan, with a little help from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Things will only get worse this week against the Bills.
Chris Herndon, New York Jets vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Herndon breakout watch continues, but this isn’t going to be the week that anything happens. His seven targets last week were encouraging, but he only managed to get 37 yards on six catches. The 49ers defense is going to have the Jets bottled up this week too.