Editor’s note: Each week of the NFL season, Pipe Dream Sports writer Mary Martellotta will give advice on who to start, who to sit or who to add in your fantasy football league.
Feeling disillusioned by your current tight-end situation? I wouldn’t be surprised if your answer is yes, seeing as tight ends this season have left a lot to be desired. Unless Rob Gronkowski is in your lineup, you’ve likely been getting sporadic results from that position. Match-ups so far this season seem to be an accurate indicator of performance, so instead of sticking with your draft pick and riding out the highs and lows, here are a few players who I think will be on the money this week and a few to steer clear from.
START:
Antonio Gates (SD): Returning from a four-week suspension, Gates should have no trouble at home against Pittsburgh this week. Gates and quarterback Philip Rivers have been a productive and valuable fantasy pair since they started playing together in 2006. With both players healthy against a mediocre Steelers defense, there is no reason for them to have an issue replicating past successes.
Charles Clay (BUF): I realize it’s the second week in a row recommending a start for Clay, but he’s caught fire and is still available in 30 percent of ESPN leagues. Expect him to continue his success in this week’s game in Tennessee. He’s been quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s top target this season and should continue to be against the Titans defense, which has allowed the sixth-most points to tight ends in the league.
Owen Daniels (DEN): Daniels is a riskier start, but this week’s match-up against a weak Oakland defense is worth the gamble. If the bye week has left an empty slot in your line-up, Daniels is still available for pick-up in 50 percent of ESPN leagues. Even with mediocre performances the first few weeks, owners should feel confident about Daniels’ potential, especially since Oakland’s defense has allowed an average of 19 points per game to tight ends.
SIT:
Jason Witten (DAL): At home against New England this week, Witten’s scoring chances aren’t looking good. After Tony Romo left mid-game with an injury in week two, Witten hasn’t been getting the numbers his owners are used to. Over the past two games with backup quarterback Brandon Weeden, Witten’s targets have dropped significantly. After last week’s poor performance against a weak New Orleans secondary, New England’s defense should have no problem taking him out of the equation.
Tyler Eifert (CIN): At home against Seattle this week, the whole Cincinnati offense will have a difficult time putting up points, especially those players who are facing off against Seattle’s secondary — nicknamed the Legion of Boom —which is a force to be reckoned with. Seattle’s strong secondary combined with the number of offensive weapons Dalton has at his disposal should have owners looking elsewhere this week.
Last week’s picks:
Rishard Matthews WR (MIA) — 1 point, Charles Clay TE (BUF) — 11 points, Lance Dunbar RB (DAL) — 5 points, Andy Dalton QB (CIN) — 17 points, Derek Carr QB (OAK) — 11 points