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Last week I built one of the best DraftKings lineups I’ve had in a long time thanks to big showings from Todd Gurley, Robert Woods and the Titans defense. But I didn’t win anything because—despite every other position getting me double digit points—I got a whole lot of nothing from my tight end position. I was being cute and thought last week would finally be the week that O.J. Howard did something. Instead, just the rest of his team did.
Moral of the story: even if you have a killer lineup, a poorly picked tight end can be devastating.
I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you with three tight ends who are locks to give you production this week.
Draft wisely my friends. (Salaries via DraftKings.)
Jimmy Graham (@ Cowboys) - $4,300
I can’t believe I’m including Graham on this list but his situation and price are too good to pass up. With Davante Adams officially out for Sunday’s showdown against the Cowboys, Graham should see an even larger share of the Packers’ total targets. Graham also is tied—with Adams mind you—atop the team in red zone targets. The Cowboys have been great against receivers to start the year but their defense is allowing the 10th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, something I’m sure Aaron Rodgers will take advantage of.
Greg Olsen (vs Jaguars) - $4,000
Welcome to Old Tight End week I guess. While the Jaguars haven’t been terrible against tight ends, they have allowed a few big performances to start the season, most notably giving up 88 yards to Travis Kelce in Week 1. Olsen is third on the Panthers in targets and has shown there’s plenty of gas left in his tank, with already a two touchdown and a 100+ yard performance this season. I’d expect him to find success against Jacksonville’s secondary this weekend.
Tyler Eifert (vs Cardinals) - $3,300
Until the Cardinals show that they can cover opposing tight ends, I will always be playing whatever tight end faces them. This week it’s Tyler Eifert, who I actually like even if he wasn’t playing the Cardinals this week. With John Ross now on IR, the Bengals have his eight targets per game to split among their active receivers. Eifert hasn’t broken out yet this year, but he does lead the team in red zone targets. I’d bet that he catches himself a touchdown this week and maybe 40-50 yards to go with it.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is petermcdrogers) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.