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Darren Waller’s targets haven’t been as consistent over the last three games as they were previously, likely due to Hunter Renfrow’s increased usage. But the Raiders tight end is still a top target for Derek Carr and last week we saw his targets move back up with seven, which he caught five for 78 yards.
Fantasy football analysis: Oakland Raiders TE Darren Waller
This week Waller will face the Jets pass defense, which hasn’t been good, but they have limited tight ends to the third-fewest fantasy points for the season. When you dig into the tight ends that faced them, there isn’t much talent there. Zach Ertz caught 5-of-7 targets for 57 yards and a touchdown in a game Carson Wentz only threw the ball 29 times in a blowout. Mike Gesicki had his best game of the year against them, catching all six of his targets for 95 yards, and Rhett Ellison caught all three of his targets for 42 yards with Evan Engram out. Even the corpse of Jason Witten caught 5-of-7 targets for 57 yards. Last week Jeremy Sprinkle caught a touchdown against them as well.
The overall numbers don’t tell the whole story. Football Outsiders has their DVOA against tight ends at 24th in the league, so covering the position isn’t a strength. You would have started Waller even against a tough defense, but the Jets aren’t a team to worry about this week.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Waller.