Top 30 tight end rankings for Week 15 fantasy football

UPDATE

Jared Cook has cleared concussion protocol and will play in a good matchup.

Greg Olsen is out with a concussion. Ian Thomas will get the start and is worth a start in most leagues.

Evan Engram is out. Kaden Smith has some appeal in two tight end leagues.

Gerald Everett remains out. Tyler Higbee will be a strong play this week.

Jimmy Graham is questionable to play. There isn’t a solid play behind him if he can’t go.

Noah Fant is questionable to play but is trending in the right direction. If he can’t go, Jeff Heuerman has some appeal in two tight end leagues.

Vance McDonald is out with a concussion. Nick Vannett will get the start but doesn’t have much fantasy appeal this week.

Last week brought us a breakout Lock to Fant combo, The continuing emergence of Jared Cook, the second 100 yard game in two weeks for Tyler Higbee and the Panthers future starting tight end Ian Thomas showing well once again with Greg Olsen sidelined.

There are good tight ends out there, they just need opportunity. Let’s take a look at who might get that opportunity coupled with good matchups.

Injury/Status Report

Mark Andrews didn’t suffer a severe injury but he may have trouble returning for a Thursday night game. If he can’t, Nick Boyle and Hayden Hurst will share snaps against the Jets.

Ryan Griffin might have a tough time getting healthy for Thursday night’s game with an ankle injury. Daniel Brown would get the start in a tough matchup.

Foster Moreau will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Darren Waller should get a bump in work.

Jared Cook will be in the concussion protocol this week and will need to be cleared before he can play against the Colts but he does get an extra day due to the game being Monday night.

TE Ranking Tiers

Tier 1

The usual suspects will populate Tier 1 with George Kittle, Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, Hunter Henry and Darren Waller. All are must starts this week.

Tier 2

If Jared Cook is cleared of his brain injury, he’s close to a Tier 1 play with his recent usage.

Tyler Higbee lands in Tier 2 after back-to-back 100 yard games. Even if Gerald Everett returns, he should be the lead in a good matchup.

TE Streamers

Mike Gesicki continues to see good air yards and targets but also is inconsistent. The Giants just gave up a big game to Zach Ertz and the Dolphins have two receivers in concussion protocol.

If Greg Olsen can’t get back this week., Ian Thomas will get a bump and be worth a start in a good matchup with Seattle.