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When discussing tight end options for DFS contests we always face the same problem: pay top-dollar and (most probably) get a good trove of fantasy points, or go with a cheaper option and leave it all in the air hoping for some breakout performance. Luckily for us, two weeks of football already have provided enough information as to know who’s who and who’s doing what for their teams in their schemes. Here are three of the best players you can put in your lineup entering DraftKings’ Week 3 main slate.
Evan Engram, NYG (at TB) - $5,200
After a terrific start of the season against Dallas (31.6 DKFP), Engram couldn’t keep things up in his Week 2 matchup hosting Buffalo. Not that he had a horrid game, mind you. Engram was still able to put up 48 yards on six receptions, featured in 55 snaps, and was targeted eight times. Speaking of opportunities, Engram is second only to Zach Ertz in targets through Week 2 (22-to-23), although Engram has 17 receptions (leads the NFL) for 164 yards (third-most) overall.
As if the Giants weren’t short of options in attack already, they’re sitting veteran Eli Manning for rookie Daniel Jones. Cody Latimer and Bennie Fowler are questionable for this weekend’s game. Barkley will carry the ball for another 20 times without a problem. When it comes to the passing game, though, it will be all Engram for the Giants, so expect up to 10 or more targets again. Tampa has struggled against TEs so far, and Engram’s upside/floor are both among the highest in the slate.
Mark Andrews, BAL (vs KC) - $4,600
Andrews finally broke into the top five of DraftKings’ TEs salaries for Week 3. No wonder, considering the season he’s putting together through two games. Playing under Lamar Jackson he leads all tight ends with 56.0 DKFP, almost 14 more than second-place Evan Engram. Andrews has hauled in 16 of his 17 targets for 220 yards and scored two touchdowns. He’s getting all the opportunities he can handle and he’s making the most of them.
Baltimore visits Kansas City in Week 3. The total O/U is at a week-high 52.0 points and the Ravens play as underdogs. No matter the game script, both teams will pass the ball all through the contest and if there is someone primed to benefit from it that’s Andrews. He’s the most targeted receiver of the whole Ravens offense (28 percent of the passes went his way in Weeks 1 and 2), and the Chief’s defense looks like a potential cupcake for Jackson and Andrews.
Greg Olsen, CAR (at ARI) - $3,700
Some people will be scared of touching Carolina’s attack with Cam Newton sidelined. The truth is, there aren’t a lot of plays better than Olsen at tight end in Week 3. Olsen opened the season with 7.6 DKFP against a tough Rams defense but exploded with 20.0 DKFP last week facing the Bucs. He racked up 110 yards on six receptions, and so far has been the second most-targeted Panther with 18 of them. Remember Olsen has been doing all of this with a banged-up Newton throwing him the ball.
Kyle Allen will be the quarterback leading Carolina this week. Fear nothing. He had a good outing in his 2018 Week 17 start (16-of-27, 228 yards, two touchdowns), and it is not that Newton has put on a show this season. Olsen will be one of Allen’s go-to targets thanks to his experience and mid-depth route running. Mark Andrews and T.J. Hockenson torched the Cardinals to the tune of a combined 273 yards and three touchdowns. Perfect matchup for Olsen to keep Arizona struggling against tight ends.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is chapulana) 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.