Best ball draft targets: Tight ends

Best ball can be attacked similarly to redraft, but we also want to accentuate upside over consistency. That means there are some players who we often avoid in redraft that we will feel better getting in best ball. Picking some of these players will go against your instincts, but usually they can be had at value. Some of these guys are akin to the big, lumbering home run hitters who strike out a ton and have a .220 average but also knock out 30-40 homers each year.

We’ll look at five tight ends targets below. You’ll want around three in DraftKings best ball leagues to give you enough to last a whole season.

Mark Andrews, Ravens

Andrews broke out last season for 64 receptions, 852 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s not cheap this season, but he had four games over 23 fantasy points and five over 13. Those blow up games are what we want in best ball. He’s going a little early in redraft for my taste, but his best ball value makes him a good pick over at DraftKings.

Jared Cook, Saints

Cook is getting up there in age, but he’s also playing his best football. Last season he led all tight ends in yards per target and yards per reception. He’s going to remain a big play tight end for the Saints this season, giving him strong best ball value. The addition of Emmanuel Sanders could cut into his work, but he didn’t need many targets to pick up big gainers in the second half of the season. I also like that this will be his second season with the team and there’s a good chance he won’t take as long to get going this year,

Noah Fant, Broncos

Fant got a lot of new competition this season but is the no-doubt starter and showed big play ability last year. This Broncos’ offense has a wide variety of outcomes, all depending on Drew Lock’s progression. But, at the very least, I expect Fant to be on tap for enough big plays to help in best ball.

Irv Smith Jr., Vikings

Smith isn’t getting the ADP love due to Kyle Rudolph, which make’s sense. But, Smith is also the better offensive talent and the team lost Stefon Diggs this offseason. I expect Smith to make an impact this year and with his talent, he’s going to be much more than a possession receiver.

Jace Sternberger, Packers

Sternberger has been my favorite late round tight end this off season, as the Packers weirdly didn’t draft a receiver in the draft and Sternberger is a great prospect. The problem with Sternberger so far is that he’s still on the Covid-19 injury list. Keep an eye on his status, but if he comes back soon, I’m still on board.