RADIO
As we’ve discussed before, the tight end can be a maddening position. Unless you have Rob Gronkowski, chances are you’re hoping for maybe six or seven points from your tight end to consider it a successful week. Gronkowski is on a level of his own, so let’s take a look at three other tight ends who have some upside this week.
Greg Olsen isn’t on Gronkowski’s level yet, but he’s pretty darn close. Olsen is Cam Newton’s favorite target in Carolina, and he’s proven to be one of the most reliable tight ends in the NFL. Olsen has averaged more than 13 points per game over his last three, and he continues to see an unbelievable amount of targets.
Olsen is averaging nearly 10 targets per game this season, and he remains Carolina’s best receiving option. According to ESPN, the Green Bay Packers, Carolina’s Week 9 opponent, have allowed opposing tight end corps to eclipse the 100-yard mark each of the last two weeks. This is a very favorable matchup for Olsen.
Like Olsen in Carolina, Delanie Walker has proven to be the most reliable target in Tennessee. Walker has averaged seven catches and roughly seven fantasy points per game over his last three, which isn’t bad at all for a middle-of-the-road tight end option. With Marcus Mariota expected to return in Week 9, look for Walker to see a healthy amount of targets.
The Titans will face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, the team that allows 282 passing yards per game. The Saints have also allowed 20 touchdowns through the air, which offers some more hope for Walker in the red zone. He hasn’t scored since Week 1, but with Mariota back in the lineup and Ken Whisenhunt no longer the head coach, let’s hope the Titans continue to use Walker in their limited offense.
Like the rest of the Bills' offense, Charles Clay’s production took a wicked blow after quarterback Tyrod Taylor was out of the lineup. Now that Taylor is expected to start against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Clay’s stock is back on the rise.
The Dolphins rank 21st against opposing tight ends when it comes to yards per game, and Clay destroyed the Dolphins for 82 yards and a touchdown when he faced them in Week 3. Clay has also fared better at home than on the road this season. While he’s averaged 7.3 fantasy points per game at home, he’s averaged 5.8 on the road, even with that 14-point game against Miami.
