RADIO
Tight ends are hit or miss on a weekly basis with the ability to be the difference maker in a win or a loss. The position is basically Rob Gronkowski and everyone else. The fantasy playoffs are putting extra pressure to make the correct decision in starting the right player. There are three players with various variables surrounding them that are leading to fantasy owners questioning if they are trustworthy options.
The undefeated Carolina Panthers look to continue their streak against the New York Giants and Greg Olsen is probable to start as usual. Olsen has been dealing with a knee injury and it was unknown if he would suit up this week but as the week went forward, his status improved.
Olsen is the top weapon for MVP candidate quarterback Cam Newton and he has a stellar matchup. The Giants have given up the third most fantasy points to opposing tight ends and there will be more opportunities here. Carolina will be without starting running back Jonathan Stewart and that will add more passes for Newton. The red zone plays will likely be trusted upon Newton’s arm more frequently this week and that just helps Olsen. The Panthers tight end will see more targets and have a better chance at a touchdown.
Richard Rodgers has quietly emerged as an impressive tight end option. Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers have trusted the unknown tight end this season and he’s become a relevant fantasy name. Rodgers is currently ranked in the top ten for most fantasy points scored by a tight end this year but not many people realize this.
There’s always a risk associated with Rodgers due to his low floor and high ceiling but the matchup against the Oakland Raiders improves his upside. Oakland has given up the second most fantasy points to tight ends and they’ve given up historically bad games against some of the better tight ends this season.
The Kansas City Chiefs have been on fire and face a weak Baltimore Ravens pass defense this week. This makes Travis Kelce a great play here, right? Wrong. Kelce has been trending downwards despite his great talent. Over the last month, Kelce has failed to get five standard fantasy points in four of the last five games.
The Ravens are awful against the pass in general but they strangely do a great job against the tight end. Baltimore has given up the third least amount of fantasy points to tight ends. Kelce is not worth the risk.
