Which TE has the best value based on ADP? A very open-ended question today, but one that's typically and surprisingly hard to predict. Last year 6-7 TEs offered surprising TE1 production (top 12). It was similar (but not quite as surprising) in 2018. Going back a decade or more, the top 2-3 guys are usually reliable, barring injury. Beyond that, it's often hard to pin down accurate projections.
And of course, one or two big games could mean the difference between a mid-range TE2 and a low-end TE1, and if didn't start that guy at the right time, you're basically rolling with an unstartable tight end.
In one-TE fantasy leagues (which account for most leagues), if I don't land an elite option, I'm usually waiting. But this year seems tougher than usual. After the "big three" of Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Zach Ertz, the seemingly reliable Mark Andrews and Darren Waller await. When was the last time we've seen five TEs with strong 1,000-yard potential? Now, I've already expressed doubts about Andrews' TE-4 ranking, but my preseason perception aside, I think most people would be happy to grab him at that spot.
Then there's Evan Engram at 6 and Hunter Henry at 7. If they can stay healthy, they'll probably hit 900+ yards, while wild cards Tyler Higbee and Gronk (8 and 9) realistically could finish anywhere on the top-16 spectrum, depending on usage.
Here's my thinking, and looking forward to hearing yours. I like Henry at 7. As written earlier, this Chargers offense remains relatively top-heavy, with Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Henry likely to dominate targets. Henry's ceiling is top 4 in my opinion, and so I'd be happy taking a chance on him at his overall-79 ADP.
The same goes for Austin Hooper (TE-11 / overall-102), T.J. Hockenson (14/119), Jonnu Smith (17/152), and Ian Thomas (26/212). Thomas would be a deep-league flyer, since he could come cheap on waivers after some bye weeks. But on balance, I like Henry and these other four guys exceeding expectations.
But a good case could be made for a dozen other non-TE1s. Let's hear some.
And of course, one or two big games could mean the difference between a mid-range TE2 and a low-end TE1, and if didn't start that guy at the right time, you're basically rolling with an unstartable tight end.
In one-TE fantasy leagues (which account for most leagues), if I don't land an elite option, I'm usually waiting. But this year seems tougher than usual. After the "big three" of Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Zach Ertz, the seemingly reliable Mark Andrews and Darren Waller await. When was the last time we've seen five TEs with strong 1,000-yard potential? Now, I've already expressed doubts about Andrews' TE-4 ranking, but my preseason perception aside, I think most people would be happy to grab him at that spot.
Then there's Evan Engram at 6 and Hunter Henry at 7. If they can stay healthy, they'll probably hit 900+ yards, while wild cards Tyler Higbee and Gronk (8 and 9) realistically could finish anywhere on the top-16 spectrum, depending on usage.
Here's my thinking, and looking forward to hearing yours. I like Henry at 7. As written earlier, this Chargers offense remains relatively top-heavy, with Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Henry likely to dominate targets. Henry's ceiling is top 4 in my opinion, and so I'd be happy taking a chance on him at his overall-79 ADP.
The same goes for Austin Hooper (TE-11 / overall-102), T.J. Hockenson (14/119), Jonnu Smith (17/152), and Ian Thomas (26/212). Thomas would be a deep-league flyer, since he could come cheap on waivers after some bye weeks. But on balance, I like Henry and these other four guys exceeding expectations.
But a good case could be made for a dozen other non-TE1s. Let's hear some.