Starts
Start of the Week –
Hunter Henry vs Cincinnati Bengals
Hunter Henry thrived on being a huge target for Philip Rivers last season, and now he gets Tyrod Taylor who should use him as a clear security blanket. What makes him great is that he is healthy and ready to go for the season. He faces a Bengals defense that allowed quite a number of points to the slot where Henry played mostly last season; over 19 points per game tp be exact.
Tyler Higbee vs Dallas Cowboys
A season ago, Higbee blew everyone away when he took over for Gerald Everett. Now he looks to try to keep those numbers going and with Brandin Cooks gone, he has a shot to do that against the Dallas Cowboys who allowed crazy stats against tight ends that put Higbee in a good place for week one.
Hayden Hurst vs Seattle Seahawks
Hayden Hurst will see plenty of production in a very offensive led squadron for Atlanta. Will he produce the same number of points Austin Hooper did? It is hard to say, but I believe so. All the pieces are in place for Hurst to do well especially against Seattle who gave up the third most points against tight ends and over 1,000 yards. Start Hurst with confidence.
Jared Cook vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cook should still do well given his role last year with the Saints. His value does drop a little bit with the signing of Emmanuel Sanders, but Cook should still give points to owners when needed. He was good in the red zone and while a match against the Buccaneers doesn’t seem the best, but I have faith he will put in good work against the Bucs.
Dallas Goedert vs Washington Football Team
While we know to start Zach Ertz, some were asking if Dallas Goedert is a good start against the Washington Football Team this week. My answer is yes. The Washington Football Team has allowed nine touchdowns and the fourth most fantasy points to tight ends. If you think that Dallas Goedert won’t get in that action especially in the end zone, you are sadly mistaken.
Sleepers;
Noah Fant vs Tennessee Titans
Rob Gronkowski vs New Orleans Saints
T.J. Hockenson vs Chicago Bears
Sits
Sit of the Week –
Austin Hooper vs Baltimore Ravens
It was odd when the Cleveland Browns signed Austin Hooper when they had David Njoku, but I am declaring him a bust for right now just because I don’t think Cleveland will know how to use him. His opening matchup couldn’t have been a harder one either as he’ll face a Ravens defense that allowed the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. They also only allowed three touchdowns to tight ends all last season. Avoid Hooper at all costs.
Greg Olsen vs Atlanta Falcons
Greg Olsen is going to be a shell of his former self this season with a new team. The Seahawks will almost treat him in my mind like a Jason Witten with the Cowboys. They will use him only as a last resort. I don’t see him making a giant impact at all this season especially against the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener.
Mike Gesicki vs New England Patriots
While I do believe Gesicki’s value will be increased throughout the season and should help fantasy owners out if they need it but, a date with the New England Patriots week one does not bold well for me to trust Mike this week. Save him for another time when the defense isn’t surrendering the seventh fewest points to tight ends.
Jack Doyle vs Jacksonville Jaguars
On a normal occasion Doyle is a big sleeper candidate for me for this season. However, even with Jacksonville as terrible as it is, they still have held Doyle to minor points over the last couple of their encounters. So while I like the pairing between him and Philip Rivers, I’d rather fade on Doyle this week and stream him other weeks especially with how Jacksonville fairs against tight ends.
Eric Ebron vs New York Giants
I, unlike most people, love the Eric Ebron signing. However, it is too early to make him a starting tight end for fantasy. With himself and Vance McDonald sharing the spotlight in Pittsburgh, I believe that Ebron will see more of the end zone than McDondald. It’s just too early to tell and I’d rather not take the chance until I would know better results after week one.
Busts;
Kyle Rudolph vs Green Bay Packers
Chris Herndon vs Buffalo Bills
Ian Thomas vs Las Vegas Raiders
thoughtsfromthebench.com 