When it came to the tight ends last weekend, this was my one bright spot for predicting things. Rob Gronkowski was my start and he did very well against the Colts. Tyler Conklin was my sit, and he really didn’t do much except catching a couple of passes late in the fourth quarter. Let’s see if we can keep the trend going here!
Starts
Start of the Week;
Logan Thomas vs Las Vegas Raiders
Logan Thomas is questionable, but he should be good to go this week. It is a good thing too because he will be going up against the Las Vegas Raiders. Their defense is next to last in terms of defending against opposing tight ends. That was proven last weekend when two tight ends of the Cowboys were able to score against the Raiders. Thomas should see a huge amount of points in this one.
Jack Doyle vs Houston Texans
Doyle came alive last weekend as he was Carson Wentz’s favorite target. He was able to get major yardage and a touchdown against the Buccaneers which is a great thing for him. He should find this success again when the Colts face off against the Texans. Their defense is ranked 27th against tight ends. They are not good at covering the position, and Jack Doyle should expose them for it.
Tyler Higbee vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Higbee is going up against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Their defense has been okay at guarding tight ends, but now the Jaguars have to defend multiple great receiving threats. I imagine the coverage will go to them leaving Higbee the one to make some big plays down the middle of the field. It is a risky one, but you have to take risks if it means solidifying your playoff spot.
Tyler Conklin vs Detroit Lions
Conklin saw little success last weekend, but he has a much better matchup this weekend against the Detroit Lions. Their defense should be trying to guard the likes of Jefferson and Thielen. I believe there won’t be a lot of long passes thrown his way, but Cousins loves him in the redzone which is where I believe he will thrive here in this one.
Foster Moreau vs Washington Football Team
Foster will get the opportunity to start against the Washington Football Team this week with Darren Waller doubtful for the contest. There were so many times that Carr looked this kid’s way last weekend. The volume alone coupled with the fact that Washington is below average at defending the tight end position makes him a very interesting play this weekend for the Raiders.
Sleepers;
Gerald Everett vs San Francisco 49ers
Jared Cook vs Cincinnati Bengals
Evan Engram vs Miami Dolphins
Sits
Sit of the Week;
Cole Kmet vs Arizona Cardinals
Cole Kmet looked great last weekend catching passes from Andy Dalton. Now to be fair, they did face the Lions. Now they are up against one of the best-ranked teams at defending tight ends; the Arizona Cardinals. It also should be known that Jimmy Graham is still making his presence known on the field. That takes away targets for Kmet. This shouldn’t be a good one for him.
Dawson Knox vs New England Patriots
Knox has carved out a nice path of points this season for the Buffalo Bills. However, he is going up against the Pats. The Patriots are the number one team at defending tight ends. They will target Knox and make him irrelevant in this game. Expect a low scoring performance from him in this one because it just doesn’t seem like he will do good against a great defending team like the Pats.
Dallas Goedert vs New York Jets
This seems like a strange one here, but let me explain. If there is one thing the Jets are good at defensively it is defending against tight ends. Add to the fact that he had one point last weekend against the Giants and Hurts’ injury coming into play makes Goedert a bad name to put on the field this week.
Zach Ertz vs Chicago Bears
Ertz has found success numerous times since joining the Cardinals. However, the Bears are really good at defending against the tight end position. Yes, I know TJ Hockenson scored on them on Thanksgiving, but consider that an anomaly. It will not happen in this one especially if Murray and Hopkins come back into the fray for this one.
Hunter Henry vs Buffalo Bills
Henry has sort of fallen off the wagon a bit with Mac Jones spreading the ball around to literally everyone. I thought this two tight-end system would work in New England, but I don’t believe they will ever mimic the Gronk-Hernandez style that New England had back in the day. He is also going up against the Bills so this isn’t sitting well for me at all.
Busts;
CJ Uzomah vs Los Angeles Chargers
Ryan Griffin vs Philadelphia Eagles
Darren Fells vs Indianapolis Colts
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