Week 16 Rankings (2016): Top 20 Tight Ends

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

We all know the frustrating nature of the tight end position (maybe not quite to the extent of kickers), though as the season has worn on a nice group of dependable options has developed.  Are they going to post a dud on occasion?  Absolutely, but you can say that about anyone.  Now the question is who to trust with your fantasy title on the line.  Let’s take a look:

1. Zach Ertz – Philadelphia Eagles – vs. New York Giants
2. Greg Olsen – Carolina Panthers – vs. Atlanta
3. Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs – vs. Denver
4. Kyle Rudolph – Minnesota Vikings – at Green Bay
5. Jordan Reed – Washington Redskins – at Chicago
6. Delanie Walker – Tennessee Titans – at Jacksonville
7. Tyler Eifert – Cincinnati Bengals – at Houston
8. Ladarius Green – Pittsburgh Steelers – vs. Baltimore
9. Cameron Brate – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – at New Orleans
10. Martellus Bennett – New England Patriots – vs. New York Jets
11. Jimmy Graham – Seattle Seahawks – vs. Arizona
12. Hunter Henry – San Diego Chargers – at Cleveland
13. Antonio Gates – San Diego Chargers – at Cleveland
14. C.J. Fiedorowicz – Houston Texans – vs. Cincinnati
15. Gary Barnidge – Cleveland Browns – vs. San Diego
16. Eric Ebron – Detroit Lions – at Dallas
17. Jason Witten – Dallas Cowboys – vs. Detroit
18. Dennis Pitta – Baltimore Ravens – at Pittsburgh
19. Jack Doyle – Indianapolis Colts – at Oakland
20. Coby Fleener – New Orleans Saints – vs. Tampa Bay

Thoughts:

• Zach Ertz continued to operate as the key to the offense, turning 8 targets into 6 receptions and 80 yards in Week 15.  He’s now had 79+ yards in three straight games, and while we’d like to see him finding the end zone more (only 1 TD over this span, 2 TD on the season), he’s getting opportunities and taking advantage of them.  The Giants defense has been great of late, though not against opposing tight ends.
• It was interesting to see Jeremy Maclin lead the Chiefs in targets (8), considering how well Travis Kelce had been producing leading into the game.  That’s definitely a concern, and one that’s going to keep him out of the top few spots in a difficult matchup (though he’s still among the best options in the league).
• Are we ready to depend on Ladarius Green?  Of course not, but it’s nice to see him get 8 targets and produce 5 catches for 72 yards.  He should see ample opportunities against a Baltimore defense that has actually struggled against opposing tight ends of late (seventh most points per week over the past four weeks).  He’s well worth firing up as a TE1, given the upside to produce.
• We may not want to trust Martellus Bennett, but the Jets’ defense is that bad.  He’s had some monster games this season and this could be a spot where he pops off another.  He’s not a high-end option, but he’s one worth gambling on.
• Antonio Gates or Hunter Henry?  Hunter Henry or Antonio Gates?  The potential for either one to operate as the lead tight end makes it a tough situation to bank on.  Then again the matchup keeps them on the map, depending on who else you’re holding on to.

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