DFS Tight End Analysis: Week 13

Nov 29, 2017

DFS is a game of exploiting a lot of small edges, therefore all options at each position should be explored every week. Below is an analysis of this week’s tight ends on the main slate, including the upside and downside of the most viable players on the slate with explanations for how you might adjust your approach to the position depending on the game type.

Chalk

Ownership has been slanted towards the most expensive tight ends for much of the season, but this week the most popular plays are mid-range players in extraordinary matchups. Overall, pricing has continued to climb at the position, so pivoting away from the chalk this week will likely mean going up in salary.

When adjusted for strength of schedule, no team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing tight ends than the Browns, making Hunter Henry ($5,400 FD/$4,700 DK) one of the most popular options at his position this week. No team has allowed more receptions to tight ends this year than Cleveland, and only one defense has allowed more fantasy points per target to the position. While the Chargers are favored by 13.5 points with an implied point total of 28, Henry hasn’t seen more than 5 targets in a game since Week 6 and he’s accounted for less than 20% of the Chargers' red zone targets this season.
With Amari Cooper sidelined because of injury and Michael Crabtree suspended, it’s likely Jared Cook ($5,500/$5,400) will be the Raiders' primary pass-catching option in Week 13. The Raiders face a Giants defense ranked 29th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed (aFPA) to tight ends, as the only team that’s allowed at least 10 touchdowns to the position this season. Oakland is favored by 7.5 points at home with a respectable projected point total over 25, but Cook has converted just 1-of-9 red zone targets into a touchdown this year.