In this piece, I highlight tight ends that stand out in our large suite of analytical fantasy tools, most specifically, our FantasyLabs Player Models. While the models are built for DFS contests, this is an all-purpose fantasy article with actionable information for all formats.
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Top NFL DFS Tight End Picks in the FantasyLabs Models
On DraftKings, there are three tight ends near the top of the individual Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon, Cash Game, and Tournament Player Models.
- Sam LaPorta
- Trey McBride
- Brevin Jordan
We’ll discuss why these three are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other tight ends.
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Top Model NFL DFS Tight End Picks
Sam LaPorta ($5,600 DraftKings, $7,000 FanDuel): Detroit Lions (-4.5) at New Orleans Saints (47 total)
Sam LaPorta started last week’s game scorching hot, with two catches for 38 yards and a touchdown on Detroit’s first drive of the game. He didn’t do much after, finishing the game with five catches for 47 yards on eight targets.
He hasn’t been an integral part of the Detroit offense, as we’ve seen his usage eb and flow week in and week out. However, the upside for heavy usage is certainly there. He had eight targets last week and has double-digit targets in three games this year. Even if his usage is low, he’s still a capable red zone threat, with five touchdowns on the year.
The Saints have allowed the ninth-most DraftKings points to opposing tight ends and one of the highest touchdown rates in the league to the position.
LaPorta is the top option in our Tournament Model this weekend.
Trey McBride ($4,900 DraftKings, $6,700 FanDuel): Arizona Cardinals (+6.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (41 total)
DraftKings continues to slowly bump Trey McBride‘s price, but it’s still too cheap. He has one of the strongest roles of any tight end in the league. Over the past five weeks, he’s run a route on over 80% of the dropbacks, with 28% of the team targets.
It’s worth noting that he’s dealing with a groin injury heading into this week’s matchup with Pittsburgh. He practiced in a limited fashion on Thursday and Friday. This game kicks off at 1:00, so we’ll have news of McBride’s status at least 90 minutes prior to game time.
The matchup is daunting as well, with Pittsburgh allowing the third-fewest yards per target and eighth-fewest DraftKings points per game to opposing tight ends.
However, McBride is still too cheap and is the top option in our Cash Game Model this week.
Brevin Jordan ($2,500 DraftKings, $4,300 FanDuel): Houston Texans (+3) vs. Denver Broncos (47.5 total)
Dalton Schultz has been ruled out for this week’s matchup, thrusting Brevin Jordan into a great role at a discounted price in a smash matchup. Jordan saw two targets in Schultz’s absence last week after the veteran left the game with his hamstring injury. With a full week of practice, Jordan should get integrated into the offense.
Denver has allowed the third-most yards per target to opposing tight ends and the most DraftKings points per game. We’ve seen Schultz take up a big red zone role, with five touchdowns this year. It’s unclear if Jordan will slot right in as a red zone threat or if those targets will disperse elsewhere.
Regardless, this price is far too cheap for Jordan. He laps the position in Points/Salary and Projected Plus/Minus. He’s the top option in Chris Raybon and Sean Koerner’s Pro Models.
Other Notable NFL DFS Tight End Picks
Juwan Johnson ($3,400 DraftKings, $4,900 FanDuel): New Orleans Saints (+4.5) vs. Detroit Lions (47 total)
Juwan Johnson saw great usage last week, running a route on 85% of the team dropbacks while seeing seven targets. He caught four balls for 45 yards. New Orleans is deprived of pass-catching talent this week, with Michael Thomas on IR, Rashid Shaheed out, and Chris Olave questionable.
Johnson has shown a prominent red zone role in the past and is in line to see some solid usage in a plus matchup. Detroit has allowed the 13th-most DraftKings points to opposing tight ends and the ninth-highest touchdown rate.
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My Favorite NFL DFS Tight End Leverage Pick(s)
David Njoku ($4,100 DraftKings, $5,600 FanDuel): Cleveland Browns (+4) at Los Angeles Rams (36 total)
The quarterback change definitely diminishes David Njoku’s outlook slightly, as he was a target monster with Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center. Njoku saw nine, 15, and nine targets over the past three games. He’s been a model of consistency, with double-digit DraftKings points in six straight games and in seven of his last eight.
This matchup is advantageous as well, with Los Angeles allowing the second-most yards per target and eighth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing tight ends.
With Brevin Jordan opening up a lot of value, Njoku’s ownership will certainly fall, making him a strong tournament play this weekend.
