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.
- George Kittle
- David Njoku
- Kyle Pitts
We’ll discuss why these three are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other tight ends.
Top Model NFL DFS Tight End Picks
George Kittle ($5,900 DraftKings, $6,600 FanDuel): San Francisco 49ers (-13.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks (46.5 total)
George Kittle had a modest day while everyone else in San Francisco found success. He caught four of six targets for 68 yards.
Kittle flopped in Week 12 when these teams played, catching just three balls for 19 yards. However, he smashed the three weeks prior, with 26.9, 23.6, and 22.9 DraftKings points. That’s the story with Kittle, as there’s rarely a rhyme or reason to his production.
He hasn’t topped five targets in a game against San Francisco against Purdy under center, but the matchup is exploitable. Seattle has allowed the eighth-most yards per target to opposing tight ends, and Kittle can find a ceiling on minimal volume.
He’s the top option in our Tournament Model.
David Njoku ($4,100 DraftKings, $5,500 FanDuel): Cleveland Browns (+3) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (33.5 total)
David Njoku‘s run of consistently came to an end last week, catching just two of six targets for 17 yards. He had double-digit DraftKings points in six straight games prior to last week.
Flacco looked in Njoku’s direction less than Dorian Thompson-Robinson, but his usage is still great and he’s underpriced. He ran a route on 85% of the dropbacks last week, and Jacksonville just allowed six catches for 58 yards to Cincinnati tight ends.
Njoku leads the position in Projected Plus/Minus while being tied at the top in Points/Salary. He’s the top tight end in our Cash Game Model and Sean Koerner’s Pro Model.
Kyle Pitts ($3,700 DraftKings, $5,300 FanDuel): Atlanta Falcons (-2.5) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (41 total)
Kyle Pitts can be frustrating from a fantasy perspective, with less than 10 DraftKings points in six straight games. He had strong usage last week, seeing eight targets and catching four balls for 51 yards.
It is worth noting that this came against the Jets, and New York typically funnels usage away from wide receivers and toward tight ends and running backs.
Tampa Bay is allowing the sixth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing tight ends, and Pitts caught three balls for 47 yards when they last played. Pitts is tied atop the position in Points/Salary, and is second in Projected Plus/Minus.
He’s the top option in Chris Raybon’s Pro Model.
Don’t forget to check out our SImLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineup using the power of simulation:
Other Notable NFL DFS Tight End Picks
Travis Kelce ($7,800 DraftKings, $8,000 FanDuel): Kansas City Chiefs (-1) vs. Buffalo Bills (48.5 total)
Travis Kelce is coming off another mediocre performance for his standards, catching four of five targets for 81 yards against the Packers. He’s failed to top 17 DraftKings points in five straight games. He’s still far and away the top tight end, but at his price, we need 30-point upside.
Is the upside still there? I believe so. Before this five-game skid, Kelce had 38.9, 24.4, and 22.7 DraftKings points. Buffalo has allowed the eighth-fewest DraftKings points to opposing tight ends, but Kelce is a different animal. He’s found the end zone in four of his last five games against Buffalo, with multiple trips to the end zone in two and over 100 yards in two games as well. He’s a strong option in this exciting game environment.
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My Favorite NFL DFS Tight End Leverage Pick(s)
Isaiah Likely ($3,500 DraftKings, $5,200 FanDuel): Baltimore Ravens (-7.5) vs. Los Angeles Rams (39.5 total)
Isiah Likely had strong usage before the bye, catching four of six targets for 40 yards while playing on 73% of the snaps. There’s potential they integrate him even more after the bye, and this matchup is as good as it gets.
Los Angeles has allowed the fourth-most DraftKings points to opposing tight ends and the third-most yards per target.
Likely ranks in the top five in Projected Plus/Minus and Points/Salary at the position. I think he’s still underpriced, and although his ownership is creeping up, there are still a few tight ends projected to be higher owned.
I think getting him at this price is a steal, and he’s my favorite tight end option this weekend.
