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.
As news breaks throughout the week and we adjust our projections (powered by Sean Koerner), player ratings in our Player Models will change as the projections change. For updates, visit the models directly.
And don’t forget about the tools that FantasyLabs has to offer like our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 300 lineups, or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
Finally, make sure to check out all the projections available for purchase within the FantasyLabs Models. Subscribers now have the option to purchase Derek Carty’s THE BLITZ from our Marketplace. Projections from One Week Season and Establish the Run are available if you’re a subscriber to those specific sites (our optimizer is a separate add-on feature).
You can also combine them to create your own aggregate projections:
Top NFL DFS Tight End Picks in the FantasyLabs Models
On DraftKings, there are two tight ends near the top of the individual Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon, Cash Game, and Tournament Player Models.
- Trey McBride
- Evan Engram
We’ll discuss why these two are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other tight ends.
Try Our New SimLabs Tool!
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new NFL DFS simulations tool! Try SimLabs for FREE while it’s still in beta.
Top Model NFL DFS Tight End Picks
Trey McBride ($4,400 DraftKings, $5,900 FanDuel): Arizona Cardinals (+5.5) at Houston Texans (48 total)
The return of Kyler Murray worked wonders for Trey McBride, as he saw nine targets, catching eight balls for 131 yards. It was his second game of 24 or more DraftKings points in his last three contests.
McBride’s usage is strong, and now he gets a great matchup against the Texans. Houston has allowed the most receptions per game to tight ends, and the seventh-most DraftKings points. His price hasn’t fully adjusted to Murray’s return, as he boasts the highest median and ceiling projection on the week despite being the sixth-highest-priced tight end.
He’s the top option in our Cash Game and Tournament Model, as it’s hard to poke any holes in his outlook this week.
Evan Engram ($4,300 DraftKings, $5,700 FanDuel): Jacksonville Jaguars (-7) vs. Tennessee Titans (45 total)
I talk a lot about production without touchdowns, as it’s a more accurate way to look at a player’s actual production. Touchdowns can be flukey, but it isn’t hard to calculate Evan Engram‘s production without touchdowns, as he hasn’t found paydirt yet this season.
His usage is steady, with at least seven targets in every game outside of Week 1. This might not be the prime spot for Engram to find the end zone, as Tennessee has yet to allow a touchdown to a tight end. However, Engram torched this defense last week for 162 yards and two touchdowns on 11 catches.
Engram has the second-highest median and ceiling projection despite being the seventh-highest-priced tight end. He also leads the position in Projected Plus/Minus, and he’s the top option in both Sean Koerner and Chris Raybon’s Pro Models.
Other Notable NFL DFS Tight End Picks
Dalton Schultz ($5,000 DraftKings, $6,800 FanDuel): Houston Texans (-5.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals (48 total)
It took a little while to get going, but Dalton Schultz has started to deliver for the Texans. He has double-digit DraftKings points in five of his last six games, including a monstrous 31-point performance in Week 9.
Arizona used to be a prime target for tight ends, but they’ve actually been formidable this season. The Cardinals have allowed the eighth-fewest DraftKings points to opposing tight ends, as well as the fourth-fewest catches to the position. However, this game is very appetizing, and Schultz has flashed a ceiling in a very concentrated offense. He’s a strong option.
Dalton Kincaid ($4,900 DraftKings, $5,800 FanDuel): Buffalo Bills (-7) vs. New York Jets (39.5 total)
Dalton Kincaid has seen a major uptick in production ever since Dawson Knox went out, with at least 15 DraftKings points in four straight contests. He’s averaged eight targets per game over the four-game stretch, with no fewer than six in a game. This is a solid matchup for Kincaid, as the Jets have been exploitable to opposing tight ends. New York boasts such an elite secondary that production has to funnel somewhere else, which has led to them allowing some solid games to tight ends.
Be sure to check out all the pick’ems Sleeper has to offer with Sleeper Fantasy promo code LABS1 for a $100 deposit match.
My Favorite NFL DFS Tight End Leverage Pick(s)
Michael Mayer ($2,700 DraftKings, $5,600 FanDuel): Las Vegas Raiders (+13.5) at Miami Dolphins (46.5 total)
If you are looking for a cheap option, Michael Mayer is undoubtedly the guy this week. Mayer ran a route on 70% of dropbacks last week while seeing a 24% target rate per route run. He also runs into a matchup with the Dolphins, who have allowed the fifth-highest catch rate and twelfth-most DraftKings points to opposing tight ends.
Las Vegas is also nearly a two-touchdown underdog, so it’s likely they end up with an elevated amount of pass attempts. Mayer’s role is increasing, and he’s in a plus matchup where volume could be plentiful. Using Mayer will also automatically make your build unique, as he’s not projecting for much ownership at all, and most of the field will opt for one of the appealing midrange tight ends.
Mayer looks like a solid option in tournaments in order to differentiate.
