In this piece, I highlight tight ends who 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. For updates, visit the models directly.
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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.
- Mark Andrews
- Greg Dulcich
- Hayden Hurst
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
Mark Andrews ($6,500 DraftKings, $7,300 FanDuel): Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (43.5 total)
After battling some injuries, Mark Andrews is now the cheapest he’s been since Week 2. It didn’t seem like Andrews had any limitations last week, as he ran a route on 97.3% of dropbacks. He caught six-of-eight targets for 63 yards. It was a modest stat line for Andrews, but it’s good to see him healthy.
When Andrews is on the field, he’s seen a target on 33.5% of snaps, which is the highest rate at the tight end position. He now gets a matchup against the Jaguars who have allowed 9.1 yards per target, and a 5.2% touchdown rate. Andrews is one of few players who are viable regardless of the matchup, so he’s definitely in play when the stars align and he faces a defense that can’t defend tight ends.
Andrews has one of the highest ceilings at the tight end position, and we’re getting a price discount in a cupcake matchup for a healthy Andrews.
He leads our Tournament Model, and he has the second-highest ceiling projection of the week.
Greg Dulcich ($3,700 DraftKings, $5,300 FanDuel): Denver Broncos (-1.5) at Carolina Panthers (36 total)
Greg Dulcich has a secure role in the Denver offense, having run a route on 91%, 82%, and 84% of dropbacks over the past three weeks. He’s seen five, four, and five targets over the same span, and it’s likely he hovers around those numbers all year. He is an explosive athlete and has the potential to rip off big plays. We saw him get a 39-yard touchdown in his first game back from injury, and he had a 38-yard catch just a few weeks later.
It’s tough to hitch your wagon to anyone in the Denver passing game, but with how cheap Dulcich is, he doesn’t need much to pay off. The matchup is middling, as Carolina has allowed 7.1 yards per target, and a 4.1% touchdown rate, both ranking 14th in the league.
Dulcich is tied at the top of the position in Projected Plus/Minus and Points/Salary. He also has the third-highest ceiling projection, despite being the seventh-priced tight end.
He is the top tight end in Sean Koerner’s Pro Model and our Cash Game Model.
Hayden Hurst ($3,300 DraftKings, $5,100 FanDuel): Cincinnati Bengals (-1.5) at Tennessee Titans (43 total)
Hayden Hurst’s role hasn’t really changed with Ja’Marr Chase’s absence, but his underlying metrics are still solid. He’s run a route on 74% of dropbacks on the year, with a 14% target share. Tight end is consistently a gross position, and picking the tight end on the No. 3 scoring offense in the league isn’t a bad strategy.
Hurst only has two touchdowns on the year, yet he’s produced fairly well. Averaging 8.5 DraftKings points per game as a tight end with minimal touchdowns is an impressive feat. The matchup is fairly tough, with Tennessee ranking eighth in catch rate allowed to tight ends and seventh in touchdown rate allowed.
With Tennessee being a stout run defense, and Cincinnati already missing Joe Mixon, the Bengals will likely shift to a pass-heavy game plan. We’ve seen Hurst be capable of handling 7+ targets, as he has four games above that threshold on the season. With a pass-heavy gameplan likely on the horizon and Joe Mixon and Ja’Marr Chase out, Hurst may see a lot of volume this week.
He is the top tight end in Chris Raybon’s Pro Model.
Other Notable NFL DFS Tight End Picks
Travis Kelce ($7,700 DraftKings, $8,200 FanDuel): Kansas City Chiefs (-15.5) vs. Los Angeles Rams (42 total)
There isn’t too much to be said about Travis Kelce, as he clearly has the highest floor and ceiling at the tight end position. After a monstrous three-touchdown performance against the Los Angeles Chargers on primetime, Kelce is up to 11 on the year. He has 20+ DraftKings points in seven games on the year, including in six of his last seven.
It’s hard to poke holes in Kelce’s game, and he gets a pretty solid matchup this week. The Rams are allowing 7.5 yards per target and a 5.9% touchdown rate to tight ends. He’s a solid option in cash games and a great spend-up option in tournaments as well.
Foster Moreau ($3,400 DraftKings, $5,400 FanDuel): Las Vegas Raiders (+4) at Seattle Seahawks (47.5 total)
Foster Moreau has been a staple target at the tight end position since Darren Waller’s injury. He’s practically playing every snap and is a lock to see a handful of targets. He only has one game of more than three catches and has a season-high of 44 receiving yards.
With how ugly the tight end position is, we don’t need much out of Moreau to be viable. The matchup with Seattle is very strong, as they’ve allowed the second-most DraftKings points per game to opposing tight ends. Moreau is a solid choice for salary relief this week.
