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.
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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
- Harrison Bryant
We’ll discuss why these two are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other tight ends.
Top Model NFL DFS Tight End Picks
Trey McBride ($6,000 DraftKings, $6,700 FanDuel): Arizona Cardinals (+3) vs. Seattle Seahawks (47.5 total)
Trey McBride continues to soak up volume in Arizona, with seven or more targets in seven straight games. He’s been less efficient as of late, with just 9.1 and 10.8 DraftKings points over the past two games. He had 22+ DraftKings points in three of his five games prior, averaging 18.5 DraftKings points per game over the stretch.
McBride was still behind Zach Ertz when these teams first played, but he still saw six targets, catching three balls for 29 yards.
Seattle has been middling against opposing tight ends, but they’ve allowed the seventh-most yards per target to the position. McBride ranks sixth in Projected Plus/Minus and is tied for fourth in Points/Salary among all tight ends.
He’s the top option in both our Cash Game and Tournament Models.
Harrison Bryant ($2,500 DraftKings, $4,400 FanDuel): Cleveland Browns (+7) at Cincinnati Bengals (37.5 total)
Harrison Bryant hasn’t seen much run this year, but we have seen David Njoku thrive in the starting tight end position for Cleveland. Njoku has seen eight or more targets in seven of the past eight games.
Now, Harrison Bryant isn’t David Njoku, and Jeff Driskel will be under center for Cleveland, not Joe Flacco. However, it’s unlikely that Kevin Stefanski completely changes up his playcalling. Backup tight ends sometimes cling to their lower a-DOT targets, which would be Bryant in this spot.
This is also the best possible matchup, as Cincinnati has allowed the third-most DraftKings points per game to opposing tight ends.
Bryant is tied for fourth in Points/Salary and ranks seventh in Projected Plus/Minus at the position. He’s the top option in both Sean Koerner and Chris Raybon’s Pro Models.
Don’t forget to check out our SImLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineups using the power of simulation:
Other Notable NFL DFS Tight End Picks
Gerald Everett ($3,900 DraftKings, $5,200 FanDuel): Los Angeles Chargers (-3.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (35 total)
Gerald Everett has been a consistent target ever since Easton Stick took over, seeing at least eight targets in each of the past four games. This hasn’t led to much production, posting between 7.7 and 11.2 DraftKings points in all four games. With a revolving door at receiver due to injuries, the Chargers have leaned on their veteran tight end.
Kansas City has allowed the fifth-fewest DraftKings points per game to opposing tight ends, but it appears they’ll be missing a few starters on defense. They’re opting for health over seeding, as they can’t drop at all, even if they lose on Sunday.
Against a potentially weaker Chiefs’ defense, Everett is a solid value option.
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My Favorite NFL DFS Tight End Leverage Pick(s)
Johnny Mundt ($3,000 DraftKings, $4,500 FanDuel): Minnesota Vikings (+3.5) at Detroit Lions (45.5 total)
Ever since Minnesota lost T.J. Hockenson, Johnny Mundt has slid into a full-time pass-catching role. He’s run 49 pass routes over the past two weeks compared to just 15 for Josh Oliver. He had three targets in Week 16, catching one ball for 23 yards.
He was able to produce last week, catching four of seven targets for 39 yards and a score. Detroit has been middle-of-the-pack against tight ends, allowing 7.4 yards per target and the 15th-most DraftKings points per game to the position.
Mundt would likely be seeing a lot of ownership if this were any other week, but value isn’t really an issue on this slate, so people aren’t flocking to the Minnesota tight end. This game environment is very appealing, and Mundt isn’t projecting for much ownership, making him a prime tournament target.
