The New Picture at Tight End
When Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert went down, the tight end picture was seismically changed, with two top-five options taken out of circulation. The value of Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews went up significantly, and suddenly, starting T.J. Hockenson and Dalton Schultz looked a lot better. Tight ends that we had already decided to move on from, like Kyle Pitts, are now seen through a lens of renewed hope. The teams had Ertz and Goedert might be contenders, which makes them easier teams to trade with because of the urgency to win.
Tight Ends to Sell to Ertz/Goedert Teams
Cole Kmet, Chicago - Kmet has been scoring at a torrid pace, with five scores in the last three games, but he hasn’t exactly turned into a downfield threat, adding little in terms of yardage save for the one play that the Lions defense lost track of him. The Falcons have only allowed one score to tight ends this year, and the Bears are still a low-volume passing game, which makes Kmet touchdown dependent. On top of all that, Kmet was drafted low enough (or added on waivers), which means if you have him, you can probably spare him)
Hayden Hurst, Cincinnati - Hurst is past his bye, and he has been a consistent option in PPR leagues. JaMarr Chase should be back soon, which could increase the value of each target Hurst gets, but it will surely leave him with a smaller slice of the opportunity pie. Hurst isn’t going to change your season, but he might look attractive to a team that is going to start Tanner Hudson or Trey McBride if they don’t make a trade this week.
Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams - Higbee was a PPR wonder as a dependable short-range target in a struggling offense, then faded in the background of the passing game when the Rams tried to jump-start the offense after the bye. Last week, Cooper Kupp was ineffective and then hurt, and voila, Higbee was racking up short catches again. Will that persist with all of the offensive line issues? Will Kyren Williams become the main outlet as his snap count goes up?
Get whatever blood you can from this stone from a distressed team.
Tight Ends to Buy IF YOU LOST ERTZ/GOEDERT
David Njoku, Cleveland - He’s still not 100%, but could return this week against Buffalo. He was already a strong TE1 before his injury, but when Deshaun Watson returns in Week 13, Njoku could get additional value boost.
Kyle Pitts, Atlanta - You can’t get Pitts in dynasty, but in redraft, he might be available. He is getting open, Marcus Mariota has said he needs to do a better job of getting the ball to Pitts, and it’s always possible that with two-plus months playing together under their belts now, this duo could get things figured. Hope springs eternal when you’re pushing for a championship.
Cade Otton, Tampa Bay - He was still the primary tight end with Cameron Brate back on the field last week. Otton is on his bye, so the rookie should be free on the waiver wire. Tom Brady has showed a willingness to target him in big moments and in the red zone.