The C.R.E.A.M of the crop (the highest salaries). If you’re looking to spend money on Tight End we recommend:
This is the Patriots spreading things out against Buffalo in week 2, I expect the Bengals to do the same. The Bills’ stout front four will cause the Bengals to attack the Bills through the air. Bills CB Stephon Gilmore is having a breakout year and I would expect him to shadow Green. While I don’t think Gilmore completely shuts him down, he will do a good enough job to Have Dalton look elsewhere. If the Bills have a weakness it is the coverage ability of the their safeties and LB’s, Eifert will get plenty of matchups against them and continue his breakout year.
“Bull” is inspired by a Bull Market on Wall Street. If you’re looking for a high ceiling with a moderate salary:
This is a very tough decision at this salary tier, as I could make a case for Clay and Jordan Cameron too….however, let’s go with the ultimate boom or bust pick: Fleener
This matchup presents 2 improved run defenses and 2 struggling pass defenses. I expect both teams to spread the field and throw.
Fleener is clearly the pass catching TE on the Colts and has had big games against the patriots in the past. The above video shows a 45 yard gain last season as the patriots focused on stopping Hilton and Wayne. This is by no means a safe pick, but because the Colts will likely be throwing more often to try to keep up, Fleener could have another big 7-144 game like week 11 last years vs. the Pats.
If you’re looking for near minimum salary with the potential to out perform the Blue Chip market:
I actually like both Ertz and Donnell at this tier… but with more usage, I’d lean Donnell here:
This pains me to write, because if you follow us Donnell is one of my least favorite players to watch on film…..however
Giants backup TE Daniel Fells is on IR so Donnell usage has increased
The Giants absolutely cannot get run game going and will struggle against Phil strong run D which will mean Eli has to open it up again
The Eagles cornerbacks have improved each week and will create more check down opportunities for Donnell
After the impressive game winning catch this last week, shown above, Eli will have more trust throwing Donnell way
Finally, with the high 50 point over/under total on the game, this game could turn into a shootout and any time the Giants get into the Redzone, Donnell is a top target….8 targets on the year is 3rd behind only Olsen and Eifert.
“Bear” also draws inspiration from Wall Street. Stay away this week:
Gates has had a recent history of Jekyll and Hyde performances
Because of the tough GB defense…I’m going hyde this week
The Packers defense is talented, deep and versatile
The above video shows the Packers versatility that allows them to match up a DB on Gates a majority of the time (Micah Hyde on Jared Cook above)
Clay Matthews and the dangerous Gb pass rush will irritate Rivers all day.
Green Bay will dominate this game and it will take Gates some garbage time stats to reach his value….there’s plenty of other TE matchups I prefer than Gates this week.
