The C.R.E.A.M of the crop (the highest salaries). If you’re looking to spend money on a TE we recommend:
Going into the Bears week 7 bye, Martellus Bennett saw 13, 11, and 11 targets in the three games prior. Bennett went into his week 6 matchup with the Lions as questionable with a quad injury, but was still able to produce at a high level. After the bye, there should be no more injury concerns with the quad. Bennett’s numbers took a hit in the game and a half Jay Cutler was out with a hamstring injury, only seeing 10 targets for 63 yards. Bennett has a proven rapport with Cutler, and the return of Alshon Jeffery should continue to provide defensive relief for Bennett. The Vikings have only given up 2 touchdowns to tight ends on the season, both to Eric Ebron, who has a similar skillset to Bennett. In the last 4 meetings with the Vikings, The Bears average 2 passing touchdowns a game. Bennett only has 2 touchdowns on the season, but Sunday looks like a good chance to get back in the end zone.
“Bull” is inspired by a Bull Market on Wall Street. If you’re looking for a high ceiling with a moderate salary:
Antonio Gates has not practiced all week, and early word out of San Diego is he could miss multiple games. First glace shows Baltimore is elite at defending tight ends, but Ladarius Green plays more like a wide receiver. 3 of Green’s 4 touchdowns on the season have come either out of the slot, or off the line of scrimmage. Those 3 scores were plays over 15 yards. Green has a mediocre average depth of target (aDOT) of 7.3, but has an outstanding run after the catch of 6.1, creating mismatches with opposing defenses. The Chargers have a pass rate of 67% and Green is averaging 6 targets per game, including 1 red zone target per game. Expect ownership levels to be elevated for Green, but he makes for excellent value.
If you’re looking for near minimum salary with the potential to out perform the Blue Chip market:
Josh Hill had high expectations going into the season, but was passed on the depth chart by Benjamin Watson in the preseason. Since, Hill has flown under the radar and hasn’t been considered as a DFS option. If you take a deeper look at the numbers, they tell a different story. Hill averaging 45% snaps per game, many of those coming in the red zone. Hill is 6’5’ and 230 pounds which makes him a staple in goal line sets and a big weapon in play action passes. Hill had a potential 2 yard touchdown called back Sunday due to penalty. New Orleans has the highest implied point total of the week at 27.5, so the Saints should get plenty of red zone looks. Over the last 3 weeks, the giants have given up touchdowns on 62.5% of opponent scoring chances, which ranks 26th in the league over that span.
“Bear” also draws inspiration from Wall Street. Stay away this week:
Gary Barnidge may be the biggest surprise through the first half of the season, but the success will be halted on Sunday. Josh McCown has targeted Barnidge no less than 6 times since week 3. In week 2 Barnidge was targeted only once by Johnny Manziel, when McCown was out with a concussion. Unfortunately for Barnidge and the Browns, McCown is questionable with a Shoulder injury that caused on early exit on Sunday. Even if McCown can go, the Browns face a Cardinals defense that has not allowed a touchdown to a tight end all season. After a streak of at least 1 touchdown in 4 straight games, Barnidge’s streak was snapped last Sunday, and I don’t see him getting in the end zone for a second week in a row.
