What's up ballers? We're about to begin the fantasy football playoffs, are you ready? I know we certainly are. This is the time we've all been waiting for, so let's win some leagues.
As usual, I’ll be recommending the best waiver wire pickups and potential sleepers for the tight end position. While tight ends are very unpredictable week to week, and it’s especially difficult to get consistent results from outside the top seven, we’re not going to stop trying to find the best tight end waiver wire options for you week for Week 14 and your playoffs run.
All of my waiver wire recommendations will be organized by priority, so those players closer to the top of the article are the more valuable ones to target. To help make it easier, I will clearly indicate levels of waiver pickup importance. With that said, let’s get to it!
Fantasy Football Tight Ends (TE) – Week 14
Jordan Reed (TE, WAS) - 52% owned in Fleaflicker leagues
This week I'll be recommending the injury plagued but also very talented Jordan Reed. I will admit that his matchup this week is not great versus the Rams, but I'm liking his matchup the following week a lot. With Colt McCoy at quarterback, the Redskins offense has played much better than with Robert Griffin III at the helm.
When Reed and McCoy have both played, they have shown chemistry. During those three games Reed has received 24 targets (8 per game), 21 catches (7 per game) and 217 yards (72 yards per game). The disappointing part with these numbers is there are zero touchdowns, which limits his value in standard leagues. If you are looking for a tight end in PPR leagues, Reed is a must add off the Week 14 waiver wire.
Recommendation: Waiver wire pickup in 10+ team leagues (PPR)
Jordan Cameron (TE, CLE) - 65% owned in Fleaflicker leagues
This coming week the Cleveland Browns will be facing a Indianapolis Colts team has given the 4th most points to opposing TEs. Enter stage left Jordan Cameron as my next tight end recommendation off the waiver wire. Cameron, who has had an injury plagued season, still has the skills and size to succeed.
With the return of Josh Gordon, I expect that this will create lanes and opportunities for Cameron this week (assuming he's healthy). Last season when Gordon and Cameron were on the field, Cameron was a top 5 fantasy TE. At this point I don't know if he will play, but if he does he's worth a start if you're hurting at the tight end position.
Recommendation: Waiver wire pickup in 12+ team leagues (standard, PPR)
Coby Fleener / Dwayne Allen (TE, IND) - 71% / 63% owned in Fleaflicker leagues
Last week Coby Fleener had a prime matchup versus the Jaguars and sadly disappointed many fantasy owners (including me). With Dwayne Allen out for a second week, Fleener bounced back in a big way with 4 catches, 127 yards and two touchdowns. Looking at Week 14, the status of Allen is unknown so it is possible Fleener could be the starting TE again.
However I would also temper expectations based on his upcoming matchups and the pending return of Allen. At this point I would consider Fleener a bench tight end option, injury fill-in or matchup play (Weeks 16 & 17) -- but nothing more than that. If Allen is back, feel free to plug him into your lineups if you're hurting at the tight end position, as he can hold similar value as well.
Recommendation: Waiver wire pickup in 12+ team leagues (standard, PPR)
Tight Ends (TE) for Deeper Leagues
Garret Graham / Ryan Griffin (TE, HOU) - 6% owned in Fleaflicker leagues
My last recommendation is for super deep leagues. Looking at the upcoming schedule for the Texans, I see favorable matchups for their tight ends Garret Graham or Ryan Griffin. Graham is the starter, but is banged up so I'll recommend both since I don't know who will be starting this week. Over the last 3 weeks, the Texans have scored 3 TDs with their TEs (including J.J. Watt).
With the upcoming matchups of Jacksonville twice and Indianapolis once, I like the prospects of their tight ends scoring another 1-2 TDs. If you are in a deep league with little TE options out there, I'd consider trying the starting TE for Houston.
Recommendation: Waiver pickup in 14+ team leagues
Honorable Mentions
Charles Clay (MIA), Jared Cook (STL), Mychal Rivera (OAK), Jacob Tamme(DEN), Jace Amaro (NYJ), Scott Chandler (BUF)
Tight Ends (TE) for Shallower Leagues
Larry Donnell (NYG), Heath Miller (PIT), Kyle Rudolph (MIN), Owen Daniels (BAL)
I hope these guys help you in your matchup next week and going forward for the season. If anyone has any specific questions or is looking for any assistance, hit me up @businesssoxroto. See you all next week, RotoBallers!