RADIO
Unless you have Rob Gronkowski or Greg Olsen on your team, chances are you've a hard time getting consistency from your tight end. Luckily, there are four guys who are sure to have solid outings this week.
Delanie Walker exploded for 23.5 fantasy points against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9, and he was glad to have Marcus Mariota back under center. Walker has been a target machine for the Titans’ under-performing offense this year, totaling 28 catches over his last four games. Walker found the end zone twice last week and was Mariota’s favorite target. As the Titans’ best receiving threat, Walker is sure to get plenty of looks against Carolina.
Kyle Rudolph has caught two passes in each of his last six games, and fantasy owners have to be frustrated with his lack of production. Fortunately, the Vikings are playing the Raiders this week, who rank dead-last in covering the tight end. Oakland has a top-10 rushing defense, and Teddy Bridgewater will have to throw the ball against the Raiders. Look for Rudolph to get some targets against a depleted Oakland secondary.
Travis Kelce found the end zone for the first time since Week 1 when he scored against the Detroit Lions in London, and he’s still Alex Smith’s most reliable target. Smith has never been known to stretch the field, which is why Kelce remains a strong play.
He’s caught at least five passes in each of his last three games, and the Chiefs will face a Denver Broncos defense without Demarcus Ware, Shane Ray and Aqib Talib. He may not find the end zone, but Kelce is sure to get his share of looks.
Until last week, Gary Barnidge had scored double-digit points in six straight games. However, a divisional road clash on a short week took out the promise of a seventh-straight double-digit outing. Now, the Browns will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are one of the worst when it comes to defending the tight end.
The Browns haven’t had much to cheer for this season, but Barnidge has been one of their few bright spots. Raiders’ tight end Clive Walford found the end zone against Pittsburgh last week, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see Barnidge do the same. After all, he already has six touchdowns this season.
