Tight End Matchups to Target in Wild Card Weekend - Mark Andrews, TJ Hockenson, Isaiah Likely

For Wild Card Weekend, we have a mix of proven stars and low-cost darts that offer both safety and upside on DraftKings and FanDuel. With several favorable matchups and key injuries opening up opportunities, this slate offers plenty of potential at the tight end position.

Tight ends often go overlooked in DFS lineups, but their ability to exploit mismatches and capitalize on red-zone opportunities can make them the ultimate game-changers.

Let’s dive into the top plays and how they fit into your DFS builds for this week.

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Mark Andrews – BAL ($4,700 DraftKings, $6,200 FanDuel)

Andrews is the premier tight end option on this slate and for good reason. With Zay Flowers out, Andrews’ role in Baltimore’s offense becomes even more significant. He leads the Ravens in red-zone targets and remains Lamar Jackson’s go-to option in high-leverage situations.

Pittsburgh ranks 28th in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, making this a prime matchup for Andrews. His ability to create mismatches in coverage ensures a high floor, and his touchdown equity gives him slate-breaking potential.

Andrews is a lock for cash lineups due to his reliable usage and matchup advantage. In GPPs, pairing him with Jackson creates a high-upside stack, while using Andrews as a one-off adds stability to tournament lineups. On FanDuel, his slightly higher price is worth it given his touchdown upside.

T.J. Hockenson – MIN ($4,200 DraftKings, $5,900 FanDuel)

Hockenson is a rock-solid option at tight end, especially in a game where Minnesota is expected to rely heavily on its passing attack. Averaging 5.8 targets per game, Hockenson has a consistent role in the Vikings' offense, and his red-zone involvement enhances his ceiling.

The Rams rank 30th in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, presenting a juicy matchup that Hockenson is well-positioned to exploit. His chemistry with Sam Darnold has been reliable, particularly in key situations.

TJ Hockenson didn't play against the Rams in Week 8 but he's back now. He's someone who could give LA trouble in the middle of the field.

Rams allowed 4th-most yards and 7 touchdowns to TEs this season.

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) January 9, 2025

Hockenson is an excellent cash play on DraftKings due to his consistent target volume and low price. On FanDuel, he’s slightly less appealing compared to Andrews but remains a strong GPP option given his touchdown potential. Stacking him with Darnold in GPPs provides solid correlation in a favorable matchup.

Isaiah Likely – BAL ($3,200 DraftKings, $4,800 FanDuel)

Likely is the ultimate dart-throw GPP play, but he comes with legitimate upside in this spot. With the Ravens expected to deploy more 12-personnel formations due to Zay Flowers’ absence, Likely’s snap share and route participation should increase.

While Mark Andrews will dominate the targets, Likely’s red-zone involvement and big-play ability give him some sneaky upside. At his price, he’s a perfect salary-saver for tournament lineups.

Isaiah Likely and the @Ravens jump out in front.

📺: #PITvsBAL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/TEccpmY5Ou

— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2024

Likely is a great low-cost option to differentiate GPP lineups. He pairs well with Jackson for a double-stack that captures Baltimore’s passing volume, or he can be used as a standalone punt to create room for studs like Derrick Henry or Justin Jefferson. On FanDuel, his low salary opens up flexibility while offering touchdown upside.

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your DFS contests!

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