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When it comes to fantasy football, tight ends are one of the hardest positions to nail down. They are unpredictable, often becoming a top-10 TE for the week with a single touchdown catch.
Additionally, they have been known for vanishing entirely. Ever check to see if a player is injured in-game because they have seen zero targets? Yes, it happens a lot with tight ends.
My fantasy playoffs last night came down to Kyle Pitts… wouldn’t wish that on anyone fr.
— Chase (@iChvse) December 17, 2024
That is why picking the right one is crucial, especially as we focus on getting to our league's championship. I've got a mix of stars, sleepers, and potential busts to help you navigate your Week 16 matchups. Let's get into it.
Week 16 Starts - Fantasy Football Booms
Sam LaPorta - TE, Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Sam LaPorta has been a productive tight end this season, currently the TE13 in PPR leagues. The Iowa product has seen at least six targets in six of his last seven games, providing a steady floor for fantasy managers looking to fire him up this weekend.
His Week 15 performance was outstanding, with seven catches on 10 targets for 111 yards in a high-scoring battle against the Bills. The 23-year-old ended the week as TE3.
Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta for a gain of 31#BUFvsDET | 📺 CBS#ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/aZDMIMoRbU
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 16, 2024
This week's contest versus the Bears is favorable for the TE, with the Bears having difficulty against tight ends over the last month. Chicago has given up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the position during that span. In Week 13, LaPorta torched the Bears for 15.6 PPR points, including two trips to the end zone. He has already dominated them once, so he looks to do it again.
The Bears defense has shown vulnerability to tight ends, particularly in the red zone, where the 23-year-old excels. With Jared Goff's trust and a track record of being dependable for fantasy managers, the tight end is a lock for another strong performance.
Dalton Kincaid - TE, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots
Returning from a knee injury in Week 15, Dalton Kincaid wasted no time re-establishing himself in the Buffalo Bills passing attack. He tied for the team lead with seven targets, bringing in four for 53 yards. While the former first-rounder did not hit double-digit PPR points, his involvement was encouraging.
This week, the Bills face a Patriots defense that has recently struggled against tight ends. Over the past four weeks, they have surrendered the third-most fantasy points per game to the position.
Having a tight end that can beat a 1st round cornerback is a huge benefit for the #Bills
Dalton Kincaid 📈 pic.twitter.com/BhCMSVbHX4
— Carl Jones (@Jones11_) December 16, 2024
Trey McBride's nine-catch performance against the Patriots last week highlights how exploitable this matchup can be for tight ends. Additionally, with TE Dawson Knox taking a backseat, Kincaid has even more of a shot at a big game.
Josh Allen is looking to get the ball to all of his playmakers, and Kincaid's role as a security blanket adds value to your fantasy roster. Fantasy managers seeking a reliable option with upside should feel confident plugging the Utah product into their lineups.
Chig Okonkwo - TE, Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
Having a productive game last week, Chig Okonkwo set season-highs in catches (eight), targets (10), and receiving yards (59). The in-game shift to Mason Rudolph at quarterback helped the Tennessee Titans offense, and Okonkwo benefited from a hefty 26.3% target share.
This week, the Colts will be the Titans' competition. The Colts defense provides a perfect opportunity for Okonkwo to build on last week's success. The Colts have permitted nine touchdowns to tight ends this season, tied for second most in the league.
Chig Okonkwo 👀.
What a run after the catch!
pic.twitter.com/0qRvjx7xXc— A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) November 24, 2024
With Rudolph recently named the starter over Will Levis, Okonkwo is in line for another strong outing. He is a solid TE1 option this week with a clear upside. Side note: I want to call Rudolph "Rudolph the Red Zone Reindeer," but we already gave that title to Kyle Rudolph.
The Colts defense has had difficulty containing explosive plays from tight ends, and the 25-year-old's ability to create yards after the catch makes him even more important to fantasy rosters. He is a perfect choice for managers in need of a high-upside play. Yes, this one comes with a bit of a risk, but you're playing him if you don't have a more consistent option.
Week 16 Concerns - Fantasy Football Busts
Tucker Kraft - TE, Green Bay Packers vs. New Orleans Saints
I know Tucker Kraft is currently the TE8 in PPR leagues, but he has been touchdown-dependent, tallying seven TDs this season. In Week 15, he saw just two targets, converting them into 34 yards. The former third-rounder's role in the Packers offense remains limited, making him a risky play.
He faces the Saints in this week's contest, a defense conceding the fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends over the last four weeks. They have given up only one touchdown to the position all season. Despite Kraft's high ranking, he should be viewed as a TE2 this week.
The Packers passing game runs through their wide receivers, and the Saints have surrendered the eighth-most fantasy points to WRs over the last month. It could be a game where one of the Packers wideouts has a boom game. Fantasy managers should explore other options at tight end in such an important week, leaving Kraft out of the starting roster.
Dalton Schultz - TE, Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
Dalton Schultz continues to struggle in the Texans offense, and Week 15 was no exception. He hauled in two passes for 13 yards in a game where C.J. Stroud threw for just 131 yards. Schultz has only scored one touchdown this season, in Week 13, and he has been a non-factor in most games.
Week 16's contest taking on the Chiefs will not improve the TE's outlook. The Chiefs have permitted just four touchdowns to tight ends all year, so Schultz's limited production makes him an option to avoid. His fantasy value hinges on finding the end zone in this one, which is too big of a gamble for fantasy managers in the semifinals.
Schultz's low target volume has been a consistent issue, making him an unappealing option even in PPR leagues. He has seen less than four targets in each of his last four contests. With the Texans passing attack struggling, the 28-year-old is better left on the bench for Week 16.
Grant Calcaterra - TE, Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders
When Dallas Goedert went on injured reserve, Grant Calcaterra was a hot waiver add, but he has not provided fantasy managers with steady fantasy numbers. In Week 15, he brought in just one pass for 22 yards, ending the game with 3.2 PPR points. The presence of playmakers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in the Philadephia Eagles offense limits the TE's opportunities.
In this upcoming game, Calcaterra faces the Washington Commanders. The Commanders have surrendered seven touchdowns to tight ends this season. Sure, five came in the last six games, but Calcaterra has only scored once this season.
Even with Goedert sidelined, the former sixth-rounder has failed to carve out a meaningful role. Fantasy managers should avoid the temptation to start him, even in deeper leagues. There are much better options available on waivers, like Brenton Strange (if healthy), Noah Gray, and the previously mentioned Chig Okonkwo.
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