Honorable mention: Brock Bowers (LVR), Travis Kelce (KC), Jonnu Smith (MIA)
Honorable mention: Jake Ferguson (DAL), Sam LaPorta (DET), Cole Kmet (CHI)
Start: Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints
Damn it, BYE WEEK! Taysom nearly dropped a 40-burger and you give him a week off for it? WHY DO YOU HATE US? He’s back this week against the Rams and throw out Los Angeles’ ranks against the position because there isn’t a ranking for points allowed to the QB/RB/WR/TE position. Taysom did it all against Cleveland, and we love Darren Rizzi for utilizing this weapon the way Doc prophesized he should be in the preseason. He lines up everywhere, he scores from everywhere, and he’s schemed around offensively and defensively. He’s locked in ROS, so get him in there.
Start: T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
Thanks to overtime, when the Bears defense was present but not accounted for, as TJ racked up the touches, yards, and points to slide him into the top five at the position for the week. And for his part, TJ said he’s feeling better and ready to roll for the rest of the year – and I’m here for it. TJ is Kittle/Kelve/Bowers level when he’s on, so this is good news for us. I’m really not all that concerned about the matchup either because when the Cardinals play a decent tight end, they’re susceptible (LaPorta, Kittle, and Dissly all got ‘em). They don’t give up touchdowns (only one all season to the position), so the receptions and yardage will have to do. And I’m ok with that.
Sit: Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Mark Andrews has mostly been there for us since he woke up in Week 6, right? Five games out of seven in the top 10 (three of which were top three), and a very sturdy floor. My sit recommendation isn’t about him. Quite frankly, I just don’t like the matchup. I think the Eagles defense is smoke and mirrors (which, whatever, because they’re getting the job done), but they are really good at taking the tight end out of the game script. Outside Zach Ertz in Week 11, this unit has surrendered just one touchdown to the position all season. And a quick check of the matchups reveals they’ve played some pretty good tight ends this season, so it’s legit. Oh, and here’s another little nugget if you buy into the pattern methodology – Andrews has alternated good/bad weeks since Week 8, and he had a good week in Week 12. It’s Baltimore, and the O/U is the highest on the slate, so Andrews could go HAM. I’ve got several shares and am only starting him where I do not have a better option.
Sit: Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts had a nice little stretch there from Weeks 5 through 8, but those matchups were soft as baby dookie. With two finishes outside the top 40 in his last three games, Pitts simply disappears against good defenses. This week he gets the Chargers, who have been good all season against the position, especially the past four weeks. Pitts has all the physical talent in the world and was billed as generational, coming out of Florida as pick 1.4 in 2021. But PFF hates him (33rd), and his usage doesn’t suggest his lackluster ways will end anytime soon. Outside his rookie season, it just hasn’t worked out for him, and I’m not sure it ever will again. I won’t say never, but I will say not this week.