Honorable mention: Evan Engram (JAX), Jake Ferguson (DAL), Trey McBride (ARI)
Honorable mention Sits: Sam LaPorta (DET), Theo Johnson (NYG), Ja’Tavion Sanders (CAR)
Start: Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals
The Ravens defense has been terrible against the position, and Tee Higgins is most likely out. After Chase, there is no more reliable pass catcher in the Bengals offense right now than Gesicki. His line the past two weeks with Higgins out – 14 targets. 12 receptions, 173 yards, two touchdowns, and nearly 40 fantasy points. It is a super easy decision this week. Get Mike in your lineups.
Start: Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
See Mike Gesicki and apply the same philosophy to Cade Otton, who’s QB is also missing his primary weapons (Evans and Godwin). The proof is in the pudding here, friends. In the three games Baker hasn’t had his full compliment of WR, Otton has FEASTED: 31 targets, 25 receptions, 258 yards, and three touchdowns. Oh, and BTW, he’s TE1 during that span. Oh. And also, BTW… the 49ers are susceptible to good tight ends. So, the matchup isn’t as scary as it would seem initially. Pat yourself on the back if you scooped before Week 7, and let’s keep riding this puppy until the wheels fall off.
Sit: Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
Schultz continues to underwhelm, despite factors that should favor his production – decent QB, target share over the past five games is palatable, etc. It’s just not translating. And you’d have thought it would, considering – like my two starts this week – his team is missing WR components. This man hasn’t finished higher than TE21 at any point this season, and he now gets the Detroit Lions defense who have been stalwarts against the position. No lengthy dissection needed here – just don’t start him.
Sit: Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears
So it’s not lack of efficiency with his touches that dooms Kmet each week, it’s whether or not he’ll – and I’m quoting Keyshawn Johnson here – get the damn ball. In weeks where Kmet is targeted at least three times, he’s presented no worse than a decent floor (with the exception of the Rams game) to go along with some standout performances. 4.7, 20.7, 7.2, and 21.5 are all very respectable numbers from such a volatile position. But his volume has fallen off the table since the bye week – in those two games, he has one target, one reception, for 14 yards. Granted, Caleb Williams has looked like doggy-doo the last two weeks. And it’s clear that Cole goes as his QB does. So until CW18, Shane, and Matt get this figured out, don’t expect too much from Kmet.
