Welcome to the FC Insights Tight End Targets Article. In this post, we will be breaking down our top options and plays at the TE position for each DFS week of the 2021-2022 NFL DFS season.
Top Plays
Travis Kelce (DK- $7,300, FD- $7,800)
| Opponent | Team Total | Opponent Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game To TEs |
| PIT | 26.25 | 9.66 |
PIT is near top end of surrendering fantasy points to the TE position (8th least), but if Kelce plays (due to his COVID status) he should still be a viable threat due to his involvement in the KC offense. One of the linebackers of PIT in Joe Schobert has pass deflections on the lower end compared to other linebackers which should benefit Kelce on the field. Volume shouldn’t be a question either with Kelce being the #1 targeted TE in the league as well as having the highest (582) yards after the catch. The price is quite hefty on both sites but the floor is high for Kelce so he is one of the safest options at the position.
Evan Engram (DK- $3,400, FD- $5,000)
| Opponent | Team Total | Opponent Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game To TEs |
| @ PHI | 15.25 | 18.16 |
Although the NYG season may seem like it’s in shambles as the season comes to an end, there is still opportunity for points to be accumulated especially for the NYG TE’s. Evan Engram specifically has a beneficial matchup against a PHI team that’s surrendering the most fantasy points to the TE position. Engram is also the highest targeted TE on the NYG squad with almost double the targets compared to his TE backup (61 to 31). Also, with injuries depleting the WRS this could help Engram more in the pass offense. The price is in the mid-tier but definitely gives those that roster him more of a bargain on DraftKings with the amount of volume he may end up receiving.
Jared Cook (DK- $3,500, FD- $5,100)
| Opponent | Team Total | Opponent Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game To TEs |
| @ HOU | 28 | 14.55 |
LAC has a great opportunity in the middle of the field for their TE’s with the main middle linebacker in Christian Kirksey of HOU having pass deflections near the bottom of the linebackers on the slate. This should give Jared Cook (who also had a slight price decrease) a chance to perform well. Cook is also top 20 (15th currently) in target separation with 1.80 which should help him get even more space in the middle of the field. Therefore, Cook is a viable option at his position and on the safer end with LAC being third in team pass plays per game.
Jordan Akins (DK- $2,700, FD- $4,500)
| Opponent | Team Total | Opponent Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game To TEs |
| LAC | 17.5 | 17.27 |
To counter LAC’s potential TE dominance is Jordan Akins of HOU who has returned and taken over the majority of workload for the HOU TEs. Fortunately, for HOU they’ll get a chance to capitalize off LAC surrendering the second most fantasy points to the TE position. After receiving the most targets (5) last game compared to his backup TE teammate there should be no surprise here if Akins gets the majority of targets again with the highest route participation on his team in the TE position (45.9%) and the advantage against LAC’s defense. Moreover, the price tag is close to the minimum across both sites so the risk may be worth it to improve other positions in lineups.
Value Play(s) for DK/FD
DK/FD- Cole Kmet ($3,300/$5,600)
| Opponent | Team Total | Opponent Fantasy Points Allowed Per Game To TEs |
| @ SEA | 18.5 | 15.05 |
Despite CHI’s offense struggling lately it will be hard to ignore the fact Kmet could have a chance here again to perform well with the CHI WRs depleted from injury/COVID. Kmet is coming off a near double-digit target game (9) and may receiving similar if not more volume going into this game. SEA surrenders the sixth most fantasy points to the TE position which bodes well for Kmet’s chances to have an efficient game once again. The price is also in the mid-tier on both sites but Kmet definitely can exceed his value depending on the status of his WR teammates.
