In this piece, I highlight tight ends who stand out in our large suite of analytical fantasy tools, most specifically, our FantasyLabs Player Models. While the models are built for DFS contests, this is an all-purpose fantasy article with actionable information for all formats.
As news breaks throughout the week and we adjust our projections (powered by Sean Koerner), player ratings in our Player Models will change. For updates, visit the models directly.
And don’t forget about the tools that FantasyLabs has to offer, like our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 150 lineups, or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
Top NFL DFS Tight End Picks in the FantasyLabs Models
On DraftKings, there are two tight ends near the top of the individual Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon, Cash Game, and Tournament Player Models.
- T.J. Hockenson
- Robert Tonyan
We’ll discuss why these are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other tight ends.
Top Model NFL DFS Tight End Picks
T.J. Hockenson ($4,100 DraftKings, $5,400 FanDuel): Detroit Lions (-3.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks (47.5 total)
T.J. Hockenson has yet to reach any type of ceiling to start the 2022 season. He has 7.8, 5.6, and 10.8 DraftKings points in the first three games. However, his usage has been solid. He’s seen 18 targets over the first three games and was able to get into the end zone last week. With Amon-Ra St. Brown and D’Andre Swift set to miss this week due to injury, Hockenson could see an uptick in work.
St. Brown and Swift have combined for 40.2% of team targets on the year, meaning there is work up for grabs. Hockenson gets a solid matchup this week as well, as Seattle has allowed 10.0 yards per target and a 5.6% touchdown rate to opposing tight ends through the first three games. Seattle has given up 21 targets to the tight end position over the first three games, for 232 yards and a touchdown.
The matchup is definitely a plus for Hockenson. Hockenson is the leader in Points/Salary and is a runaway leader in Projected Plus/Minus on the weekend.
He’s the top tight end in Sean Koerner’s Pro Model, as well as our Cash Game and Tournament Model.
Robert Tonyan ($3,500 DraftKings, $4,900 FanDuel): Green Bay Packers (-9.5) vs. New England Patriots (40 total)
Robert Tonyan has slowly gotten ramped up after his ACL injury that cost him most of 2021. He’s played on 36.1%, 39.7%, and 58.1% of the snaps in Weeks 1-3. He’s run a route on 44.2%, 48.3%, and 61.1% of team dropbacks as well over the first three weeks. He saw decent usage to start the year, racking up seven targets in Weeks 1-2. He wasn’t only playing more in Week 3, but he was involved more. Tonyan caught six of his seven targets for 37 yards against Tampa Bay.
The yardage is nothing special, but the usage is encouraging.
Tonyan gets a matchup with New England, who just siphoned 89 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches to Mark Andrews. Tonyan is no Andrews, but he is a talented tight end. New England has a subpar linebacking corps, which Tonyan can expose.
With Davante Adams out of Green Bay, they’re going to need a new red zone threat to emerge. As Tonyan gets closer and closer to 100%, he could be that guy. Tonyan caught 11 total touchdowns in 2020, showing himself as a dangerous threat in the red zone.
Tonyan leads Chris Raybon’s Pro Model this weekend on DraftKings.
Other Notable NFL DFS Tight End Picks
Mark Andrews ($7,100 DraftKings, $8,400 FanDuel): Baltimore Ravens (+3.5) vs. Buffalo Bills (51 total)
Mark Andrews’ stellar 2021 campaign has trickled into 2022, with 28.7 and 28.9 DraftKings points over the past two weeks. He’s seen 25.9%, 37.9%, and 48.2% of team targets over the first three games. Those last two numbers won’t hold up, but the bottom line is that his usage is incredible. He’s also running a route on 89.9% of dropbacks.
His usage was similar last year, as he saw eight or more targets in nine of Baltimore’s last 10 games. This was also with a difficult situation at quarterback, as Lamar Jackson was in and out of the lineup, and Tyler Huntley was repeatedly stepping in.
Andrews won’t be as low-owned as he was the past two weeks, but his ownership should stay in check. He’s taking part in the best game environment of the weekend, and he fills the tight end position which is constantly a crapshoot.
Andrews, per usual, is a great play.
Kyle Pitts ($5,000 DraftKings, $6,100 FanDuel): Atlanta Falcons (+1.5) vs. Cleveland Browns (47.5 total)
Kyle Pitts finally started to ramp it up last week after two straight 3.9-point performances. Pitts caught five of eight targets for 87 yards, good for 13.7 DraftKings points. Mariota also missed him for a 75-yard touchdown early on, which would’ve led to a monster performance. His eight targets were good for 42.1% of the team targets last week, as well as nearly 50% of the air yards. It seems as if Arthur Smith and the Falcons are finally using their brains and getting the ball to Pitts.
Pitts runs the majority of his routes deep down the field, which is nice for upside but prevents him from getting easy looks and easy catches. Maybe Atlanta will adjust going forward, but who knows? His deep routes will keep his ceiling high but keep his floor low as it’s hard for him to rack up easy catches.
Pitts is a good tournament target.
Pat Freiermuth ($4,200 DraftKings, $5,600 FanDuel): Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) vs. New York Jets (41.5 total)
Pat Freiermuth was leaned on in Weeks 1-2, seeing 10 and seven targets in those two games. His usage came down in Week 3, only seeing four targets, catching two balls for 41 yards. Both of his catches came on the final drive of the game also. I don’t plan on overreacting, as he’s still running a route on 72.9% of team dropbacks.
He matches up with the Jets this week, who have actually been solid against tight ends. They’ve allowed merely a 56.5% catch rate and 6.3 yards per target. They also held Mark Andrews in check for only 52 yards on five catches.
Per usual, we’re weighing talent and volume over matchup. Freiermuth was leaned on heavily in Weeks 1-2, and we expect that to continue going forward.
He’s a solid option in all formats on Sunday at a cheap price.
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