When it comes to fantasy football, the tight end position has often been dubbed a wasteland, but last week took it to a whole new level. In half-PPR scoring formats, only two tight ends managed to break into the double-digit points territory. That’s right, just two! Meanwhile, players from every other position were racking up those crucial points, including kickers! Pat Freiermuth’s lackluster performance in Week 1, where he finished as the TE9 with just 6.3 fantasy points, sums up the state of affairs at this position.
2023 was already looking like a challenging year for tight ends, but injuries to several usually dependable players have made the player pool even shallower. In such a landscape, streaming tight ends isn’t just a strategy; it’s becoming an essential one.
But don’t worry; we’ve got your back. Here are three tight end streamers to target throughout the 2023 NFL season, and they should be readily available in most 12-team leagues. Plus, they’re not just one-week wonders; they hold value for the foreseeable future.
Week 1 Tight End Streamers
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
After a strong 14.1-point performance in Week 1, Hunter Henry emerged as a crucial part of the New England Patriots’ revamped offense. He found the end zone, but more importantly, he was significantly involved in the passing game. Henry secured 5 receptions (on 6 targets) for 56 yards and a touchdown.
Despite having only an 11.1% target share, he ran routes on nearly 68% of his snaps, showcasing chemistry with Mac Jones similar to what he had in 2021. What’s even more promising for fantasy owners is his 10.7-yard average depth of target (aDOT), a substantial improvement over the previous year’s 7.7. This suggests he could be a valuable fantasy asset beyond just Week 2.
For Week 2, Henry has an enticing matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Miami’s defense struggled in Week 1, conceding 34 points and 228 passing yards, allowing an opposing tight end to score. Last season, they surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points, 11 touchdowns, and the highest catch rate over expectation (7.1% CROE) to opposing tight ends. In other words, Hunter Henry is poised to be a top TE1 in Week 2, making him the top streaming choice.
➤ Get more insights on Week 2 and beyond with Oddsjam
Zach Ertz, Arizona Cardinals
Zach Ertz was mostly overlooked in fantasy drafts this season. After recovering from a torn ACL and MCL in Week 10 of the previous year, his return for Week 1 wasn’t widely anticipated. However, he defied the odds and suited up.
In Week 1, Ertz tallied 6 receptions (on 10 targets) for 21 yards, resulting in a TE18 finish (5.1 half-PPR points). Despite the modest yardage, he displayed promising underlying metrics. Ertz commanded a massive 33.3% target share for the Cardinals and was on the field for 90.9% of snaps. He saw 2 red zone targets and showed no signs of limitations, boasting a 77.6% snap share.
It’s worth noting that Ertz was TE5 in 2021 and TE3 through the first nine weeks of the previous season. While the quarterback situation in Arizona might not be ideal, the potential return of Kyler Murray in Week 5 could solidify Ertz’s status as a consistent starter. At the very least, with a home matchup against the New York Giants in Week 2, he’s a quality tight end streamer.
Last season, the Giants allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends, tied with Miami for the highest CROE (7.1%) allowed, and yielded a 32% target share to Cowboys tight ends in Week 1. In short, Ertz is a must-add in nearly all leagues and an excellent play for Week 2.
➤ Explore more about Zach Ertz’s potential
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
Jake Ferguson may not have made a splash in Week 1, but he’s worth considering as a tight end streamer. Despite finishing with just 2 receptions (on 7 targets) for 11 yards, context matters.
In a lopsided game where the Dallas Cowboys dominated, Ferguson led the team with a 28.0% target share. That ranked second among all tight ends and even surpassed Justin Jefferson (27.3%). What’s even more promising is his usage in the red zone. Quarterback Dak Prescott frequently looked Ferguson’s way inside the 20-yard line, resulting in 5 red zone targets, the highest in the league for that week.
Scoring once in a game like that practically guarantees TE1 status for the week. While a Week 2 matchup with the New York Jets isn’t perfect, their formidable secondary could funnel more targets to Ferguson. After all, the Jets allowed the 12th-most fantasy points and the second-highest target rate (20.9%) to opposing tight ends last season. As one of Dak’s trusted targets, Ferguson has the potential to finish in the top 10 at the position next week, especially if the game is more competitive.
➤ Don’t miss the opportunity with Jake Ferguson
FAQs
Q1: How can I access Oddsjam’s premium tools and content? A1: You can get a FREE 7 Day Trial of Oddsjam, which includes their Parlay Builder and Positive EV Tool. Check it out here.
Q2: Are there any success stories with Oddsjam? A2: Absolutely! You can read about how individuals turned their bets into winning streaks with Oddsjam on Oddsjam Insider or unleashed their side hustle potential.
Q3: Why should I consider Oddsjam for my sports betting endeavors? A3: Oddsjam is your key to elevating your sports betting game. Find out more about their tools and insights here.
Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions when it comes to streaming tight ends in fantasy football. Don’t miss out on these hidden gems that can give your team the edge it needs to succeed. And remember, Oddsjam is your partner for mastering the art of sports betting.
