TE Starts
Tyler Higbee – LAR
Week 4 stats: 10 REC, 14 TAR, 73 YDS – 17.3 PPR points
Week 5 matchup: vs DAL
Higbee has emerged as a TE1, as he racked up a whopping 14 targets last week. For whatever reason, Higbee has become Stafford’s favorite target outside of Cooper Kupp. He has not scored fewer than 10 points a single time since week one, despite not having a single touchdown on the year. Similar to Dalton Schulz last year, Higbee looks to be a surprise TE1 this year.
Dallas Goedert – PHI
Week 4 stats: 5 REC, 6 TAR, 72 YDS
Week 5 matchup: @ AZ
The Cardinals, for whatever reason, have always been bad at stopping tight ends. This year is no exception, as the Cardinals currently rank 32nd against tight ends in fantasy. Granted, they have matched up with Darren Waller and Travis Kelce already, but Goedert has established himself as a good starter in his own right. Young ILBs Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins have been a bit inconsistent this year, particularly in coverage. Goedert could enjoy a very good outing this week against this defensive unit.
Tyler Conklin – NYJ
Week 4 stats: 3 REC, 5 TAR, 52 YDS – 8.2 PPR points
Week 5 matchup: vs MIA
Last week, I recommended sitting Conklin until we understood where his value sat after a QB change in New York. He produced a modest, but decent 52 yards on three catches. Yes, he received his fewest targets and receptions all season, but with the TE market as dry as it is, Conklin has emerged as a viable streaming option.
TE Sits
Dalton Schultz – DAL
Week 4 stats: 0 REC, 3 TAR, 0.0 PPR points
Week 5 matchup: @LAR
The Rams have contained TEs well this year, ranking third against them in PPR formats. Schultz, who broke out for the Cowboys last year, has not been good since Dak Prescott went down. Last week, he put up a goose egg, despite playing over 90% of snaps. With Prescott unlikely to return this week, it is time to bench Schultz until he can put out some real fantasy production.
Dawson Knox – BUF
Week 4 stats: 3 REC, 6 TAR, 40 YDS – 7.0 PPR points
Week 5 matchup: @ BAL
Dawson Knox has made the sit list every week so far, and he will continue to be on this list as long as he is owned in over 72% of leagues, and started in about 25% of leagues.
Mike Gesicki – MIA
Week 4 stats: 2 REC, 4 TAR, 23 YDS – 4.3 PPR points
Week 5 matchup: @ NYJ
Mike Gesicki is almost the anti-Kittle, as his shortcomings as a blocker have relegated him to a limited receiving role in Mike McDaniels’ offense. Meanwhile, Kittle is so valuable as a blocker, that he does not get as much run at receiver. Still, at least Kittle sees the field enough and is too talented to bench. Gesicki, on the other hand, is still rostered in over 50% of leagues, despite very limited production on the season. The talent is there, yes, but Gesicki does not see enough work in this offense to warrant a roster spot, let alone a start.
