Week 15 TE Start, Sit Fantasy Strategy: Jared Cook On Fire

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Zach Ertz was nothing but dominate in the Eagles’ Monday night win over the Giants. He came up big in the end with a total of 9 receptions for 91 yards with two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime. With the Eagles’ receiving core full of injuries, the Eagles have turned more and more to their tight ends and even ran some three tight end formations last week. Looking ahead to next week, I will be going through which tight ends you should be keeping an eye on. Here are my starts and sits at tight end for Week 15.

Start ‘Em

Jared Cook, New Orleans Saints

Opponent: Indianapolis Colts

I put Jared Cook as a sit last week because the Saints were playing the 49ers who are the best pass defense in the NFL, but he proved me incredibly wrong with his monster game. He had only 2 receptions but they went for a total of 64 yards and both were touchdowns. I would call that luck if anything, but nonetheless, Cook has shown that he can even perform against tough matchups. The Colts serve as a much more favorable matchup this week as they have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.

Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers

Opponent: Seattle Seahawks

Greg Olsen sat out last week with a concussion and is currently questionable to return for Week 15 at this point in the week. If he does play, however, he will be up against the Seahawks who have allowed the most yards to tight ends on average in the NFL with 70.6. Olsen has only gone above 70 yards three times this season, but it is likely to happen if he is able to play. Teams have targeted tight ends the most against the Seahawks because they are always open. Kyle Allen should have an easy time finding Olsen.

Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles

Opponent: Washington Redskins

Dallas Goedert has seen plenty of usage despite being behind Zach Ertz in the depth chart. The Eagles’ receivers have been banged up so much that two tight end looks have become the norm for the Eagles’ offense. They even put out three for a few plays last week. While Ertz will continue to be the main tight end, Goedert will get his share. The Redskins provide a good matchup for tight ends which falls perfectly into the Eagles’ scheme. Goedert could even end up with a touchdown as the Redskins have allowed 6 of them to tight ends this season.

O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Opponent: Detroit Lions

I really thought O.J. Howard would be gone forever with how the Buccaneers were using him, then his injury only added to that, but he has made a return as of late. He had four receptions for 73 yards last week which marked his season-high. The Lions are the third-worst team at covering the pass but are slightly better against tight ends. As Jamies Winston continues to throw the ball like a mad man and with Mike Evans likely out, I expect Howard’s share of targets to continue to rise and become a factor.

Sit ‘Em

Jacob Hollister, Seattle Seahawks

Opponent: Carolina Panthers

Jacob Hollister came into the season behind Will Dissly for the starting tight end role but now finds himself at the top of the depth chart with his season-ending injury. Hollister has up and down weeks since taking over. Last week, he had a 4 reception and 34-yard game. He has had glimpses of turning into what Dissly was building up to be, but the past three weeks have been a dip. The Panthers do not give a good matchup to explode in as they have given up just 45.2 yards per game to tight ends as well as 3 touchdowns all season which is the fourth-lowest total.

Fantasy Football Strategy Podcast Week 15 (Free)

Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys

Opponent: Los Angeles Rams

Jason Witten’s season-high for yards in a game so far has been 58. Without a touchdown, his production is almost insignificant and he has only had 3 touchdowns all season with two of them coming in the first two weeks. Since then, there has been only one game where Witten made a significant contribution to fantasy teams. When deciding if Witten is a good option, looking at how many touchdowns the opposing team has allowed to tight ends. The Rams have allowed just 3 all season which is the fourth-lowest number in the league.

Ryan Griffin, New York Jets

Opponent: Baltimore Ravens

Ryan Griffin emerged to the scene with his two-touchdown game in Week 8 and 109-yard and one touchdown game in Week 11. Apart from those two weeks, he has not done much. Especially lately he has barely done anything with just one catch for 8 yards last week against the Dolphins. He takes on the Ravens next week have been the best defense against tight ends, allowing just 39.8 yards per game and two total touchdowns. It’d be best to stay away from Griffin for the rest of the season.

Vance McDonald, Pittsburgh Steelers

Opponent: Buffalo Bills

I thought McDonald would be a decent pick last week because he was playing the Cardinals who are horrible against tight ends, but he left the game with a concussion that now has him questionable for Week 15. His highest total yards in a game this season is 40 yards. He is not a tight end that I would touch at all even if he is cleared to play. The Steelers play the Bills who have allowed the third-lowest yards per game with 38.2. There is no reason why you should be reaching for McDonald this week.

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I am a student at the University of Michigan studying Sport Management. I have been involved in sports as long as I can remember, playing football, baseball, and basketball. I also love learning how to play songs on the piano and ukulele.

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