1 of 3 | Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce runs with the football in the 4th quarter against the New York Jets on December 3 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI |
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Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Travis Kelce is my top fantasy football tight end for Week 16.
Philadelphia Eagles pass catcher Zach Ertz, New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski, Seattle Seahawks veteran Jimmy Graham and Indianapolis Colts pass catcher Jack Doyle also made the top five of my weekly rankings at the position.
There are other tight ends worth your time if you scan down the list and are still wondering who to put in your starting rotation.
I have detailed some of my favorite picks at the position.
Here are my Top 20 options this week at tight end.
TOP 20 WEEK 16 RANKINGS BELOW
TOP SHELF
Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce should rarely be removed from your lineup. This week I expect him to have a blast against the Miami Dolphin, a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. You should have an advantage at this position with Kelce in your lineup.
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Kroft has emerged this season as a reliable option at tight end, based on matchup. This week, the Bengals face the Detroit Lions, a defensive allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game and tied for allowing the fourth-most touchdown receptions to opposing tight ends. Kroft has five scores on the season and I'm expecting him to reach the end zone again Sunday. He is my No. 8 option.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis is my No. 11 option this week as he has a matchup against the Denver Broncos. This season, the Broncos are allowing the third-most fantasy points per game, second-most receiving yards and are tied for allowing the third-most touchdown receptions to the position. While Davis isn't targeted a ton, he is still a threat to score.
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates has really regressed this season, but I wouldn't rule out using him as a TE1 in Week 16. The 15-year veteran will be the Chargers' No. 1 tight end this week after Hunter Henry was placed on injured reserve. I expect him to respond accordingly, while facing the Washington Redskins, a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game, third-most touchdowns and fourth-most receiving yards to the position. Gates is my No. 12 option.
LONGSHOTS
Pittsburgh Steelers target Jesse James is my No. 14 option for Week 16, putting on the TE1 radar in deeper leagues. James had a huge Week 14, catching 10 passes for 97 yards. He had just two catches for seven yards in Week 15. I'm expecting a big performance in this spot as he faces the Houston Texans, a defense tied for allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the position. The Texans have also given up the fourth-most receiving yards and are tied for giving up the third-most receiving scores to opposing tight ends.
Week 16 Tight End Rankings.
Ricky Seals-Jones is a desperation play for me and comes in as my No. 18 option at tight end. The Arizona Cardinals pass catcher has fallen back to earth, after amassing seven catches for 126 yards and three scores in Week 11 and Week 12. He does has some upside in Week 16, as he is facing a New York Giants defense allowing the most fantasy points per game and touchdowns to opposing wide receivers. The Giants have also allowed the third-most receiving yards to the position.