Heading into Week 4, there have been 25 touchdowns scored by tight ends. Donald Parham leads the way with three scores despite only having six catches for 32 on seven targets on the season. He’s been on the field for about 50% of the Chargers’ snaps. T.J. Hockenson leads tight ends in targets (28), followed by Sam LaPorta (22). 

In Week 3, only LaPorta (22.40) scored more than 20.00 fantasy points in PPR formats, thanks to a 45-yard touchdown. Nine tight ends finished between 10.90 and 19.90 fantasy points. Only two tight ends scored more than 20.00 fantasy points in a week.

Here are the top five tight ends after three weeks:

• T.J. Hockenson (51.90)
• Sam LaPorta (42.60)
• Hunter Henry (37.50)
• Evan Engram (35.30)
• Travis Kelce (32.50)

These are the only tight ends averaging more than 10.00 fantasy points per week.

Here are the top plays this week via the Week 4 DFS: Tight End Report. Also, check out the Week 4 DFS: QB Report and RB Report.

Top Tier Options

Travis Kelce, KC (DK – $7,400/FD – $7,800)

After three games, Kelce averaged 16.25 FPPG in PPR formats in PPR formats over his two starts. Last year, his season average was 18.88 fantasy points. That puts him about 14% behind his pace in 2022. The Chiefs had Kelce on the field for 61% of their plays last week due to a blowout game, down from 64% in Week 2. On the positive side, his light workload did make him look swifter versus the Bears. Kelce has done more of his work close to the line of scrimmage (8.6 yards per catch – 12.2 in 2022 and 12.7 in his career before this season). Patrick Mahomes looked his way 8.5 times a game in his two starts.

The Jets fell to 30th in tight end defense (16.97 FPPG) after getting beat by New England’s tight ends in Week 3 (5/108/1). Most of the damage came on a broken play touchdown (58 yards) to the Patriots’ third tight end (Pharaoh Brown – 2/71/1). Tight ends have 16 catches for 169 yards and three touchdowns on 21 targets against New York.

Kelce remains an edge at tight end due to his upside potential. But it does come with a price in the DFS market due to his high salary. He must score 30.00 fantasy points at DraftKings to be viable. That’s an outcome Kelce reached twice in 2022 (33.50 and 35.50). I don’t see the Jets pushing the envelope on the scoreboard, costing Kelce the follow-through needed to be an edge in the daily games in Week 4.

George Kittle, SF (DK – $5,100/FD – $6,300)

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Last week we had some breakout performances. That included running backs, with five rushers eclipsing 20 points. A pair even topped 40. Oddly, they were on the same team. Our Week 4 DFS: Running Back Report looks for the next huge game to insert into your daily lineups.

Also, check out FullTime Fantasy‘s Week 3 DFS QB Report.

Top Tier Options

Christian McCaffrey, SF (DK – $9,200/FD – $9,700

Over the first three games, McCaffrey scored between 22.50 and 25.90 fantasy points in each matchup with PPR scoring. He extended his touchdown streak to 12 games but scored twice in only one contest. In addition, McCaffrey gained more than 100 yards in each of his starts (152, 116, and 119) while averaging 3.7 catches. Last season, he had 108 combined yards with one touchdown and nine catches vs. the Cardinals while playing with Carolina. With San Fran against Arizona in other matchups, McCaffrey gained 185 yards with one score and 10 catches.

The Cardinals sit 25th defending running backs (75/325/1 with 15 catches for 82 yards and three touchdowns on 17 targets). The Cowboys ran the ball well against them in Week 3 (33/185 – 5.6 yards per rush). Their pass rush (11 sacks) has been better than expected out of the gate, and Arizona played from the lead in all three of their games through the third quarter. 

McCaffrey is an absolute beast on a path to being the best running back in the game in 2023. The 49ers will ride him hard when needed (100% of their snaps in Week 2) while resting him when playing from a big lead. His floor has been three times his salary, putting him a second touchdown away from 30.00 fantasy points. The second half could be in the hands of Elijah Mitchell on many plays, so McCaffrey will need to get his scoring and yards early in the game. He is rated as the top running back…

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A late surge in the fourth quarter by Brian Robinson (two touchdowns) pushed him to the top of running back scoring in Week 2, edging out Kyren Williams (28.00), Saquan Barkley (27.20, and D’Andre Swift (27.10). Six other running backs scored more than 20.00 fantasy points. Here are the top five back in scoring in PPR leagues after two games:

• Christian McCaffrey (48.40)
• Kyren Williams (22.70)
• Brian Robinson (42.50)
• Tony Pollard (42.10)
• Bijan Robinson (20.75)

There have already been three significant injuries to running backs (Austin Ekeler, Nick Chubb, and Saquon Barkley), sending fantasy managers to an ultra-thin waiver wire to solve their injury woes.

Also, check out FullTime Fantasy‘s Week 3 DFS QB Report, WR Report, and TE Report.

Top Tier Options

Tony Pollard, DAL (DK – $8,000/FD – $9,400)

Over the first two weeks of the season, the Cowboys have played from the lead for about 150 minutes while never trailing in a game. They’ve struggled to run the ball in other matches (4.1 and 3.0 yards per rush) despite averaging 37 carries. Pollard has been on the field for 64% of their snaps in both contests, leading to 191 combined yards with two touchdowns and nine catches (42.10 fantasy points in PPR formats). He is well behind last year’s pace in yards per rush (3.6 – 5.2 in 2022) and yards per catch (5.4 – 9.5 in 2022). Pollard scored eight of his 12 touchdowns at home last season. 

The Cardinals defended running back well over the first two games (44/149/1 – 3.4 yards per carry). They’ve allowed two receiving scores to backs, with minimal damage in catches (8) and receiving yards (46). Arizona finished 27th in running back defense (27.39 FPPG) in 2022.

Pollard had seven rushes inside the five-yard line and 12 inside the 10 yards. I didn’t like to see Rico Dowdle on the field near the goal line last week on one series. But Dowdle failed to reach paydirt in his two chances. Pollard’s 32 touches in Week 2 were career-high. His salary in the DFS market requires an impact game. That is something he achieved only once in 2022 (149 combined yards with three touchdowns and one catch). I see a correct game coming in big plays, giving him a chance to be the top running back of the week.

Bijan Robinson, ATL (DK – $8,000/FD – $9,000)

The fantasy market got a taste of the potential in Week 2 vs. the Packers. Atlanta gave him 24 touches compared to 16 by Tyler Allgeier, leading to a wide edge in combined yards (172 to 48). His snap count rose from 63% to 72%. Robinson had 39 touches on the year while averaging 6.2 yards per rush. Two of his plays gained at least 20 yards.

His first road start comes in Detroit, matching him against the electric Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions played well vs. the run over the first two games (23/90 and 25/82/2 – 3.6 yards per rush), with 37.8% of their yards allowed coming from…

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Thankfully, we saw an increase in scoring last week. Hopefully, that action led to a better outcome in your DFS lineups. This week, our Week 3 DFS: Wide Receiver Report will help you make better lineup decisions in what looks like a challenging slate.

Also, check out FullTime Fantasy‘s  Week 3 DFS: quarterback and tight end reports.

After two games, Justin Jefferson (9/150 and 11/159) and Puca Nacua (10/119 and 15/151) are the only two wideouts to score more than 20.00 fantasy points in both weeks. They also rank first and second in targets (25 and 35). Nine wide receivers have 20 targets or more. 

Keenan Allen (8/111/2) led the Week 2, followed by Nacua (15/151) and Mike Evans (6/171/1). Seventeen wideouts scored between 20.00 and 30.00 fantasy points (eight in Week 1). In PPR formats, Tyreek Hill ranks first in wide receiver scoring (59.50).

Top Tier Options

Davante Adams, LV (DK – $7,800/FD – $7,900)

Jimmy Garoppolo looks Adams’ way 17 times over the first two weeks, leading to 12 catches for 150 yards and one touchdown. His ceiling has been limited due to the Raiders only attempting 50 passes. Last season, he had seven impact games (10/141/1, 3/124/2, 10/146/2, 9/126/1, 7/141/2, 8/177/2, and 7/153/2).

The Steelers showed risk vs. wide receivers in Week 1 (SF – 13/184/2). But a better pass rush (six sacks) and weaker quarterback play by Deshaun Watson led to a 50% catch rate on 28 targets with 160 yards vs. the Browns. In 2022, Pittsburgh finished seventh in wide receiver defense (29.60 FPPG) despite two disastrous games (BUF – 18/389/4 and PHI – 13/236/4). CB Patrick Peterson has already given up two touchdowns and multiple long plays.

Adams needs the Raiders to open up the passing game and do a better job moving the chains. He remains a volume pass-catcher with elite upside in scoring. Home cooking should treat him well on Sunday.

Justin Jefferson, MIN (DK – $9,300/FD – $9,700)

The game has been relatively easy for Jefferson over the first two weeks (20/309 on 25 targets). He’s gained 20 yards or more on 40% of his catches with an elite catch rate (80%). The structure of the Vikings’ receivers and their offensive game plan creates plenty of open field and opportunities. Last year, Jefferson scored more than 30.00 fantasy points in seven contests.

The Chargers have already allowed 32 catches for 565 yards and four touchdowns on 43 targets to wide receiver while allowing a dismal 17.7 yards per catch. Tyreek Hill (11/215/2) dominated their defense in Week 1. Last year, Los Angeles was slightly above the league average against wideouts (31.50 FPPG). CB J.C. Jackson made a couple of mistakes in Week 1, leading to a pair of long catches and a touchdown. Overall, he has held receivers to a low catch rate.

Minnesota attempts a high volume of passes in most games. However, they need to create…

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Two weeks into the 2023 season, only one tight end (T.J. Hockenson – 7/66/2) scored more than 18.00 fantasy points in PPR formats. His success moved him to first overall, followed by Hunter Henry (11/108/2). Here’s the ranking of the other top seven tight ends drafted this year:

• Travis Kelce (4/26/1 – 20th)
• Mark Andrews (5/45/1 – 12th)
• Darren Waller (9/112 – 5th)
• Dallas Goedert (6/22 – 40th)
• George Kittle (3/49 – 26th)
• Kyle Pitts (4/59 – 28th)

Zach Ertz leads all tight ends in targets (18).

Here are the top plays this week via the Week 3 DFS: Tight End Report. Also, check out the Week 3 DFS: QB Report.

Top Tier Options

T.J. Hockenson, MIN (DK – $6,500/FD – $7,500)

The theme for Hockenson in the Vikings’ offense had been the same over the first two weeks in 2023. He had been active in both of his starts (8/35 and 7/66/2) while working close to the line of scrimmage (6.7 yards per catch – 8.6 with Minnesota last year). Over his previous 75 catches, Hockenson gained more than 20 yards on only two plays.

This season, tight ends have seven catches for 79 yards on 12 targets vs. the Chargers. Their success was helped by facing two lower-tiered players (Durham Smythe – 3/44 and Chigoziem Okonkwo – 4/35). In 2022, Los Angeles finished 9th in tight end defense (63/874/5 on 103 targets) but gained 13.9 yards per catch.

The Chargers come into this matchup with massive concerns defending wide receivers (32/565/4) and Justin Jefferson staring them down on the other side of the line of scrimmage. Hockenson is slightly more attractive at FanDuel. Either way, he needs at least 25.00 fantasy points to be in play, requiring at least one score and long pass reception to push him over 100 yards receiving.

Mark Andrews, BAL (DK – $6,000/FD – $7,400)

In his first game back in action, Andrews was on the field for 79% of the Ravens’ snaps. He finished third for the week in tight end scoring (5/45/1) with a team-high eight targets. When at his best last season, he had four impact games (9/104/1, 8/89/2, 8/89/1, and 7/106/1) over the first six weeks. 

The Colts kept tight ends in check over the first two games (5/49 and 6/61). Both players (Evan Engram and Dalton Schultz) finished in the top 12 in tight end scoring in 2022. Indy struggled last year in three games…

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The first week of the NFL season delivered an interesting mix of wide receiver production at the top end. Our Week 2 DFS: Wide Receiver Report recaps who hit value and how we can use that data to make profitable lineup choices in Week 2.

Tyreek Hill (11/215/2 on 15 targets) was an absolute beast, while Brandon Aiyuk (8/129/2) and Jakobi Meyers (9/81/2) had excellent games. Three wideouts (Kendrick Bourne – 6/64/2, Puka Nacua – 10/119, and Rashid Shaheed – 5/89/1) finished in the top 10 in wide receiver scoring, all of which were probably found in the free agent pool in some leagues in Week 2. Justin Jefferson (9/150) did his job, and Calvin Ridley (8/101/1) rewarded his believers with a great start to the season.

Just like in 2022 (9/122/1), Michael Pittman (8/97/1) kicked in the wide receiver door in Week 1 despite freefalling in drafts in early September due to the passing concerns for Anthony Richardson. Ten other wideouts scored between 15.00 and 19.90 fantasy points in PPR formats.

Also, check out FullTime Fantasy‘s  Week 2DFS QB Report Week 2DFS TE Report, and Week 2 DFS RB Report.

Top Tier Options

Stefon Diggs, BUF (DK – $8,000/FD – $8,000)

The threat of Sauce Gardner (he allowed four catches for 59 yards on five targets per PFF) slowing down Diggs in Week 1 ended up being a false theory. Buffalo found creative ways to get him the ball, leading to 10 catches for 102 yards and one score on 13 targets. The Bills’ secondary receiving options struggled to make big plays (19/134 – 7.1 yards per catch). Over his 50 games with the Bills, Diggs has 497 targets (9.9 per game). In his 10 home games in 2022, he gained more than 100 yards in six starts (12/148/3, 8/102/1, 12/128, 7/104/1, and 7/114).

The Raiders were about the league-average vs. wide receivers (208/2,660/13 on 314 targets in 2022), with three offenses (DEN – 13/203/2, SEA – 17/206/1, and KC – 16/221) gaining more than 200 yards from their wideouts. Their top three cornerbacks in Week 1 gave up nine catches for 101 yards on 11 targets. Both the Broncos’ passing touchdowns came against their safeties.

Diggs is the chain-mover for Buffalo, and he should be active again in Week 2. To reach 30.00 fantasy points, the Bills need to get him at least one score and find him on at least one long pass to reach the 100-yard bonus at DraftKings. His salary looks more favorable at FanDuel.

Ja’Marr Chase, CIN (DK – $7,900/FD – $8,400)

Based on Joe Burrow’s struggles in Week 1 (14-for-31 with 82 passing yards) and his lack of success vs. the Ravens in 2022 (233/2, 225/1, and 214/2), the daily market should fade Chase and his star quarterback in Week 2. On the positive side, Baltimore will most likely be without their top cornerback (Marlon Humphrey), and their starting safety (Marcus Williams) has already been ruled out.

Last year, Chase was active in all three games (7/50, 9/84/1, and 9/84/1) vs. the Ravens with 37 targets, but he failed to hit on any long plays. When at his best in 2022, he gained over 100 yards in four matchups (10/129/1, 7/132/2, 8/130/2, and 10/119/1), three of which came at home.

Baltimore finished 22nd defending wide receivers (227/2,875/12 on 353 targets) last season. Their secondary had some problems vs…

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The tight end position came up empty for too many fantasy teams in Week 1, highlighted by two star players (Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews) taking the week off. In addition, George Kittle (4.90 fantasy points) and Dallas Goedert (no catches) weren’t worthy of starting in any format. T.J. Hockenson (11.50 fantasy points) was the third-highest scoring option in PPR formats.

Six of the top 10 scoring tight ends were either undrafted or resided on fantasy benches.

• Hunter Henry (5/56/1)
• Hayden Hurst (5/41/1)
• Donald Parham (3/21/1)
• Blake Bell (2/12/1)
• Harrison Bryant (2/5/1)
• Adam Trautman (5/34)

Zach Ertz led all tight ends in targets (10) despite being questionable to play in Week 1. Logan Thomas (8), Durham Smythe (7), and Kylen Granson (6) ranked in the top 10 in targets despite being found in the free-agent pool in almost all 12-team league heading into Week 2. Here’s the total tight end production from Washington, Miami, and Indianapolis in 2022:

• Commanders – 60/518/2 on 98 targets
• Dolphins – 47/491/6 on 75 targets
• Colts – 75/803/6 on 108 targets

Indy had the best overall tight end opportunity of the three last year while throwing the ball over 600 times. The change at quarterback points to a minimum of 100 fewer throws. Also,  the Colts rotated in three options in Week 1. Here is the snap breakdown for their tight ends in 2022: Mo Alie-Cox (586), Kylen Granson (408), and Jelani Woods (334).

Last season, only five tight ends averaged more than 10.00 fantasy points per game in PPR formats (7 in 2021 and 6 in 2020).

Here’s a look at some tight ends on the main slate in Week 2 in the DFS market:

Also, check out FullTime Fantasy‘s  Week 2 DFS QB Report and Week 2 DFS RB Report.

Top Tier Options

Mark Andrews, BAL (DK – $6,300/FD – $8,000)

In the early projections, Andrews is the top-rated tight end for Week 2. But he is far from a lock to be a difference-maker after turning in a limited practice on Wednesday. Last year, he scored more than 20.00 fantasy points in four of his 14 matchups (25.70, 28.90, 22.90, and 23.60), but they all came over the first six weeks. Andrews also sat out Week 1 in 2022 but delivered an impact game (9/107/1) the following game vs. the Dolphins at home. He had two starts (8/89/1 and 5/73) against Cincinnati last season.

The Bengals (88/924/3) struggled to defend the tight end four times (7/115,10/96/1, 10/87, and 8/67/1) in 2022. The Browns’ tight ends had five catches for 41 yards and one score on six targets in Week 1.

Andrews comes into this week with risk in his role and potential snaps. At the same time, his higher salary requires 25.00 fantasy points to be worth the investment. If he plays, I don’t expect him to be a popular option, creating an edge ownership if he does pay off. I’m only taking a flier on him on teams with Lamar Jackson.

George Kittle, SF (DK – $5,300/FD – $6,200)

Kittle had a dull showing in Week 1 (3/19 on six targets) while being in the field for 69% of the 49ers plays. When at his best late in 2022, San Fran gave him 90% or more of their tight end snaps in 11 of his 18 games. His best success came over four games (4/93/2, 6/120/2, 4/23/1, and 4/29/2) late last season with Brock Purdy behind center. Kittle had five catches or more in only four matchups (5/47, 8/83, 6/98/1, and 6/120/2) with only one double-digit target game (10). 

The Rams finished 13th in…

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The Chargers (40/234/3) had the most success running the ball, followed by Cleveland (40/206/1), San Francisco (34/188/1), and the Jets (28/172/1). The 16 games resulted in 22 scores on the ground, with four offenses hitting pay dirt three times (LAR, LAC, BAL, and DAL). The Vikings had the worst rushing offense (17/41), while Pittsburgh (10/41) and Las Vegas (29/61) ranked 31st and 30th.j

Also, check out FullTime Fantasy‘s  Week 2 DFS: Quarterback Report.

Top Tier Options

Christian McCaffrey, SF (DK – $8,900/FD – $9,500)

It took McCaffrey one game (169 combined yards with one touchdown and three catches on 25 touches) to show his edge at the running back position. He hit on a 65-yard score to set up his great day. The 49ers had him in the field for 85% of their snaps. That was a total he only hit three times in 2022 with San Francisco. Last year, McCaffrey averaged 20.98 FPPG in PPR formats, with his one impact game (183 combined yards with two touchdowns and eight catches) coming on the road against the Rams. 

Los Angeles was league-average defending running backs in 2022 (404/1,753/12 with 79 catches for 665 yards and two scores on 103 targets). Three offenses posted more than 40.00 fantasy points from their backs.

McCaffrey is a high-floor player. But his high salary requires well over 30.00 fantasy points to be in play in Week 2. Ultimately, any decision to play him comes from finding value at other positions…

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