It truly is a rookie season for the ages from Sam LaPorta. He had another 140 yards and a score this weekend, confirming his dominance. He will go down as one of the best waiver pickups of the year. It was a good week for tight ends all around, with Trey McBride also topping 20 fantasy points and Jake Ferguson coming very close.
Tight end is a position that has proven tricky for years, but it feels like there are more options than normal. Let’s go through our recommendations for week 14.
Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints
Tommy Tremble – Sit (Projection 5.1 Points)
Hayden Hurst’s father tweeted that his son was suffering from post traumatic amnesia, and would require some time away from the game to recover. He will therefore not be available for the Panthers this weekend, leaving Tommy Tremble as the likely starter.
Tremble isn’t a viable fantasy option either, so you can skip the Panthers altogether here. Bryce Young hasn’t been able to hit Hayden Hurst consistently, with the veteran only catching 13 passes since Week 2 and not once exceeding three catches a game.
Hurst was tremendous for the Cincinnati Bengals last season, and still has the talent, but the opportunities just aren’t there for Panthers tight ends this season.
Taysom Hill – Start (Projection 9.5 Points)
The tight end 10 on the season remains a fascinating option in week 14. With Derek Carr out, I expect to see some chaos in the New Orleans’ approach to quarterbacking, and I am all for it. Hill had 13 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown last week, which is usage that should continue moving forward.
Add in a few targets every game and maybe even a couple of passes, and you have a high-upside tight end in fantasy. If you’re hoping for a big week to get you into the playoffs, Taysom Hill might just give you it.
Los Angeles Rams vs Baltimore Ravens
Tyler Higbee – Sit (Projection 7.2 Points)
It has been a quiet season for Higbee, which is disappointing given that the Rams have struggled with injuries this year. He hasn’t been able to capitalize on the opportunities and is now banged up himself. Despite clearing concussion protocol, Higbee suffered a neck stinger, which could hamper his preparation for this weekend’s clash.
The Rams take on the Ravens this weekend, which is a bad matchup for almost all positions. They are 6th best against tight ends in fantasy, so Higbee should be on the bench this week.
Isaiah Likely – Start (Projection 8.6)
It was a solid first game for Isaiah Likely without Mark Andrews. He was targeted 6 times, collecting 4 of them for 40 yards. We know how much the Ravens like to utilize their starting tight end, which puts Likely in a great spot moving forward. Particularly this week, when the Ravens will take on the LA Rams.
The Rams are not good against tight ends in fantasy, giving up the fourth most points to the position. The Ravens should move the ball well this week, so you can bank on Likely seeing some good opportunities. You can start Isaiah Likely with confidence this week.
Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Goedert – Start (Projection 8 Points)
It sounds as if Dallas Goedert will return to the field this week. If he does, you play him. You drafted him high for a reason, and the Eagles will need all their weapons to topple the impressive Dallas Cowboys. Start Goedert this weekend.
Jake Ferguson – Start (Projection 11.3 Points)
Jake Ferguson has been one of the best stories in fantasy this year. He has become one of the most reliable tight ends in the NFL, proving himself with acrobatic catches and excellent yards after-the-catch ability. He was targeted 8 times in the win over Seattle, contributing 77 yards and a touchdown on 6 catches.
He was relatively quiet in the two games before that, but they came in blowouts against poor teams. When Dallas needs to put up points, they are more than happy sending the ball in his direction. He is one of the best starts at the position every week.
Tennessee Titans vs Miami Dolphins
Chigoziem Okonkwo – Sit (Projection 8 Points)
It is tempting to look Chigoziem Okonkwo’s way given that he has had 107 yards over the last two weeks, but I just can’t bring myself to recommend him. Will Levis makes some exciting throws, but I don’t trust him every week yet. The last couple of weeks have been promising, so keep an eye on Okonkwo as he might be useful in the weeks to come. For now, though, leave him on your bench. I’d like to see better consistency in his targets before sticking him in the lineup.
Durham Smythe – Sit (Projection 3.4 Points)
The Miami Dolphins haven’t been handing targets to their tight ends all season. Mike Gesicki was allowed to walk into free agency in the off-season because the Dolphins just don’t have a use for a pure pass catching tight end, and Durham Smythe is more of a blocker.
Smythe has 18 catches this season, and has posted four games without a single reception. Yes Miami has a very explosive offense, but if you’re looking for a potential streaming tight end this week, there are far better options.
