If you’re in the daily fantasy sports (DFS) game, you need as many tools as possible to help set your lineup. Sure, there are some things you’ll disagree with, but not acknowledging stats or information is usually a mistake. FanDuel had acquired NumberFire to help on some projections for NFL players for each week to give you another tool to help.
Fanduel Daily Fantasy projections, Week 1: Tight ends
Getting ready to make some money in FanDuel for Week 1? Check out NumberFire’s projections for quarterbacks with some fantasy analysis.
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Along with the data from NumberFire, we’ll be adding some news, matchup information and other information to complement the projections.
Here’s a look at the Week 1 tight ends:
Top-tier options
If you did a Sunday-Monday league, Jimmy Graham is the top option based on the projection. The Rams are going to have their hands full and really don’t have the personnel to stick Graham. There’s a little risk here because he and Russell Wilson weren’t on the same page in the preseason, but the upside is there.
Everyone loves Travis Kelce. He’s become the new version of Rob Gronkowski for how he breaks tackles and stretches the field from the tight end spot. With the Texans set to pressure Alex Smith, expect Kelce to see tons of targets. Kelce could be the No. 1 tight end at $6,000 and may actually be safer than Graham, too.
Bargains
Greg Olsen was priced at $5,900 back when Kelvin Benjamin was healthy. Now with Benjamin out for the season, Olsen is a terrific buy for Week 1 against an awful Jaguars defense. Expect Olsen to lead the team in targets, especially in the red zone.
If you’re looking for a big bargain, Jordan Reed is probably your guy at $5,000. He’s productive when he’s healthy, tight end Niles Paul is out, and the team will probably want to use the tight end to prevent some turnovers. Plus, the Dolphins have sub-par linebackers in pass coverage. He’s a solid tourney play.
Elite players with sub-par matchups
Martellus Bennett is going to have some big weeks, but he’s in a tough spot this week based on the matchups. The Packers have arguably the best safety tandem when it comes to pass coverage with Ha Ha Clinton-DIx and Morgan Burnett. That said, if Alshon Jeffery can’t play on Sunday, Bennett makes for a high-upside play in tournaments.
Tyler Eifert was one of the most popular late picks in season-long leagues, but the Raiders are actually improving at defending tight ends. Khalil Mack is on the outside to help rush the passer, they picked up safety Nate Allen, and Charles Woodson should cover Eifert quite a bit.
