Top daily fantasy football tight end plays for Week 5

Welcome to Week 5 of the Daily Fantasy season. Pricing has stabilized as trends have emerged but there are still bargains to be found and even some higher-priced options that will go under-owned and can make a difference in your lineups. This article looks at some of the projected lesser-owned plays at tight end who could provide huge boosts to your tournament lineups, as well as some trap plays to avoid.

Rob Gronkowski $7,200 (New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns)

It only took five weeks, but we’re finally tapping Gronk on the shoulder and telling him to get in there. Sure, the hamstring injury hasn’t helped, but not having Tom Brady throwing him the ball is the reason Gronk has been human so far. Well, all that ends on Sunday when the Revenge Tour plays its opening act, and after what Jordan Reed did to the Browns last week, Gronk should be back and back big this week. I’m guessing this will be the last week that Gronk is not the most expensive tight end on FanDuel. Enjoy this final week of discount and get him in your lineups.

Zach Ertz $5,600 (Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions)

Remember Zach Ertz? Yeah, it’s been a little while, but one of the most reliable pass-catching tight ends in football is back this week against a dreadful defense in Detroit and he comes at a massive discount because of his inactivity. If Trey Burton can have success in this offense, Ertz is practically a lock to smash value. He’s another tight end who is about to see his salary skyrocket, so take advantage now.

Kyle Rudolph $5,500 (Minnesota Vikings vs. Houston Texans)

Rudolph might be the most unappreciated tight end in daily fantasy. He’s like another Vikings pass-catcher of days gone by: All Rudolph does is catch touchdowns. Rudolph has found the end zone in each of the past three games and has 33 targets through the first four weeks of the season. With Stefon Diggs not looking likely to take the field Sunday, Rudolph should be even more involved in the passing game. He should be his usual under-owned self and should help you get a jump on the field.

Zach Miller $5,400 (Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts)

Check on Sunday morning, as his injury status is a bit murky, but if Miller is active, he should be an integral part of the Bears passing attack, which has shown some signs of life with Brian Hoyer at QB. Miller came back to earth a bit last week after his monster showing against the Cowboys in Week 3, but the Colts are the cure for just about any passing game, and Miller figures to be right there as a red zone target.

Gary Barnidge $5,700 (Browns vs. Patriots)

Barnidge caught all seven of his targets last week and has shown some chemistry with Cody Kessler over the past two games. All that’s missing from the resume is a touchdown. Add an extra six points to Barnidge’s recent totals and he’s among the top tight ends in the league. The Patriots aren’t exactly a lockdown defense against the pass, and coach Bill Belichick will probably look to take Terrelle Pryor out of the game first, leaving Barnidge as a busy safety valve for Kessler.

Jacob Tamme $5,400 (Atlanta Falcons at Denver Broncos)

Tamme seemed like a sneaky tight end play after a big Week 2 performance, but Tamme has crashed back to earth since then and faces a tough Broncos defense in Denver this week He’s also dealing with a hip issue. There are a lot of options at or near his price that are better plays this week.

Hunter Henry $5,400 (San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders)

The only reason for putting Henry in this category is the likely return of Antonio Gates this week. If news comes down early that Gates either won’t play or will be severely limited, then I might go back to Henry as a viable option. He’s gotten the job done when the opportunity has been there.