Cameron Brate started the season much like he did in 2016, as a somewhat reliable red-zone threat for Jameis Winston. He had four touchdowns in the first five games and looked to be having another productive season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fantasy football Week 16: Cameron Brate, start or sit?
Brate is back on the radar with O.J. Howard done for the season. We break down the fantasy implications.
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However, Brate disappeared from the radar midseason as Winston missed time with a shoulder injury. He re-emerged a little bit when Winston returned, but he still didn’t do enough to justify being in fantasy lineups. Last week, Brate had four catches for 49 yards against the Atlanta Falcons, which was actually his highest yardage total since Week 8.
Fantasy impact: O.J. Howard suffered a foot injury and is done for the season, so Brate will be the undisputed No. 1 tight end down the stretch. That said, he remains a total boom-or-bust gamble when the Bucs face the Carolina Panthers. Brate managed 64 yards on four catches the last time these teams played, but Carolina’s defense is always a tough matchup for opposing offenses. He’s an extremely risky option for fantasy championship week.
Recommendation: Start if you’re desperate
