Week 3 of the fantasy football season is here, and we’re back with another crop of start/sit options. We’re starting to collect a small sample size of data about each team and can start making somewhat more-informed decisions on good plays and traps. With that in mind, we’ll pick tight ends who should exceed expectations in Week 3, along with three you should probably sit.
Fantasy football, Week 3: Who to start and sit at tight end
We break down the top starting options at tight end this week, along with some players who should be avoided.
Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images
Start
Ertz has been a target and yardage machine thus far for the Eagles, which is not really a surprise. He’s had 18 targets through two games and topped 90 yards receiving in each. Ertz just needs to find the end zone to become arguably the most dangerous tight end in the game. The Giants seem like a team willing to oblige.
Going back more than a year, the one team in the NFL to target tight ends against is Cleveland. Pittsburgh’s Jesse James lit up the Browns in Week 1, and the ancient Ben Watson looked like Kellen Winslow (Sr.) last week. Doyle has been about the only bright spot in the Colts offense without Andrew Luck, so there’s no reason to turn away now.
Evan Engram, New York Giants (at Philadelphia Eagles)
If Engram is cleared from concussion protocol, and indications are that he will be, he is a solid play against a defense that got carved up by Travis Kelce in Week 2. Engram is not on Kelce’s talent level (yet), but he is already one of Eli Manning’s most-trusted targets in an offense where the quarterback has precious little time to locate receivers downfield. As long as he’s out there, Engram is a solid bet for five to six catches and 50-60 yards, with touchdown upside.
Sit
Jordan Reed, Washington (vs. Oakland Raiders)
Reed practiced Thursday, but he’s really hard to trust as long as he’s battling injury. The Raiders aren’t a team to shy away from with tight ends, but Reed needs to show he can get back to his normal self before you want to go back to him.
There’s no guarantee that Eifert is going to play this week, so don’t risk taking a zero here.
Clay has been one of Tyrod Taylor’s favorite targets through two weeks. But Clay’s chances of success this week against the Broncos defense seems remote.
