In Week 14, I hit on every one of my predictions. It’s the second time I’ve done that this season, and it surprises me each time it’s happened.
My lone start of the week was New England Patriots tight end, Hunter Henry. He finished the game with a measly three targets. However, he caught all of them for 70 receiving yards. Despite his lack of involvement, he still delivered a quality fantasy performance.
That brings us to my two sit predictions: Los Angeles Chargers tight end Gerald Everett and New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin. In an interesting turn of events, they both had the same number of targets (8), receptions (5), and receiving yards (28). Neither reached nine fantasy points, let alone ten.
Onto Week 15, where I give you some intriguing tight end plays for the playoffs!
Changing the Call (QB): Jayson Snyder
The Cutback (RB): Jake Oliver
Slant Pattern (WR): Tristan Cook
12 Formation (TE): Ethan Wyatt
Flex on ‘Em (FLEX): Evan Brown
IDP Start/Sit (IDP): Jon Glosser
Starts
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN (TE12)
Since Week 12, Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo has been a solid sleeper as far as fantasy football goes. In those three games, he’s totaled 13 receptions for 148 receiving yards and a touchdown on 16 targets. That includes a matchup against one of the toughest defenses against tight ends in 2022. However, that won’t be true of Week 15.
Okonkwo and the Titans face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. The Chargers defense has allowed 6.7 fantasy points per game this year, which ranks 19th in the league. With the consistent injuries to the Titans wide receiver corps and the mismatch that Okonkwo presents, I expect continued involvement. He’s an amazing play this week and the rest of the season. Play him and expect a top ten tight end finish!
Sits
Greg Dulcich, DEN (TE8)
I said it before, and I’ll say it again, Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich is unreliable. You can’t predict his fantasy success because of the volatility of the offense.
Things haven’t been easy for Dulcich, and predicting his fantasy success. There are always multiple layers to the “should I play him?” question. Week 15 is just another piece of that puzzle. Dulcich has an incredibly easy matchup as the Broncos play the Arizona Cardinals. Yes, the same Cardinals defense that allows the most points per game (11.1) to tight ends.
Another positive going Dulcich’s way is that Broncos wide receiver Cortland Sutton has been ruled out with an injury. Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson was also ruled out. Wilson has played like garbage most of the season, but even then, he’s still better than his backup.
With Wilson out, I’m incredibly hesitant to make the move and insert Dulcich into my lineup. There are much better options in Week 15, like the player I highlighted above, so sit Dulcich.
Tyler Conklin, NYJ (TE13)
Conklin was in the same part of this article last week. It was successful then, so I’m going back to the well. I’m kidding, of course. I originally wrote Conklin as a start this week after receiving 8 targets last week. Alas, the NFL gods had other plans in store and played a cruel joke on all of us. Early Friday, it was reported that Jets quarterback Zach Wilson would get the nod after Jets quarterback Mike White failed to get clearance for contact. This news is a game-changer for all Jets pass-catching options. However, It’s more damning for Jets wide receiver Elijah Moore and Conklin.
Conklin had solid fantasy value in games with White and fellow quarterback Joe Flacco. He wasn’t a top 5 tight end that could carry your team, but he still put up enough points to make your tight end position a strength over others. That upside is now removed with Wilson at the helm. There isn’t a chance in France I’d play Conklin. That’s especially true with it being the first week of the playoffs. Stay water and adjust.
Make sure you subscribe to the #NerdHerd, where you get exclusive content, dynasty/rookie/devy rankings, buy/sell tool, and a bonus podcast too. Dynasty Nerds also recently launched the #DynastyGM tool, a complete game-changer in the fantasy industry. Click here for a free trial. We truly are your one-stop shop for all your fantasy football needs!
