Finding replacement tight ends late in the fantasy football season becomes a battle of crumbs. Jake Tonges (7/60/1), Michael Mayer (9/89), and Greg Dulcich (5/58/1) were the top waiver wire out in Week 17. With George Kittle expected back this week, Tonges lost his starting value in fantasy.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
Mayer doesn’t bring the ceiling or resume of Brock Bowers, but he was a productive player at Notre Dame over his last two seasons (71/840/7 and 67/809/9). He comes off a 10-target game, leading to 17.90 fantasy points in PPR formats. The Raiders’ tight ends rank second this year in catches (115) and receiving yards (1,114) while scoring eight times. Most of the damage has come from Brock Bowers (64/680/7 on 86 targets over 12 games).
A change at quarterback will affect Mayer’s role this week, but Las Vegas’s tight ends operate as their first option in the passing game. I have him projected to catch five passes for 51 yards against the Chiefs, with a 25% chance of scoring.
More Fantasy Football Strategy: Tanner McKee Tops List of Backup QBs to Start in Week 18 Fantasy Lineups
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
The three tight end rotation is down to two players in Week 18, with Darnell Washington placed on the injured reserve with a forearm issue. Pittsburgh had Freiermuth on the field for 70% of their plays in Week 17, matching his season high in Week 3. He’s caught 77.6% of his 49 targets this year for 435 yards and four touchdowns despite ranking third on the team in tight end snaps.
Freiermuth’s role should be much improved in Week 18, helped by the lack of wide receiver talent on the Steelers’ roster with DK Metcalf suspended. The Ravens allowed over 15.00 fantasy points to the tight end position in six games this season.
Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts
A matchup against Houston’s defense and a downgrade to Riley Leonard at quarterback point to a dull showing by Warren in Week 18. I have him on a path to catch three passes for 33 yards with a 25% chance of scoring, leading to fewer than 10.00 fantasy points in PPR formats. Over his last five starts, Warren averaged 3.2 catches for 26 yards with one touchdown.
The Texans’ defense has shown more risk vs. tight ends over their last three matchups (15/138/2, 6/43/1, and 5/51/1), with the first outcome highlighted by the success of Trey McBride (12/134/2 on 13 targets). Warren appears to be a fade in Week 18, but a team rostering him may not have a better option on their team.
More Fantasy Football Strategy: Tanner McKee Tops List of Backup QBs to Start in Week 18 Fantasy Lineups
