DraftKings NFL picks, Week 16: Best DFS fantasy football values
By Drew DeLuca
Week 16 NFL DraftKings Values: Tight Ends
Premium Tier ($6,000 and up): We typically advise saving money at the position, but this is a week in which we’re paying up for Travis Kelce (KC vs. ATL, $8,500). The clear, distinct advantage that the King of Tight Ends offers over his lesser subjects makes him worth the investment, especially with so many exceptional values available at other positions.
Mid-Tier Values ($5,000 to $5,900): One of the few options we’ll consider instead is Mark Andrews (BAL vs. NYG), who has scored a touchdown in two of last three contests and caught 15 of 18 targets in that span. He has shaken off an inconsistent start to post 60 or more yards in four straight games, so roll him out with confidence.
Value Tier ($4,000 to $4,900): The secret is out on Logan Thomas (WAS vs. CAR, $4,900), who busted out in a big way last week, and can no longer be found in our Bargain Bin. The Virginia Tech product has seen 7 or more passes thrown his way in three straight games, and thanks to a favorable matchup, could see his second straight game with 10 or more targets.
With Hunter Henry (LAC vs. DEN, $4,700) out with a hip injury, we’re recommending Noah Fant (DEN at LAC, $4,800) from this tier instead. Braver folks may roll the dice on the inconsistent Tyler Higbee (LAR at SEA, $4,000), as the Seahawks rank 28th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to tight ends over the last three weeks.
Bargain Bin: We like Austin Hooper (CLE at NYJ, $3,500) better than all three options in the tier above. He’s scored touchdowns in two of his last three games, caught nine of his last ten targets, and has the best matchup a tight end could ask for: the New York Jets have been the NFL’s worst defense against fantasy tight ends over the last three weeks by a wide margin.
Hayden Hurst (ATL at KC, $3,400) has been wildly inconsistent but makes a great start at this price if Julio Jones sits, given the likely bump in target volume he’d see.
Jordan Akins (HOU vs. CIN, $3,300) six or more targets in three of his last five games. Akins is emerging as the club’s top option at the position; he’s seen almost twice as many passes thrown his way than all of the Houston Texans’ other tight ends combined.
Tyler Eifert (JAX vs. CHI, $3000) has seen four or more targets in nine of his last 10 games and has a favorable matchup. Rookie Harrison Bryant (CLE at NYJ, $2,500) has an even better draw but doesn’t offer the same floor at his lower price, but our favorite bottom-of-the barrel tight end in Week 156 is Donald Parham, Jr. (LAC vs. DEN, $2,500), who should see his snap share skyrocket due to Hunter Henry’s injury.
For the fearless, Chris Herndon (NYJ vs. CLE, $2,500) caught three of four passes for 48 yards last week, his high watermarks in terms of targets, receptions, and yards since Week 3. He looks to ride a rising tide into Week 16 against a Cleveland Browns defense that has been the league’s worst against fantasy tight ends over the last three weeks.
Best Buy: Given the bargains available at other positions, it’s worth it to pay up for Kelce. If the budget won’t allow, we’ll roll with either Hooper or Parham, depending on the budget.