Fantasy football is in full swing, with the second week of the NFL season kicking off on Thursday night. The tight end position can be a huge advantage if you play the right guy, as it's a position that quickly gets muddled in fantasy football. It's time to continue our Week 2 start 'em sit 'em series for fantasy football.
*Additionally, here are ClutchPoints’ start 'em sit 'em recommendations at running back, wide receiver, and quarterback*
Having an elite option is the best route to go, but streaming the position isn't a bad option either. Especially if you can capitalize on a favorable matchup for your fantasy team. Taking advantage of preferable matchups can be a key to success in fantasy football.
There are three tight ends that should be automatic starts in Week 2, while there are three you should completely avoid. With that said, here are tight ends you should start and/or sit in your fantasy football leagues.
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Week 2 Start ‘Em
Start ‘Em
Rob Gronkowski exploded for eight receptions, 90 yards, and two touchdowns. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had the privilege of facing off against a weak Dallas Cowboys secondary, which allowed Gronk to ball out. For Week 2 however, it looks like the Bucs have yet another favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Considering we watched the Philadelphia Eagles torch the Falcons on Sunday, we should see the Buccaneers do something similar. All of the Buccaneers' pass targets should be in for a big game. Look for Gronkowski to reel in at least one touchdown, as he's a favorite red-zone target for Tom Brady.
The Las Vegas Raiders have a tough matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Darren Waller should still produce regardless. Derek Carr targeted his superstar tight end 19 times against the Baltimore Ravens, which bodes well for Waller's season outlook.
Pittsburgh's defense is superior to the Ravens, but they'll have their hands full covering Waller. With Carr targeting his tight end so often, Darren Waller has a legitimate chance to finish as the highest-scoring tight end all year long. Look for another big performance, as Waller is a safe bet to light up the scoreboard in fantasy football.
1. Travis Kelce
After watching Waller dominate the Ravens defense, now it's time to see what Travis Kelce can do. We might just see a record day out of the Kansas City Chiefs' superstar tight end, as he should find himself open more often than not.
Considering Baltimore allowed the Raiders to nearly do whatever they wanted on offense, the Chiefs should be in for a high-scoring performance. If you have Travis Kelce, you might just have the number one fantasy option in Week 2.
Sit ‘Em
3. Adam Trautman
There was a ton of hype around Adam Trautman throughout the offseason as many pegged him as a sleeper pick. However, he seemed to play second fiddle in the New Orleans Saints offense in Week 1. Instead, Juwan Johnson reeled in two receiving touchdowns and seemed to be one of Jameis Winston's favorite targets in the red zone.
Trautman should bounce back and eventually serve as the top pass-catching tight end in New Orleans. However, it's best to avoid starting him for now and play someone else instead. Look for Trautman to potentially be a non-factor in fantasy football for the second consecutive week in a row.
2. Robert Tonyan
Aaron Rodgers doesn't have many pass options, but Robert Tonyan is easily one of the top two. However, the Green Bay Packers were shut down in their season opener, which resulted in a poor fantasy performance out of Tonyan. He could be in for another slow day in Week 2.
The Detroit Lions actually did a decent job of bottling up George Kittle. Their defense did allow over 40 points, but Kittle was a mediocre fantasy option. For that reason, Tonyan could be shut down by Detroit's defense in Week 2, as the Packers have a tough inter-divisional matchup.
1. Tyler Higbee
The Los Angeles Rams let it fly in their season opener and Tyler Higbee played a crucial part. However, the Rams face off against a stingy defense as they go up against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Higbee is likely the fourth passing option in Los Angeles, which means he's likely not a consistent pass option.
If that's the case, Higbee could be in for a slow day, making him a fantasy football bust. If you have another option to play, go with it, as Higbee is a risky option against the Colts' defense.
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