Fantasy Football Tight End Picks: Key Strategies & Tips

Week 17 Tight End Analysis: Navigating a Challenging Slate

The tight end position in Week 17 is a barren wasteland, with many top players having already played or unavailable. While Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders headlines the slate as the must-start option, the rest of the field is a mix of dart throws and risky plays. Let’s explore the top options, sleepers, and betting insights for this week’s tight ends.

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The Elite Option: Brock Bowers

1. Bowers ($6,700 in DFS)
Bowers is in a tier of his own this week, and with good reason. His consistent target volume and ability to produce even without touchdowns make him the safest tight end play. Indoors against the New Orleans Saints, weather won’t be a factor, allowing Bowers to thrive.

• Projection: 7-8 receptions, 70-80 yards, 1 touchdown (20+ fantasy points).
• Betting Insight: Look for props like Bowers over 5.5 receptions and over 60.5 receiving yards. Both feel achievable in this matchup.

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Mid-Tier Considerations

2. Jake Ferguson of the Dallas Cowboys ($4,800)
With CeeDee Lamb out, Ferguson becomes one of Cooper Rush’s top targets. While Ferguson lacks the ceiling of Bowers, he has a solid floor given his increased involvement in the passing game.

• Projection: 4-6 receptions, 40-50 yards (8-10 fantasy points).
• DFS Strategy: A viable pivot if you’re looking to save salary and avoid Bowers’ chalk.

3. Dalton Kincaid of the Buffalo Bills ($4,300)
Kincaid continues to see steady usage in Buffalo’s offense, though his upside is capped by Josh Allen’s spreading the ball around. With Allen potentially on a snap count, Kincaid’s value takes a slight hit.

• Projection: 3-5 receptions, 30-40 yards (6-8 fantasy points).
• Betting Insight: Avoid touchdown props; Kincaid has struggled to find the end zone consistently.

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Cheap Dart Throws

4. Luke Musgrave of the Green Bay Packers ($3,900)
Musgrave’s return complicates the Green Bay tight end situation, but he remains a red-zone threat. Against a struggling defense, he could sneak in a touchdown.

• DFS Strategy: A touchdown-dependent play for those needing extreme salary relief.

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Players to Avoid

1. Juwan Johnson of the New Orleans Saints
Johnson has been wildly inconsistent, offering little more than the hope of a red-zone target. The Saints’ offense doesn’t provide enough volume to justify the risk.

2. Tucker Kraft of the Packers
With Luke Musgrave back, both Packers tight ends are unreliable and should be avoided unless desperate.

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DFS and Betting Recommendations

DFS Strategy

• Cash Games: Lock in Bowers. His high floor and ceiling make him essential for stable lineups.
• Tournaments: Ferguson or Musgrave are viable contrarian options.

Betting Recommendations

• Bowers Props:

  • Over 5.5 receptions
  • Over 60.5 receiving yards
  • Anytime touchdown (+130)

• Ferguson Props:

  • Over 3.5 receptions
  • Over 30.5 receiving yards

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Final Thoughts

The tight end position in Week 17 is a “pay up or punt” scenario. Bowers is the clear top choice, but if you’re looking to save salary, Ferguson offers the best balance of safety and upside. Betting markets align with these options, as both Bowers and Ferguson’s props are set in ranges where they can exceed expectations.

For fantasy managers and DFS players, don’t overthink it—go with Bowers unless salary forces your hand.

You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.