NFL Week 12 Fantasy Football: The Top TE Picks for DFS

The tight end position often makes or breaks fantasy football lineups, and Week 12 is no exception. With stars like Travis Kelce on the slate and sneaky values like Cade Otton and Ja’Tavion Sanders, there’s plenty to consider for both DFS and season-long leagues. Let’s break down the best plays, value picks, and betting opportunities for tight ends this week.

Eagles vs Rams SNF: 6 Favorite NFL Anytime Touchdown Best Bets

Top Tier Tight Ends: Brock Bowers and Travis Kelce

Brock Bowers ($7,500):
Brock Bowers has become a fantasy stud, but his touchdown equity isn’t always consistent. Despite the high price tag, his volume and explosiveness keep him in the elite conversation. If you’re looking for a big splash play, Bowers is worth paying up for in DFS, though his ceiling may hinge on red-zone opportunities.

Travis Kelce ($7,200):
Kelce remains the gold standard at tight end. While his salary is slightly lower than Bowers, Kelce offers more touchdown consistency and a proven track record of delivering in prime matchups. The Chiefs face a team struggling against tight ends, making Kelce a cornerstone for DFS lineups and a potential target for first touchdown scorer bets.

Tackle the Odds with SportsGrid’s Expert NFL Game Picks and NFL Player Prop Picks.

Mid-Tier Value: Cade Otton ($6,600)

Cade Otton is the value gem this week. At $6,600, he provides:

High snap counts and consistent field time.
A solid target share, especially with Mike Evans commanding attention on the outside.
Role security in the middle of the field, where Chris Godwin has historically thrived but hasn’t been as involved this year.

Otton has emerged as a reliable option in Tampa Bay’s offense, making him an excellent play for DFS lineups. He also presents value for anytime touchdown bets, as his role in the red zone continues to grow.

Why Calvin Ridley Might Be a Fantasy Bust in Week 12

Budget Play: Ja’Tavion Sanders ($4,900)

Ja’Tavion Sanders is the sleeper pick that savvy fantasy managers are jumping on:

Tight End 1 performances in his last two games.
A dirt-cheap price of $4,900, allowing you to pay up for other positions.
A matchup against the Chiefs, who rank among the worst in the NFL against tight ends, giving up substantial fantasy points.

Sanders also offers sneaky value for waiver wire pickups in season-long leagues. His role in the offense is growing, and he brings solid touchdown potential at a bargain price.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.

DFS Strategy: Building Your Tight End Core

Elite Lineup: Pair Kelce or Bowers with high-upside, low-cost options like Sanders to balance your salary cap.
Value Lineup: Cade Otton is a perfect mid-tier anchor if you want consistent targets without breaking the bank.
Contrarian Play: Ja’Tavion Sanders is an excellent choice for those looking to differentiate their lineups in large-field tournaments.

Tough Week Ahead: J.K. Dobbins’ Fantasy Football Outlook

Betting Insights: Tight End Props to Watch

Anytime Touchdown Scorers:

Travis Kelce: Always a strong bet, particularly in favorable matchups.
Cade Otton: Quietly emerging as a red-zone target for Tampa Bay.
Ja’Tavion Sanders: High upside at longer odds, especially given Kansas City’s defensive struggles.

Receiving Yard Props:

Brock Bowers: Bet the over if you’re confident in his target volume.
Cade Otton: His role in the short and intermediate passing game makes him a safe bet for 40+ receiving yards.

Impact of Brock Purdy’s Uncertainty on Jauan Jennings

Takeaways for Fantasy and Betting

For DFS:
- Pay up for Kelce or Bowers in cash lineups for reliability.
- Use Cade Otton or Ja’Tavion Sanders to unlock salary flexibility in tournament lineups.
For Betting:
- Target Kelce for anytime touchdown and receiving props.
- Sprinkle in Otton or Sanders for high-value anytime touchdown bets.

Week 12 offers tight end options at every price point, and a thoughtful approach can give you the edge in fantasy and betting alike. Build wisely and take advantage of these high-value plays to dominate your matchups!