Among last season's top-12 fantasy TE scorers, at least half are hurt or languishing statistically. Entering Week 3, here are three unconventional recommended TE bargains to start, as well as three supposedly must-start TEs to sit, using FantasyPros' composite of Week 3 rankings as our guide.
That's right: I'm not going to recommend starting Trey McBride or Dalton Kincaid, because everyone already knows to do that. This column is about propping up guys who might be on waivers and cautioning against guys who seem startable.
Start - T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings (Ranked 24th)
For the third time in three weeks, I'm recommending T.J. Hockenson to those who don't have a sure-fire top-8 option. Kyler Murray's return should be a net positive. Another
net positive? Facing the beleaguered Buccaneers. Hockenson was undervalued all summer and now somehow is even more undervalued.
Start - Oronde Gadsden II, Los Angeles Chargers (Ranked 19th)
I'm 80% confident about this one, and I realize you deserve at least 85%. But the upside is too high against a Bills defense that surrendered 31 points to both the Lions and the Texans. David Njoku and Charlie Kolar are out, clearing the way for Oronde Gadsden to run more routes and help kick-start a surprisingly flailing passing attack.
Start - Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (Ranked 16th)
Zay Flowers's return is questionable, so this drops to about 77% confidence. If Flowers returns, Mark Andrews' ranking will probably drop, making him an even bigger potential bargain. Regardless, Flowers returning would impact Rashod Bateman more than Andrews, who remains a strong chain-moving and red-zone option.
Sit - Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns (Ranked 13th)
Recommended sits are always tougher because these players generally should do fine, barring something unforeseen. Regarding the Browns, I've been cautioning readers since the preseason to lower expectations for Harold Fannin Jr. and Quinshon Judkins. With Fannin, I focused on increased competition from Denzel Boston and K.C. Conception. The young tight end is both talented and risky every week.
Sit - Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts (Ranked 5th)
Tyler Warren was one of my recommended sits last week because I haven't trusted him to rack up yards in the Colts' questionable aerial game. But he's managed to remain relevant because of touchdowns in back-to-back games. Alec Pierce's absence presumably makes him more appealing. Facing the Texans' defense does not.
Sit - Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (Ranked 7th)
I saved this one for the end, hoping you wouldn't read to the end. But here you are, and here I am. So let's make it count.
Travis Kelce simply dominated in Week 2 against the Colts. There's no other way to couch it. Now the Chiefs face a Dolphins team that's at least a year away from winning three games. Assuming Kansas City gets out to an early lead, we'll probably see more from Emmett Johnson, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Royals, and perhaps Cyrus Allen. This team needs Kelce for the postseason. I expect a letdown performance as others fill in the gaps.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 3: TE Edition
