Fantasy football managers often discover breakout tight ends as the season unfolds. This position can be unpredictable, and several waiver options are gaining attention heading into this week’s matchups. Expect curious developments for those willing to explore new talent in their fantasy football lineups.
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (vs. BUF)
Dalton Schultz has seen a boost in targets since Davis Mills replaced the injured C.J. Stroud in Week 9. The veteran tight end has been targeted 28 times in his last three games, catching 19 for 181 yards and a touchdown.
During that time, Schultz has put together three straight top-eight fantasy weeks at the position, and faces a generous Buffalo Bills defense on Thursday night. Buffalo has given up over 30 points in both of their last two games, and with the game being played in Houston, passing will be unaffected by the November Buffalo weather.
There is a chance Stroud clears concussion protocol in time to suit up for this one, but that wouldn’t be the end of the world. Schultz is the TE14 this year in FPPG (fantasy points per game – 10.6) and is a solid floor option most weeks.
Mason Taylor, New York Jets (at BAL)
The trade deadline may have passed in your leagues, but thankfully, Mason Taylor is on waivers in most places. The rookie tight end may be the Jets’ best available pass catcher with Garrett Wilson on injured reserve.
That hasn’t mattered with Fields’ below-par passing ability, but Tyrod Taylor offers the team a much steadier arm to build an offense around. Despite starting only one game this season, Tyrod accounts for 12 of Mason’s 48 targets (25%), and his promotion to starter is great news for the young tight end.
Mason should be considered a buy-low for anyone without a top tight end on their roster, and could take off down the stretch with improved quarterback play.
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (vs. ATL)
Despite the horrendous quarterback situation the New Orleans Saints entered the season with, Juwan Johnson has been a surprise star in fantasy. After starting the season with three top-10 fantasy weeks, things settled down as the Saints struggled to get anything going on offense.
Things have picked up again for the tight end, though, and he has now put together consecutive top-10 fantasy finishes in his last two games. After a Week 11 bye, Johnson is available on waivers this week, despite scoring double-digit fantasy points in each of his last four games.
The Saints are bad, but Johnson remains a big part of their offense, and statistically, he is a great fantasy option for those in need this weekend.
Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns (at LVR)
Starting any Cleveland Browns pass catcher in Week 12 is a brave move, given the horrific debut that Shedeur Sanders endured on Sunday. The rookie fifth-rounder completed only 25% of his passes, with an interception and an ugly intentional-grounding penalty after Dillon Gabriel was injured.
However, while Sanders is a huge Wild Card this weekend, he looks far more likely to push the ball downfield than Gabriel was. That would be good news for Harold Fannin Jr., among others, with Gabriel having been guilty of playing too safe at times.
It might not be pretty on Sunday, but regardless of Sanders’ stat line, there should be plenty of opportunities for Fannin to accumulate fantasy points.
