Dealing with the aftermath of a key injury can feel overwhelming. If you’re not in a shallow league, the waiver wire can be nearly empty, and finding solid replacements during bye weeks is a challenge. Well, at least that’s true for running backs and generally wide receivers. The tight end position, though, presents a different scenario.
While it may lack elite talent, there are always some emerging streamers that can help you manage for the week. With Travis Kelce and Jake Fergusson on bye and Tucker Craft sidelined, many fantasy managers are feeling the stress. Some have turned to Luke Musgrave in hopes of landing Green Bay’s next star, and others have splurged on Bears tight end Colston Loveland to bolster their lineups.
Still, neither player truly stands out as a major target in their offenses. For example, Musgrave isn’t known for his blocking skills and will likely split time with John Fitzpatrick. Loveland, on the other hand, only began to catch attention after scoring a game-winning touchdown against a weak Bengals defense when Cole Kmet left the game with a concussion.
Kmet is back in practice now, which adds another layer of uncertainty for Musgrave’s potential. If you want to make a solid move as Week 10 wraps up, consider adding the Saints’ Juwan Johnson to your roster.
With wide receiver Rashid Shahid moved to Seattle, there’s a good chance those seven-plus targets per game will need to be redistributed, and Johnson is expected to pick up some of that slack. Despite head coach Kellen Moore’s mention of Devaughn Vere potentially having a bigger role, Johnson, a converted wide receiver, should see his snaps and targets rise, especially facing a Panthers defense that’s last in DVOA against tight ends and allowing an average of 14.6 fantasy points per game to that position.
If Johnson isn’t available, it might be wise to keep an eye on Cade Otton from the Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield often looks to Otton when either Mike Evans or Chris Godwin isn’t playing—not only for chain-moving but also in the red zone. With the addition of Emeka Egbuka in the receiver mix and with Tez Johnson and Sterling Shepard as alternatives, Otton may be relied upon again. The Buccaneers are set to face the Patriots, who have given up the ninth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season (15.3).
The tight end position has been a bit of a mess throughout the season. There have been injuries and inconsistent performances from the usual top producers, which has diminished the value of premier tight ends. If you find yourself in need of help, streaming options are becoming increasingly effective each week. Researching matchups diligently can be your key to success.
