Fantasy Football: 5 must-start tight ends for Week 12

The tight end position took a big hit when Baltimore Ravens' tight end Mark Andrews suffered a more than likely season ending injury. However, even though the game has lost a top three tight end, there are others that have either held up their top spots and others who have emerged as tight ends to keep an eye on moving forward.

Here are the 5 must-start tight ends heading into Week 12.

5.) T.J. Hockenson vs. Chicago Bears

The number one tight end in fantasy this year is the obvious always must-start each week in fantasy lineups. Last week was his first week not getting double digit points since Week 4, despite the injury at quarterback to Kirk Cousins and it was just two games ago where he was targeted 15 times, bringing in 11 catches for 134 yards and a score. On Sunday night against the Denver Broncos, Hockenson was targeted just 7 times for 4 catches and 55 yards.

There is not much to think about when it comes to Hockenson. He had 8 targets for 6 catches and 51 yards in his last game against the Chicago Bears, a team that has a defensive unit that seems to be collapsing in the fourth quarter of each game. Don't even think about, start Hockenson.

4.) Evan Engram vs. Houston Texans

The last two weeks have been a tough stretch for tight end Evan Engram. Against the San Francisco 49ers, the Jacksonville offense could not get anything going overall and last week was the Calvin Ridley show. However, it has been known that Ridley is not consistent enough in the passing offense. Tight end Evan Engram has a great chance for a bounce back game against the Houston Texans. In their Week 3 matchup, Engram was targeted 8 times, bringing in 7 receptions for 67 yards. This game will more than likely turn into a barnburner between C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence. 

The Texans won the first game between these two teams, 37-17, and while the Texans are at home for this, it is a battle in the AFC South which includes both Houston and Jacksonville. Look for Engram to be a go-to guy to keep the ball out of Stroud’s hands.

3.) Michael Mayer vs. Kansas City Chiefs

It is always tough to predict rookie receiving options, especially given the situation that the Las Vegas Raiders are in. Even though they have won two of their last three games behind quarterback Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders still have yet to have a true and impressive win against a good team. However, rookie tight end Michael Mayer has been improving each week as the season progresses. In the last two games, Mayer has been targeted 5 times in each game and was able to get into the endzone for the first time in Week 10. 

It is safe to say that the Raiders will more than likely be playing from behind at some point, and wideout Davante Adams will be the main guy for the Chiefs to take away. This could leave open opportunities for Mayer to get some looks and catches to help move the chains for Las Vegas. If you have Mayer, consider starting him if there is not another tight end option for you.

2.) Dalton Kincaid vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Since Week 7 against the New England Patriots, Dalton Kincaid has been one of the biggest weapons for quarterback Josh Allen. In fantasy, he has reached double digit points the last five games and has had no less than 6 targets (against the Denver Broncos, in which he also scored a touchdown). Under new interim Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady against the New York Jets, Kincaid was targeted 7 times, and caught 6 passes for 46 yards. The passing game was not led by Stefon Diggs, instead it was Khalil Shakir. Kincaid was third overall in yards.

With the Bills traveling to Philadelphia, Kincaid will yet again be a go-to guy early on. He is utilized heavily on second and third downs to help move the chains and he looks comfortable as the season progresses. The Eagles’ defense outside of their defensive line has been shaky this season and have given up a handful of big plays. Will Kincaid go onto that list as well? It is very much a possibility, which means don’t forget to lock Kincaid into your starting lineup.

1.) Trey McBride vs. Los Angeles Rams

Even before tight end Zach Ertz went onto the IR, fellow tight end Trey McBride was slowly becoming more involved in the Arizona offense. In two of his last four games, McBride has passed 20+ fantasy points, and has been targeted 16 times total in his last two games. The Cardinals have been more competitive since their Week 9 disaster against the Cleveland Browns. Going into this game, McBride finished last week second in targets and receptions for the Cardinals.

Even though he only has one receiving touchdown on the season, he gets his looks and should continue heading into this Week 12 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. With Kyler Murray back in the lineup, McBride’s ceiling goes up more than what it was before and McBride is an easy security blanket for Murray if he faces pressure upfront. Look for Murray to look towards McBride as a redzone threat, or even just to get out of a pass rush.