Prime-Time First TD Bets — Monday Night Football, Week 16
Alex Christenson
The fantasy football championships may already have been decided in the bulk of leagues. But for the handful of readers who play fantasy to the bitter end of the regular season, I’ve prepared my start and sit column for Week 18 with its usual comprehensive weekly fantasy projections that rank players and provide discrete fantasy values to help you set your lineups with confidence no matter your format or depth of fantasy league. Read on for one last time for the 2024 fantasy season.
The positional rankings and projected fantasy point totals rely on half-PPR scoring. The listed start/sit calls assume a 12-team league with 2 running back, 3 wide receiver, 1 tight end and 1 flex starting lineup spots. If your league is different, I recommend you start my higher ranked players over my lower-ranked players.
You can find my weekly rankings and those of other FTN writers here.
Fantasy Football Start/Sit: Week 18
Quarterbacks
4. Jared Goff, DET vs. MIN: 31.7-276-2.50-0.63 and 1.7-3-0.05 = 20.3
5. Baker Mayfield, TB vs. NO: 33.2-264-2.19-0.93 and 2.7-16-0.10 = 19.7
6. Sam Darnold, MIN at DET: 31.2-257-2.03-0.75 and 3.0-10-0.07 = 18.3
7. Russell Wilson, PIT vs. CIN: 30.5-233-1.53-0.52 and 3.4-12-0.17 = 16.6
8. Kyler Murray, ARZ vs. SF: 32.0-228-1.22-0.70 and 4.0-29-0.12 = 16.3
9. Drake Maye, NE vs. BUF
32.7-220-1.44-0.95 and 3.8-30-0.07 = 16.1
I’ve cited a bunch of different statistics to illustrate how Maye contributes as a runner, a particularly important piece of fantasy scoring for quarterbacks. But this one may do it the best: Despite starting the first five weeks of the season on the bench, Maye ranks second among all quarterbacks in DYAR on scrambles. He may never score Josh Allen’s average 10 rushing touchdowns in a season. But the rookie can sustain his 600-yard rushing pace.
10. Bo Nix, DEN vs. KC
33.8-217-1.52-0.74 and 4.0-18-0.16 = 16.0
Nix may be a surprising QB1 this week. But the rookie has something that a handful of the quarterbacks that would normally rank above him do not: motivation to play. The Broncos will earn a playoff berth if they beat the Chiefs on Sunday. Meanwhile, Josh Allen’s Bills, Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs, Jalen Hurts’ Eagles and C.J. Stroud’s Texans are locked into their seeds, and Matthew Stafford’s Rams have clinched the NFC West. Those veterans will likely sit or play sparingly this weekend.
11. Jordan Love, GB vs. CHI
29.8-240-1.73-0.78 and 1.5-5-0.08 = 15.9
The Packers finished just three points shy of a shot at the No. 1 seed in their loss to the Vikings Sunday. But the team’s typical strong December has not helped Love in fantasy. The talented second-year starter has been more efficient in 2024 than he was in 2023. But he’s slipped to a tie for 16th among quarterbacks with a modest eight pass attempts inside the 5-yard line since Week 8. The Packers have embraced a rushing identity. And Love would be a QB2 in Week 18 if a handful of the quarterbacks that typically rank ahead of him weren’t likely to rest with their playoff seeds clinched.
12. Justin Herbert, LAC at LV
29.5-222-1.30-0.21 and 4.1-17-0.09 = 15.9
Even with his bottom-five starter total of 29.5 projected pass attempts this week, Herbert ties for the 11th-most projected fantasy points at his position. Jim Harbaugh’s run-oriented offense has improved Herbert’s efficiency to counterbalance the lesser passing volume. The question for Week 18 is motivation. Harbaugh told the reporters who asked if he would rest starters that his plan will be to win. But a Steelers victory Saturday would lock the Chargers into the No. 5 seed before their kickoff, so Harbaugh might reasonably pull Herbert and his other starters early even if he plays them. Keep an eye on the news. Herbert is typically a better fantasy option than the next few quarterbacks, but that will only hold true this week if he plays the bulk of Sunday’s game.
13. Caleb Williams, CHI at GB
32.9-210-1.28-0.36 and 4.4-27-0.05 = 15.8
Williams has seen his fantasy productivity regress after an initial bump with new playcaller Thomas Brown. But he has at least continued to run. Last year’s No. 1 pick ranks sixth at his position with 243 rushing yards since Week 11, and that rushing versatility helps him threaten the QB1 benchmark with so many good quarterbacks resting in Week 18.
14. Anthony Richardson, IND vs. JAX
26.8-184-0.91-1.07 and 6.5-39-0.38 = 15.0
If Williams is a high-end QB2 with his rushing versatility, then you know Richardson will be if he plays. But the normal Colts starter is an uncertain Week 18 starter after a bulging disc in his back sidelined him Sunday. Check the news as the weekend approaches before you lock Richardson into your deeper and two-quarterback lineups.
15. Aaron Rodgers, NYJ vs. MIA: 35.5-235-1.60-0.64 and 0.9-4-0.01 = 15.0
16. Jimmy Garoppolo, LA vs. SEA: 34.7-254-1.49-1.08 and 2.0-4-0.08 = 14.8
17. Carson Wentz, KC at DEN: 34.5-235-1.42-0.93 and 2.7-7-0.08 = 14.4
18. Drew Lock, NYG at PHI: 33.7-212-1.15-0.91 and 3.1-25-0.10 = 14.4
19. Tyler Huntley, MIA at NYJ: 28.5-187-1.00-0.54 and 5.0-26-0.22 = 14.3
20. Geno Smith, SEA at LA: 34.5-257-1.10-0.93 and 1.8-9-0.07 = 14.1
21. Joshua Dobbs, SF at ARZ: 29.7-184-1.10-0.71 and 4.4-24-0.20 = 14.0
22. Michael Penix Jr., ATL vs. CAR: 34.5-238-1.24-0.93 and 2.2-6-0.08 = 13.7
23. Aidan O’Connell, LV vs. LAC: 35.1-235-1.19-0.60 and 2.0-2-0.08 = 13.7
Running Backs
10. Zach Charbonnet, SEA at LA: 13.6-57-0.60 and 4.2-3.4-24-0.07 = 13.8
11. Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG at PHI: 14.4-63-0.36 and 4.0-2.8-22-0.09 = 12.6
12. Tony Pollard, TEN vs. HST: 15.9-68-0.33 and 4.3-3.1-18-0.07 = 12.6
13. Rico Dowdle, DAL vs. WAS: 17.1-81-0.24 and 2.4-1.9-13-0.09 = 12.3
14. Isaac Guerendo, SF at ARZ: 12.7-62-0.43 and 2.2-1.9-16-0.05 = 11.7
15. Michael Carter, ARZ vs. SF: 14.0-65-0.38 and 2.6-2.1-13-0.06 = 11.5
16. Brian Robinson Jr., WAS at DAL: 13.0-56-0.56 and 2.0-1.6-13-0.06 = 11.5
17. Jaylen Warren, PIT vs. CIN: 11.0-49-0.24 and 4.4-3.6-28-0.09 = 11.4
18. Ameer Abdullah, LV vs. LAC: 9.6-44-0.30 and 4.1-3.5-23-0.16 = 11.2
19. D’Andre Swift, CHI at GB: 13.5-52-0.35 and 2.9-2.4-22-0.05 = 10.9
20. Breece Hall, NYJ vs. MIA: 11.4-47-0.29 and 3.6-2.7-24-0.10 = 10.8
21. J.K. Dobbins, LAC at LV: 12.7-61-0.41 and 2.3-1.9-10-0.05 = 10.7
22. Ray Davis, BUF at NE: 12.8-50-0.33 and 2.1-1.8-17-0.07 = 10.0
23. Najee Harris, PIT vs. CIN: 13.3-53-0.36 and 2.3-1.7-13-0.04 = 9.9
24. Rachaad White, TB vs. NO: 7.5-32-0.20 and 3.4-3.0-24-0.19 = 9.4
25. Blake Corum, LA vs. SEA
12.7-48-0.36 and 1.5-1.2-9-0.04 = 8.6
The rest guessing game ramps up at running back. On his radio show, Rams coach Sean McVay suggested he planned to rest key starters with the division locked up and made plain that he’s excited about watching Blake Corum get a heavy workload. That’s about as definitive as you can hope for in Week 18, and I’m projecting Corum for a 63.5% carry share that ties him for sixth highest at his position.
26. Travis Etienne Jr., JAX at IND
9.7-38-0.26 and 3.2-2.5-17-0.06 = 8.6
Tank Bigsby has edged Etienne 59 carries to 55 since he returned from an injury in Week 13. But Etienne has lapped Bigsby 14 receptions to 3 over the last five weeks and earns a better fantasy ranking because of it.
27. Dameon Pierce, HST at TEN
12.6-52-0.35 and 1.0-0.8-5-0.02 = 8.4
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters he would play his starters Sunday. But with the team locked into the No. 4 seed, I would be surprised if veteran running back Joe Mixon played more than a series or two. I’m projecting Mixon’s backup Dameon Pierce for a 54.5% carry share that is tied for 20th at the position. And I would be confident enough in that role to start him at flex.
28. Rhamondre Stevenson, NE vs. BUF
11.3-44-0.37 and 1.7-1.4-7-0.05 = 8.4
Mayo announced that he would bench Stevenson for Antonio Gibson again in Week 17 — presumably for the former’s Week 16 fumble — but Stevenson once again started and played 45% of snaps, even if he didn’t see a ton of work in a blowout loss to the Chargers. I don’t feel great about it, but Stevenson could rack up some fantasy points facing the mostly Mitchell Trubisky-led Bills Sunday.
29. Tank Bigsby, JAX at IND
10.2-48-0.38 and 1.1-0.8-6-0.02 = 8.2
Bigsby has bested Travis Etienne Jr. with two carries versus one inside the 5-yard line and with two touchdowns versus zero the last five weeks. In theory, Bigsby could counterbalance his lesser receiving work with more touchdowns for fantasy. But in practice, the Jaguars are too likely to fall behind in games with their 32nd ranked DVOA defense. Their constant deficits promote passing and make Bigsby a lesser flex option than similarly efficient early-down backs like Brian Robinson Jr. and J.K. Dobbins on better teams.
30. Carson Steele, KC at DEN
12.3-44-0.36 and 1.7-1.2-7-0.03 = 8.1
Andy Reid told reporters that he’ll start Carson Wentz at quarterback in Week 18. And if Patrick Mahomes is resting, I believe it’s fair to assume that Travis Kelce and DeAndre Hopkins will be resting or playing minimally, too. But running back is more complicated. Kareem Hunt is 29 years old and may prefer rest. But Isiah Pacheco has played just five games since his return from injured reserve for his broken fibula. He could plausibly want some more reps to continue to find his rhythm. My current guess is that the rookie Steele would lead the backfield with a 61.0% carry share that ties him for 11th among running backs this week. But follow the news for potential updates from Reid on his plans.
31. D’Onta Foreman, CLV at BLT
11.1-42-0.39 and 1.4-1.0-7-0.03 = 7.9
Jerome Ford’s ankle injury leaves the Browns with Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. to share the bulk of the backfield work in Week 18 against the Ravens. That tighter rotation offers some fantasy hope, I believe especially for Foreman, who is more experienced and has a 233-pound frame that is conducive to red zone work. But with some combination of Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback and facing a Ravens team that still needs to win to secure the AFC North, the Browns will likely fall behind and skew their playcalling to passing rather than running. Foreman is technically my final flex starter with so few appealing options in a wonky Week 18. But check your wires. You may have better rest-boosted options available to you.
32. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, NO at TB
8.4-32-0.22 and 2.7-2.0-16-0.08 = 7.6
It may not have been interim Saints coach Darren Rizzi’s plan to have Week 16 newcomer Edwards-Helaire pace his backfield with a 43% snap share and seven touches in Week 17. But Kendre Miller’s apparent concussion Sunday makes it likely CEH will lead the Saints running backs again Sunday. Just don’t count on a ton of work as this undermanned Saints team faces a Bucs opponent that needs to win to secure a playoff spot.
33. Antonio Gibson, NE vs. BUF: 8.4-38-0.19 and 1.9-1.5-13-0.04 = 7.3
34. Will Shipley, PHI vs. NYG: 10.6-39-0.24 and 1.5-1.2-9-0.04 = 7.1
35. Miles Sanders, CAR at ATL: 9.4-37-0.25 and 2.0-1.5-8-0.03 = 7.0
36. Alexander Mattison, LV vs. LAC: 6.7-22-0.26 and 2.8-2.1-17-0.08 = 7.0
37. Ty Johnson, BUF at NE: 4.6-21-0.12 and 2.6-1.9-23-0.11 = 6.8
38. Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN vs. KC: 7.2-34-0.17 and 2.3-2.0-9-0.08 = 6.7
39. Justice Hill, BLT vs. CLV: 3.1-14-0.08 and 3.2-2.6-24-0.11 = 6.3
40. Raheem Mostert, MIA at NYJ: 6.1-24-0.24 and 2.0-1.6-12-0.05 = 6.2
41. Pierre Strong Jr., CLV at BLT: 5.8-25-0.13 and 2.8-1.9-14-0.04 = 5.9
42. Dare Ogunbowale, HST at TEN: 3.3-13-0.08 and 3.3-2.3-20-0.10 = 5.5
43. Audric Estime, DEN vs. KC: 7.2-31-0.18 and 0.9-0.7-5-0.02 = 5.2
44. Kenneth Gainwell, PHI vs. NYG: 5.3-23-0.18 and 1.5-1.2-8-0.03 = 4.9
45. Javonte Williams, DEN vs. KC: 3.8-14-0.13 and 2.9-2.2-13-0.05 = 4.8
46. Raheem Blackshear, CAR at ATL: 6.2-23-0.16 and 1.2-0.9-6-0.02 = 4.5
47. Ronnie Rivers, LA vs. SEA: 4.9-20-0.11 and 1.7-1.3-9-0.03 = 4.4
48. Tyler Allgeier, ATL vs. CAR: 5.8-26-0.17 and 0.5-0.4-3-0.01 = 4.3
49. Tyrion Davis-Price, PHI vs. NYG: 5.6-21-0.15 and 1.3-1.0-6-0.03 = 4.3
50. Cam Akers, MIN at DET: 6.5-25-0.16 and 0.7-0.5-3-0.03 = 4.2
51. Braelon Allen, NYJ vs. MIA: 5.7-21-0.14 and 1.0-0.7-6-0.02 = 4.0
52. Devin Singletary, NYG at PHI: 4.1-17-0.12 and 1.3-1.1-7-0.02 = 3.8
53. Roschon Johnson, CHI at GB: 4.2-15-0.22 and 0.9-0.7-5-0.02 = 3.7
54. Jamaal Williams, NO at TB: 3.8-14-0.12 and 1.6-1.3-8-0.03 = 3.7
55. Craig Reynolds, DET vs. MIN: 4.6-20-0.12 and 0.8-0.6-5-0.02 = 3.6
Wide Receivers
14. Jerry Jeudy, CLV at BLT: 8.7-5.5-77-0.32 = 12.3
15. Ladd McConkey, LAC at LV: 7.2-5.3-73-0.37 = 12.2
16. Adam Thielen, CAR at ATL: 7.5-5.7-69-0.41 = 12.1
17. Jordan Addison, MIN at DET: 6.9-4.6-64-0.52 = 12.0
18. Jauan Jennings, SF at ARZ: 7.4-5.0-66-0.40 = 11.6
19. Garrett Wilson, NYJ vs. MIA: 8.6-5.6-61-0.42 = 11.5
20. Zay Flowers, BLT vs. CLV: 7.6-4.9-70-0.30 = 11.3
21. Jakobi Meyers, LV vs. LAC: 8.3-5.4-63-0.34 = 11.1
22. Jameson Williams, DET vs. MIN: 6.1-3.8-65-0.31 = 10.9
23. George Pickens, PIT vs. CIN: 7.1-4.3-66-0.33 = 10.7
24. DK Metcalf, SEA at LA: 7.0-4.3-64-0.33 = 10.5
25. Keenan Allen, CHI at GB: 8.8-5.0-54-0.43 = 10.5
26. Jayden Reed, GB vs. CHI: 5.0-3.6-53-0.31 = 10.0
27. Calvin Ridley, TEN vs. HST: 7.1-3.8-57-0.30 = 9.7
28. Marvin Harrison Jr., ARZ vs. SF: 7.3-3.8-54-0.39 = 9.6
29. Deebo Samuel Sr., SF at ARZ: 5.0-3.2-42-0.21 = 9.4
30. Tyreek Hill, MIA at NYJ: 6.4-4.3-51-0.34 = 9.3
31. Keon Coleman, BUF at NE: 5.9-3.5-57-0.30 = 9.2
32. Romeo Doubs, GB vs. CHI: 6.0-3.8-50-0.34 = 8.9
33. Tutu Atwell, LA vs. SEA: 6.0-4.0-55-0.19 = 8.9
34. Darnell Mooney, ATL vs. CAR: 6.1-3.7-56-0.24 = 8.9
35. Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG at PHI: 8.3-5.3-42-0.27 = 8.6
36. Brandin Cooks, DAL vs. WAS
6.7-3.8-43-0.37 = 8.5
With CeeDee Lamb out for the season, Cooks saw a season-high eight targets and produced a season-high 52 yards in Week 17 in Philadelphia. Expect him to lead the Cowboys receivers in Week 18, as well.
37. Jalen McMillan, TB vs. NO
5.9-3.6-44-0.37 = 8.4
McMillan has enjoyed a 4.16 expected touchdown surplus since Week 13 that is the biggest among all skill players. Expect some major touchdown regression in Week 18 and onward. But McMillan still makes the flex cutoff rather easily with a December ramp-up to consistent 70% snap shares and a 17.6% target share that is 36th among wide receivers the last four weeks.
38. Marvin Mims Jr., DEN vs. KC
4.6-3.3-44-0.25 = 8.2
Mims’ 47% snap share the last two weeks may not scream “fantasy starter.” But those rates are still the highest for the former second-round draft pick all year. And his eight and five targets are also his highest. Consider Mims in fantasy in Week 18. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he and his team will at least be motivated to win to reach the playoffs.
39. Olamide Zaccheaus, WAS at DAL
5.5-3.9-44-0.26 = 8.0
With No. 2 wide receiver alternatives Noah Brown and Dyami Brown sidelined, Zaccheaus has started the last two weeks and seen eight or more targets and 70 or more yards. That would make him flex-worthy on its own. But the journeyman receiver also supports his fantasy case with five targets thrown into the red zone the last two weeks. He’s lucky to have three touchdowns in that time, but he isn’t the expected touchdown outlier that Jalen McMillan is.
40. Josh Downs, IND vs. JAX
5.8-3.8-44-0.27 = 7.9
Michael Pittman Jr.’s recent run of seven or more targets in five of the last six weeks has closed the gap between Downs and his veteran teammate. But Downs still clips Pittman with a 24.8% versus a 24.2% target share in his healthy games this season, and the former’s rate ties him for 20th among regular wide receivers this year. I’d feel better with a pass-happier Joe Flacco under center. But Downs still makes my flex starter cutoff.
41. John Metchie III, HST at TEN
6.1-3.9-43-0.26 = 7.8
Normal No. 1 Texans receiver Nico Collins may start in Week 18 based on DeMeco Ryans’ statement. But with the team locked into the No. 4 seed, I don’t expect him to play much. Instead, I expect Metchie to pace the team’s receivers in playing time and targets. And my projected 20.5% target share for him ties him for 34th among wide receivers and makes him my final flex receiver starter in Week 18.
42. Michael Pittman Jr., IND vs. JAX
6.2-3.9-45-0.21 = 7.7
At 6-foot-4, Pittman has seven inches on his slot receiver teammate Josh Downs. But Downs’ five touchdowns this season are more than Pittman has had in any of the last three years. Despite his build, Pittman is a possession receiver. And that isn’t a recipe for fantasy success with a quarterback that averages 11.5 completions per game.
43. Rome Odunze, CHI at GB
6.0-3.2-43-0.28 = 7.6
With receivers like Puka Nacua and A.J. Brown likely to rest this weekend, you might consider the disappointing fantasy rookie Odunze in some deeper formats. But keep an eye on the news. Odunze missed Wednesday’s practice with an illness. Make sure he suits up Sunday before you lock him into your fantasy lineups.
44. JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC at DEN: 5.2-3.6-43-0.25 = 7.6
45. Xavier Worthy, KC at DEN: 5.7-3.4-38-0.29 = 7.6
46. Quentin Johnston, LAC at LV: 5.7-3.1-39-0.33 = 7.5
47. Kayshon Boutte, NE vs. BUF: 5.8-3.4-44-0.22 = 7.4
48. DeMario Douglas, NE vs. BUF: 5.3-4.0-38-0.19 = 7.2
49. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, TEN vs. HST: 4.8-2.6-39-0.33 = 7.1
50. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, NO at TB: 5.0-2.5-44-0.23 = 7.1
51. Ray-Ray McCloud, ATL vs. CAR: 5.1-3.7-40-0.14 = 7.1
52. Jordan Whittington, LA vs. SEA: 5.0-3.6-41-0.18 = 7.0
53. Jalen Coker, CAR at ATL: 4.7-3.0-42-0.21 = 6.9
54. Demarcus Robinson, LA vs. SEA: 5.0-2.5-36-0.33 = 6.9
55. Parker Washington, JAX at IND: 4.9-3.2-37-0.22 = 6.6
56. Justin Watson, KC at DEN: 4.3-2.8-39-0.21 = 6.6
57. Mack Hollins, BUF at NE: 4.7-2.9-36-0.22 = 6.4
58. Jalen Tolbert, DAL vs. WAS: 4.5-2.8-32-0.27 = 6.2
59. Joshua Palmer, LAC at LV: 4.4-2.7-38-0.17 = 6.2
60. Elijah Moore, CLV at BLT: 5.9-3.5-32-0.18 = 6.1
61. Jaylen Waddle, MIA at NYJ: 3.8-2.8-38-0.15 = 6.1
62. KaVontae Turpin, DAL vs. WAS: 3.8-2.3-28-0.18 = 6.0
63. Michael Wilson, ARZ vs. SF: 4.2-2.8-34-0.21 = 6.0
64. Alec Pierce, IND vs. JAX: 3.8-2.0-38-0.19 = 6.0
65. Rashod Bateman, BLT vs. CLV: 3.6-2.2-35-0.22 = 5.9
66. Xavier Legette, CAR at ATL: 4.8-2.8-30-0.22 = 5.8
67. Ricky Pearsall, SF at ARZ: 4.0-2.6-34-0.19 = 5.8
68. Tre Tucker, LV vs. LAC: 4.4-2.5-31-0.16 = 5.7
69. Kendrick Bourne, NE vs. BUF: 3.9-2.7-32-0.17 = 5.5
70. Dontayvion Wicks, GB vs. CHI: 4.9-2.4-28-0.24 = 5.5
Tight Ends
5. Mark Andrews, BLT vs. CLV: 4.7-3.9-48-0.46 = 9.5
6. Hunter Henry, NE vs. BUF: 6.9-4.6-47-0.32 = 9.0
7. Jonnu Smith, MIA at NYJ: 5.3-4.2-44-0.31 = 8.4
8. Chig Okonkwo, TEN vs. HST: 6.6-4.9-46-0.23 = 8.4
9. Juwan Johnson, NO at TB: 5.4-4.0-43-0.27 = 7.9
10. Zach Ertz, WAS at DAL: 5.3-3.8-38-0.35 = 7.7
11. Tucker Kraft, GB vs. CHI
4.2-3.1-44-0.29 = 7.7
Kraft has caught modest totals of three and two passes the last two weeks since his more highly drafted tight end teammate Luke Musgrave returned from injured reserve. But don’t let the production fool you — Kraft played his typical 86% snap share last Sunday. He remains a comfortable TE1 in fantasy in Week 18.
12. T.J. Hockenson, MIN at DET
5.3-3.8-43-0.18 = 7.3
Hockenson may not have scored a touchdown this season. But the veteran is tied for ninth among tight ends with eight red zone targets since his return to play in Week 11. And his 1.8 expected touchdown shortfall is fourth highest at the position for the year. Hockenson is due to score a touchdown. Continue to start him as the Vikings fight for the No. 1 seed in Week 18.
13. Pat Freiermuth, PIT vs. CIN
4.4-3.7-37-0.27 = 7.2
Freiermuth set season highs with seven catches and 60 yards in Week 17 with starting receiver George Pickens back in the Steelers lineup. Pickens may well help Freiermuth and his other teammates with the defensive attention he pulls away from them. That may not make the veteran a TE1 this week. But with players like Travis Kelce, Dalton Schultz and Dalton Kincaid likely to rest, Freiermuth is close.
14. Noah Gray, KC at DEN: 4.3-3.5-38-0.24 = 7.0
15. Mike Gesicki, CIN at PIT: 4.7-3.7-38-0.21 = 7.0
16. Kyle Pitts, ATL vs. CAR: 4.8-3.0-39-0.25 = 6.9
17. Foster Moreau, NO at TB: 4.0-2.9-36-0.29 = 6.8
18. Jake Ferguson, DAL vs. WAS: 5.9-4.1-35-0.16 = 6.5
19. Noah Fant, SEA at LA: 5.0-3.7-38-0.14 = 6.5
20. Austin Hooper, NE vs. BUF: 4.0-3.1-34-0.19 = 6.1
21. Grant Calcaterra, PHI vs. NYG: 4.0-3.1-36-0.12 = 5.9
22. Tyler Conklin, NYJ vs. MIA: 4.5-3.2-28-0.19 = 5.6
23. Jordan Akins, CLV at BLT: 4.4-3.0-30-0.16 = 5.4
24. Isaiah Likely, BLT vs. CLV: 3.1-2.3-26-0.25 = 5.2
25. Dawson Knox, BUF at NE: 3.5-2.4-29-0.18 = 5.1
26. Brenton Strange, JAX at IND: 3.7-2.7-26-0.18 = 5.1
27. Payne Durham, TB vs. NO: 2.6-1.8-18-0.12 = 3.5
28. Will Dissly, LAC at LV: 2.5-1.9-19-0.08 = 3.4
29. Cade Stover, HST at TEN: 2.4-1.7-16-0.12 = 3.2
30. Cole Kmet, CHI at GB: 1.8-1.5-16-0.11 = 3.0
31. Adam Trautman, DEN vs. KC: 2.1-1.3-16-0.12 = 2.9
32. Davis Allen, LA vs. SEA: 2.5-1.6-14-0.10 = 2.8
33. Tommy Tremble, CAR at ATL: 2.1-1.5-15-0.10 = 2.8
34. Devin Culp, TB vs. NO: 1.9-1.3-14-0.10 = 2.7
35. Daniel Bellinger, NYG at PHI: 1.8-1.4-14-0.07 = 2.5
36. AJ Barner, SEA at LA: 1.8-1.3-12-0.10 = 2.5
37. Michael Mayer, LV vs. LAC: 2.1-1.3-13-0.09 = 2.5
38. Ja’Tavion Sanders, CAR at ATL: 1.6-1.2-13-0.08 = 2.4
39. Stone Smartt, LAC at LV: 1.6-1.2-14-0.06 = 2.4
