NFL

Tight End Streaming: Christmas Edition

'Twas just days before Christmas, when all though this joint we looked for tight ends with the most Net Expected Points...

'Twas just days before Christmas, when all though this joint
We looked for tight ends with the most Net Expected Points.
The lineups were adjusted with research and care
In hopes that a championship soon would be there.
Some owners were happy with Vernon Davis or Graham,
So multiple touchdowns were part of their plan.
But what about owners without any luck?
They had Cameron and Reed, and especially Gronk.
Did they throw up their hands and lose faith in their team?
Not with numberFire and the tight end stream.
Now outside my window, the week of the game
That Santa, he knew every option by name!
"Now, Walker! Now, Fleener! Now, Timothy Wright!
You are some of the players who make Christmas all right.
On, Myers! On, Chandler! On, Ertz and Heath Miller!
These tight ends can sure make your lineup a killer."
Santa sprang to his sleigh as he gave this advice:
"Pick up one of these players and make Christmas nice."
And before he took off, he checked numberFire;
"Merry Christmas to all who stream the waiver wire!"

Week 15 Recap

The top tight end in the league last week, Tim Wright, came right off the tight end stream. In fact, 8 of the top-12 and 19 of the top-24 tight ends were streaming material. Meanwhile, Orange Julius, Jimmy Graham, and Jordan Cameron were the ghosts of Christmas past. Well, now it's championship week, and Santa Claus is making a list and checking it twice.

The Christmas Gifts/Week 16 Streamers

Delanie Walker, Tennessee Mistletoe (owned in 27.8% of ESPN Leagues)

Walker, Texas Ranger was back to being a top-10 tight end in Week 16 after struggling in the aftermath of a Week 13 concussion. Walker went for 53 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions last Sunday, and he was targeted a whopping 11 times by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He has a .64 receiving Reception Net Expected Points per Target on the season now, a number that tells us he's been more efficient for his team's offense than bigger names like Greg Olsen and Antonio Gates.

Walker faces Jacksonville this week, a defense that has been the second worst in the NFL against opposing tight ends on the season. Tight ends average 67 yards and .64 touchdowns on six catches per game against the Jaguars' moribund defense. Look for Walker to soar like Santa's sleigh in Week 16.

Tim Wright, Tampa Bay Tinsel (owned in 2% of ESPN Leagues)

Mr. Wright did everything right in Week 15, as he registered seven receptions, 82 yards, and a touchdown. With quarterback Mike Glennon looking his way, Wright had his second consecutive week with a touchdown. With a Reception NEP per Target of .83, Wright has proven to be one of the more efficient tight ends in the NFL when the ball is actually thrown his way.

Wright does face the Rams, the fourth-best team in the NFL in defending tight ends. St. Louis, however, gives up the ninth most yards per catch (11.88) in the league. We give Wright approximately the same chance of scoring a touchdown as Tony Gonzalez this week. Tim Wright with your nose so bright, won't you guide my team tonight.

Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jingle Bells (owned in 0.7% of ESPN Leagues)

The last three weeks in the NFL have featured episodes of "Marcedes Lewis Can't Lose." Lewis has snagged a touchdown in three straight, and he had his season high in receptions (4) and yards (54) in Week 15. Remember, Lewis was sidelined through first third of the season with a calf injury, and it looks like he's finally found his groove.

Lewis' low Reception NEP Per Target of .36 can be attributed to his slow start after returning from injury. However, don't sleep on this streamer. As noted, things are trending upward for the former impact tight end. We predict that he has a better chance to score a touchdown this week than Antonio Gates. Like Santa, look for Lewis to deliver at Christmas time.

The Stocking Stuffers/Deeper Streamers

Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Presents
Zach Ertz, Philadephia Elves
Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Reindeer