Top Tight Ends to Pick Up in Fantasy Football: Your 2022 Cheat Sheet!
Hey there, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome back to our blog, where we're here to make your life easier and your league dominance inevitable. Today, we're talking about the often-overlooked, yet incredibly valuable position: tight ends. We've scoured the waiver wires and crunched the numbers to bring you the ultimate guide on the best tight ends to pick up in fantasy football for the 2022 season. So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and tight ends to pick up in fantasy football.
Why Tight Ends Matter in Fantasy Football
Before we dive into our top picks, let's quickly chat about why tight ends are so crucial in fantasy football. In many leagues, tight ends are a scarce resource, with only a handful of elite options. However, when you find a gem, they can provide a significant advantage, thanks to their ability to score points and their unique position in the lineup.
Tight ends often have a lower ownership percentage compared to other positions, so finding a quality one on the waiver wire can give you a leg up on your competition. Plus, they're less likely to be injured than running backs, making them a safer, more stable option. So, don't sleep on the tight ends, folks – they could be the key to your fantasy football success!
Top Tight Ends to Pick Up: Sleepers, Streamers, and More!
Now that we've established the importance of tight ends let's get to the good stuff: our top picks for the 2022 season. We've broken down our list into categories to help you find the perfect fit for your roster.
Sleepers: The Hidden Gems You Won't Want to Miss
1. Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens
Likely was a steal in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he's already making waves in Baltimore's offense. With Mark Andrews dealing with injuries and the Ravens' commitment to the run game, Likely has carved out a significant role as a pass-catching threat. He's a high-upside play with big-play potential and could become a weekly starter in no time.
2. Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers
Tonyan burst onto the scene in 2020, catching 11 touchdowns in just 14 games. While he struggled with injuries last season, he's back and healthy, ready to reclaim his spot in the Packers' offense. With Aaron Rodgers back under center, Tonyan could be in line for a bounce-back season and is well worth a stash on your roster.
Streamers: Week-to-Week Plug-and-Play Options
3. Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys
Schultz has been a consistent performer for the Cowboys, posting back-to-back 500-yard seasons. With Dak Prescott back and healthy, Schultz should continue to see plenty of targets in the Cowboys' pass-happy offense. He's a reliable, every-week option who can help you weather the storm when your other tight ends are on bye.
4. Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars
Engram is a former first-round pick with loads of talent but has yet to put it all together in the NFL. Now with the Jaguars, Engram has a chance to shine in a new offense led by Trevor Lawrence. If Engram can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a weekly starter and a solid streaming option.
Deep Sleepers: The Long-Shot Plays That Could Pay Off Big
5. Jalen Wydermyer, Jacksonville Jaguars
Wydermyer was a steal in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has already impressed in training camp. With Engram and Chris Manhertz ahead of him on the depth chart, Wydermyer may not see immediate playing time. But if he continues to develop and the Jaguars' offense takes a step forward, Wydermyer could be a sneaky pickup later in the season.
6. Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Otton was a seventh-round pick but has already made an impression on the Bucs' coaching staff. With Rob Gronkowski retired and Cameron Brate on the wrong side of 30, Otton has a chance to carve out a role in Tampa Bay's offense. If he can prove himself in the preseason, Otton could be a deep sleeper worth stashing on your roster.
Tight Ends to Avoid in 2022
While there are plenty of tight ends to pick up, there are also some players you should avoid at all costs. Here are a few names to keep an eye on and steer clear of:
1. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
Hockenson was traded to the Vikings in exchange for a second-round pick, but his new team is already stacked at the position with Irv Smith Jr. and Adam Thielen. With limited targets to go around, Hockenson may struggle to produce in his new offense.
2. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
Njoku has shown flashes of promise throughout his career, but he's never been able to put it all together. With Deshaun Watson now under center, the Browns' offense could take a step forward, but Njoku will still have to compete with Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones for targets.
3. Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers
Everett had a solid 2021 season with the Seahawks, but he's now joining a crowded Chargers' receiving corps that includes Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler. With limited targets to go around, Everett may struggle to produce in his new offense.
Conclusion: Your 2022 Tight Ends Cheat Sheet
And there you have it, folks! Our comprehensive guide to the best tight ends to pick up in fantasy football for the 2022 season. Whether you're looking for sleepers, streamers, or deep sleepers, we've got you covered. Don't forget to keep an eye on the waiver wire throughout the season, as injuries and bye weeks can open up opportunities for hidden gems.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and dominate your league with the help of our top tight ends list! And be sure to check back in with us throughout the season for more fantasy football tips, tricks, and strategies. Happy drafting, and we'll see you on the field!