Last week, we witnessed an impressive performance from Jonnu Smith, who racked up at least 19.8 PPR points for the fourth time in five games. This surge has propelled him to the coveted position of TE4 for the season. If you managed to snag him off waivers earlier this year, you might just have a championship piece on your roster! But he’s not the only tight end worth your attention as we head into the fantasy playoffs.
As the fantasy playoffs approach, many players are scouring the waiver wire for hidden gems. One such player is Brenton Strange, who had a career day last Sunday, showcasing his potential to remain relevant in fantasy lineups for the remainder of the season. With the playoffs in full swing, it’s crucial to stay updated on rankings and the latest player performances.
Who are the best fantasy TEs for Week 16?
When it comes to tight ends, Brock Bowers has emerged as a standout. After just 14 games, he’s not only one of the best tight ends in the NFL but also ranks among the top pass-catchers overall. The real question isn’t whether he should be in your lineup; it’s whether he can break the rookie receptions record.
Then there’s Trey McBride, who has made history this year by accumulating the most receptions in a single season without a receiving touchdown. With 89 receptions under his belt, he’s still making waves in fantasy despite only scoring through a fumble recovery and a carry. His ability to rack up catches makes him a valuable asset in any fantasy lineup.
And let’s not forget about George Kittle. Despite the 49ers’ struggles this season, Kittle has been a fantasy powerhouse, boasting six games with 20-plus fantasy points—the most of any tight end. As long as the 49ers keep their star players active, Kittle will remain a must-start in your fantasy playoffs.
Who are the best fantasy TE waiver pickups for Week 16?
If you’re in need of a waiver wire pickup, look no further than Brenton Strange. Last week, he stepped into a high-volume role reminiscent of Evan Engram, receiving 12 targets and converting 11 receptions for 73 yards. With Engram sidelined for the season, Strange could become a reliable TE1 in PPR leagues if he continues to receive such consistent looks.
Another name to consider is Stone Smartt. With Will Dissly sidelined in Week 15, Smartt took over as the Chargers’ primary pass-catching tight end, logging 67 percent of the snaps and drawing six targets. If Dissly remains out, Smartt could be a solid option in a pass-heavy offense.
Who are the best fantasy TE sleepers for Week 16?
Looking for a sleeper? Keep an eye on Chigoziem "Chig" Okonkwo. He surprisingly led his team with 10 targets last week. With minimal target competition outside of Calvin Ridley, Okonkwo has a real chance to replicate that performance against a struggling Indianapolis defense.
And don’t overlook Ben Sinnott. With Zach Ertz out due to a concussion, Sinnott may finally get his chance to shine as the Commanders’ TE1. He led the tight end room in routes last week and has the potential to become a key player in an offense that lacks significant receiving threats outside of Terry McLaurin.
What are the biggest TE injuries for Week 16?
Injuries can shake up your fantasy lineup, and this week is no exception. David Njoku was sidelined with a hamstring injury last week. Given that he didn’t practice at all leading into Week 15, this injury could linger, so keep a close watch on practice reports from Cleveland.
Meanwhile, Zach Ertz left last week’s game with a concussion. While some players bounce back quickly, this injury often leads to missed time. The Commanders may need to rely on rookie Ben Sinnott as they navigate the upcoming matchups.
Week 16 fantasy football rankings
As you prepare for Week 16, it’s essential to check in on the latest rankings. Here’s a quick look at the top tight ends based on PPR scoring, updated as of December 16:
| RANK | PLAYER NAME | TEAM | OPPONENT | CHANGE |
| 1 | Brock Bowers | LV | vs. JAC | |
| 2 | Trey McBride | ARI | at CAR | |
| 3 | George Kittle | SF | at MIA | |
| 4 | Travis Kelce | KC | vs. HOU | |
| 5 | David Njoku | CLE | at CIN | |
| 6 | Jonnu Smith | MIA | vs. SF | |
| 7 | T.J. Hockenson | MIN | at SEA | |
| 8 | Mark Andrews | BAL | vs. PIT | |
| 9 | Sam LaPorta | DET | at CHI | |
| 10 | Hunter Henry | NE | at BUF |
Whether you’re searching for a waiver wire gem or relying on an elite tight end, staying updated on rankings is vital for your success in Week 16. Keep your eyes peeled for player performances, injuries, and matchups as you finalize your fantasy lineups. The playoffs are just around the corner, and every decision counts!
