Fantasy Football Week 15: Start or Sit Gerald Everett, Dallas Goedert, or Chris Herndon?
What can you do this late in the season other than read articles religiously and blame the writer when you lose? Strap yourselves in, this is going to be a good one. Tight ends are faulty, boom-or-bust, weirdo players that talk to your mom too much when they come over after school. Make sure these three players are on your radar for week 15.
Start or Sit Gerald Everett versus Philadelphia
Whether to start or sit Gerald Everett is not necessarily a question that comes up each week, but he’s starting to turn a few heads in the NFL. Last week against Chicago, Everett was able to haul in 4 catches off of 7 targets, which was his season high in both categories. It’s certainly not promising, especially looking back on his numbers earlier on in the season. He’s averaging around 3 targets a game and only has 3 touchdowns. So why is he a contender this week? Well, Philadelphia isn’t going to make you feel better. They haven’t allowed a touchdown to a tight end since week 7. But they’re certainly allowing tight ends to make catches. Since their week 9 bye, they’re allowing an average of just under 5 receptions to the position per game. They’re leaking points to the position slowly, which is why I believe Everett can make a big splash this week in Los Angeles. They’re bound to give up a touchdown to the position in these last three games, and I truly believe the Rams are starting to notice Everett’s playmaking ability. Look for him to work his way into the offensive scheme this week on more plays than you’d expect. The Rams are averaging high numbers in their wins (minus their 15-6 debacle in Chicago last week) and will look to continue that streak against Philadelphia. I would definitely consider Everett a start this week.
Start or Sit Dallas Goedert at Los Angeles Rams
He hasn’t been much this season, though somehow he’s had a lot of attention in the end zone. With 4 touchdowns this season, Goedert is the epitome of boom or bust when it comes to tight ends. I would implore anyone to look at these last four weeks before deciding to start or sit Dallas Goedert. His targets are becoming more consistent and was able to score last week in Dallas. The stats can certainly paint a prettier picture, but look at them as the proverbial ‘yellow brick road’ of sorts. Even after failing to catch any of his targets in week 13, they still looked to him in week 14 on 5 attempts. Yes, he only got 44 yards, but it still shows that Philly knows what he can do. All it takes for a guy like Goedert is one big play to turn some coach’s heads. He seems to be trusted already, but imagine how much more he can accomplish in this final stretch of games if he can make some big plays. I would imagine his target share will raise slightly this week and he will absolutely be targeted in the red zone at some point against the Rams. Though his numbers will keep many away from playing him this week, it’s safe to assume he’ll have a more expanded role in the Eagles’ offense in the final three weeks of this season. I would consider Dallas Goedert a start this week.
Start or Sit Chris Herndon versus Houston
I’m a Jets fan, though it really is hard to make a case for anyone on that team. I’m not bitter, I swear. But Herndon is a fantastic start this week against Houston, who has somehow given up 7 touchdowns to the position through 13 weeks. These aren’t the best tight ends scoring on them, either. While seasoned vets like Gronk, Reed, and Ebron have capitalized, others such as Ellison, Jonnu Smith, and Heuerman have also taken advantage of the Texans’ lack of coverage in the end zone against the position. Those deciding whether to start or sit Hendron should believe that he’s bound to have a great game against the Texans. To be fair, tight ends aren’t targeted very much against Houston. But look at the teams they’ve played against. Some have fantastic tight ends, others not so much. In all honesty, I believe Houston would be in the bottom five against tight ends if it weren’t for their somewhat easy schedule this year. They leak points faster than a Scrabble player who doesn’t understand the triple word score tile. Though Herndon was only targeted twice last week, he’s seeing an increased target share since their bye in week 11. It’s obvious that the Jets know who they have and what he can do. He’ll definitely be targeted a fair amount this week, especially near the end zone. Consider Herndon a high ceiling play this week. He’s a definite start in my book.
Playoff hopes for teams in the NFL will squash some dreams and turn some heads, considering how different they play this late in the season. This position is volatile, that’s for sure. But it’s easy to say that tight ends this week will be incorporated into the mix a bit more as teams look to get a bit more crafty. These three should have some stellar opportunities this week in their matchups.
If you have to decide between the three, I’d rank them:
1. Chris Herndon
2. Gerald Everett
3. Dallas Goedert
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