This past week in fantasy football has truly been a "Backup Tight End" Week. According to average draft position (ADP) data, of the top 12 scorers at the tight end position heading into Monday Night Football, an astonishing nine were drafted well outside the top 10 during the offseason. Only Sam LaPorta, Trey McBride, and Mark Andrews managed to crack the list. Jonnu Smith led the way with 15.3 half-PPR points, while Brenton Strange dominated with 11 catches. Two Broncos, Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins, also made the cut. Will Week 16 bring any changes? Fantasy managers moving onto the second round surely hope so. In this crucial week, the question arises: should Travis Kelce, Dalton Kincaid, or Tucker Kraft still start? Or are there some streaming options worth considering?

Uncover the Hidden Tight End Gems for Fantasy Football

Brenton Strange (TE – JAX) @ Las Vegas Raiders | 2% Rostered

Evan Engram's season-ending injury opened the door for Brenton Strange to step into the starter's role. With Mac Jones as his quarterback, Strange saw a remarkable 12 targets. He made the most of it, finishing with 11 receptions and 73 receiving yards. He played an impressive 82% of the snaps and was only behind rookie Brian Thomas Jr. in terms of targets on that day. Since Week 2-5 and Week 15 when Evan Engram was out, Brenton Strange has averaged an impressive 10.9 PPG. This average PPG would place him as the TE8 in 2024, just ahead of Mark Andrews and Tucker Kraft. The matchup in Week 16 couldn't be better as the Jaguars travel to Las Vegas. The Raiders have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the tight end position. Jones and Strange are looking to prove themselves in case they end up on different teams in 2025.

With the Jaguars rarely targeting their running backs and no other pass-catcher stepping up, there is a possibility that Strange will have an even more significant role in the rest of the season and become a preferred target for Jones over the next three weeks.

Noah Gray (TE – KC) vs. Houston Texans | 19% Rostered

Even with Travis Kelce still in the picture, Noah Gray is a significant part of the Kansas City Chiefs offense. He has been routinely out-targeting everyone on his team except Kelce and Xavier Worthy. In Week 15, it was his fourth time in the last five games to have at least five targets. He also has exactly four receptions in four consecutive games and an impressive four touchdown receptions during that span. Patrick Mahomes is likely to miss Week 16 due to an ankle injury. This means Carson Wentz will have to step up and manage the game without making any mistakes. What better way for a quarterback to do this than by focusing on a player who can make himself an open target in the shallow part of the field? Gray has the potential to be Wentz's best option if he starts in place of Mahomes. Additionally, Gray has six red-zone targets in the last four weeks, more than any other Kansas City pass-catcher except Kelce.

Gray's performance and potential make him a key player to watch in Week 16.

Stone Smartt (TE – LAC) vs. Denver Broncos | 6% Rostered

Stone Smartt made this list for the second week in a row after his impressive performance in Week 15. Against the Buccaneers, he had six targets, five receptions, and 50 yards. With Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst out, Smartt once again stepped up for Justin Herbert and earned season-highs in targets, receptions, and yards. He even had one red-zone target, the same as Ladd McConkey. The Chargers have a quick turnaround to play on Thursday Night Football, and it is unlikely that Dissly will play, opening up the starting spot for Smartt again. The Chargers are playing the Broncos, a team that allowed Kylen Granson to record 47 yards on three receptions. While Smartt may not have the same scoring upside as Noah Gray or Brenton Strange, if you need a player who is likely to get 4-6 targets and around 50-60 yards, Smartt is a wise choice for tight end-needy teams.

Smartt's consistent performance makes him a reliable option in certain situations.

Bonus Tight End Pickup: Cade Otton (TE – TB) @ Dallas Cowboys | 77% Rostered

Cade Otton is currently available in slightly less than 25% of leagues. In the last five games, four of them have been quite underwhelming, with no more than 35 yards and zero touchdowns. This might lead some teams to drop him in favor of the better options listed above for Week 16. However, if you have a tight end option you are comfortable playing in Week 16, Otton is an excellent stash for Week 17. In championship week, Otton plays the Carolina Panthers, who allow the most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. Keep an eye on the waiver wire to see if Otton becomes a free agent this week. If he does, grab him as a Week 17 stash if possible.

Otton's potential as a stash option adds an extra dimension to fantasy football strategies.

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