With a couple of injuries to navigate at the tight end position this week, it could be a frantic time for fantasy football managers on the waiver wire. There was one standout performance and then a couple of intriguing ones.
Let’s take a look at which TEs fantasy managers should be targeting at the tight end position on the waiver wire in Week 2.
Week 2 Waiver Wire Targets: QB | RB | WR
Which Tight Ends Should You Target on the Week 2 Waiver Wire?
Players are rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues.
Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens (24%)
Perhaps it’s a bit premature to call this a changing of the guard, but I’m ready to declare Isaiah Likely the Ravens’ TE1. He was in a virtually even split with Mark Andrews, playing six fewer snaps and running three fewer routes. But the real story is usage.
I am a firm believer in targets being a skill statistic. The best players earn looks from their quarterbacks because their talent dictates so.
Likely saw 12 targets to Andrews’ two. Yes, it’s only one week, and there were clear instances of the Chiefs doubling Andrews. However, there were very, very few plays where Andrews was the first read. Likely, on the other hand, was the primary read quite often.
When it comes to waiver wire pickups in fantasy, there is no waiting to confirm. Those who weren’t sure about Puka Nacua or Kyren Williams after Week 1 last year completely missed out.
Am I sure about Likely? No. But if I had to offer an opinion on whether he will be the Ravens’ highest-scoring tight end this season, I would say it’s…Likely.
Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams (6%)
The potential loss of Nacua in this offense, combined with Tyler Higbee’s current residency on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, means another pass catcher could emerge from this passing attack.
Colby Parkinson’s role in the first half of the 2024 season opener is enough to put him in the TE streaming conversation entering the Los Angeles Rams’ Week 2 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Parkinson hauled in three receptions for 45 yards in the first half against the Detroit Lions on Sunday night. Additionally, he was the only tight end to catch a pass through the first three quarters of the contest.
You won’t hear me make a compelling argument regarding Parkinson’s athletic profile or dynamic RAC upside, but his understanding of this scheme, reliable hands, and target-share opportunity all make him an intriguing option against a bad defense.
– Derek Tate, Fantasy Football Analyst
Tucker Kraft, TE, Green Bay Packers (2%)
Nothing about Tucker Kraft’s Week 1 line should excite anyone, right? After all, he merely caught two of three targets for 37 yards — not exactly startable in fantasy.
However, this is really an opportunity. Kraft didn’t do much, which might allow his usage to fly under the radar. He played over 90% of the snaps and ran the second-most routes on the team, behind just Romeo Doubs. Most importantly, this was nowhere close to a timeshare with Luke Musgrave, with Kraft nearly quadrupling Musgrave in snaps and routes run.
A tight end getting this much playing time on a good offense is worth rostering, especially at a weak position like tight end. Give Kraft a shot if you need someone.
