With one week of the football season behind us, it’s apparent that tight ends will be a problem for fantasy football teams this season. We saw only four TEs score over 10 fantasy points in Week 1.
But there was one tight end, who is rostered in only 16% of fantasy leagues on Yahoo, that emerged as the highest-scoring player at his position on Sunday: the New England Patriots‘ Hunter Henry So now, should you blow your FAAB or high waiver claim on him?
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Should Hunter Henry Be a Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 2?
During the offseason, there was little buzz coming out from New England about the new offensive scheme being installed by offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. O’Brien comes in after last year’s disastrous performance led by Matt Patricia, where the team finished 26th in total offense.
Hunter Henry on 4th down, WHAT A CATCH..pic.twitter.com/mXS4EmYSmd
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 10, 2023
The team only added Mike Gesicki in the offseason, to go along with two rookie receivers (Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas). There was interest in the team bringing in DeAndre Hopkins, but ultimately, he selected the Tennessee Titans. Ezekiel Elliott was added, but he is better suited to produce as a rusher rather than a receiver.
There were some reports from beat reporters that the team would rely heavily on two-TE sets on offense. This would normally make us even more uninspired to take a tight end from here because when two tight ends are active, they can eat into each other’s production.
But Henry stood tall at the end of the team’s first game, finishing with five receptions for 56 receiving yards and a touchdown.
The connection between Mac Jones and Henry was apparent. Agaianst that ferocious Eagles pass rush, Jones was looking to get the ball out quickly. The Patriots running backs combined for 11 receptions, and Gesicki gathered three receptions himself.
Fun fact: Jones threw the ball 54 times on Sunday — he never threw the ball that many times in a game in 2022. His highest number of attempts in a game last season was 40.
So, should you seek out Henry on the waiver wire? Yes! The New England offense is lightyears ahead of last season. They are projected to pass the ball more, use more spacing with their route concepts, and be more efficient on offense. As of this moment, he is the TE1 overall in fantasy football, pending Monday Night Football results.
MORE: Early Fantasy Football Start’ Em, Sit’ Em Picks For Week 2
The tight end situation in fantasy football is disheartening. There’s a high level of risk with Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews, who were both injured before Week 1. Kyle Pitts only earned three targets. Darren Waller was held to under 40 yards receiving. Every tight end carries some risk.
Chances are, your fantasy team can use help at the tight end position. Henry is primed to have a quality season. While I have some concerns that he may not finish as the overall TE1, he is set up to have a successful season as the No. 1 tight end on an ascending offense. His fellow receivers do not pose a threat to take away targets. The writing is on the wall; now go get Henry.