Entering Week 18, let’s take a look at the top tight ends to target on the waiver wire in your fantasy football league. All players listed below are rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo, ESPN, and/or Sleeper leagues.
Note that I have eliminated FAAB recommendations this year, as there are too many variables to account for. Instead, I replaced them with my opinion on how aggressive fantasy managers should be in pursuing the player on a scale of 1-10.
Looking for other players? Check out our Week 18 Waiver Wire article, which covers a plethora of players from all positions.
Juwan Johnson, TE | NO
Rostered: 12%
In a losing effort where they scored a mere 10 points, Juwan Johnson earned 10 targets against the Las Vegas Raiders, catching six passes for 66 yards. The New Orleans Saints have a road matchup against the Bucs in Week 18. That should be a lot of negative game script and a lot of passing.
Chig Okonkwo, TE | TEN
Rostered: 29%
The breakout is finally happening for Chig Okonkwo. He’s now hit double-digit fantasy points in three consecutive games.
With Mason Rudolph at QB, Okonkwo has emerged as a primary target. He’s seen target counts of 10, 11, and seven over his last three. He even got a carry against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Titans get a Houston Texans team that will likely rest starters being locked into the No. 4 seed. Okonkwo would likely be a TE1 regardless but is an even stronger option given the circumstances.
Mike Gesicki, TE | CIN
Rostered: 14%
After three straight games with four targets or fewer, Mike Gesicki was heavily involved in the Bengals season-saving overtime victory over the Denver Broncos on Saturday night.
Gesicki earned 12 targets, catching 10 for 86 yards. The 10 receptions marked a career-best for the athletic tight end.
With the Bengals one of a select few teams who definitely have something to play for in Week 18, Gesicki is actually a preferable option in an always difficult week to navigate.
Tyler Conklin, TE | NYJ
Rostered: 11%
Most of it came with Tyrod Taylor taking over at QB, but Tyler Conklin caught all eight of his targets for 57 yards and a touchdown against the Bills.
The Jets will be playing a Dolphins team with something to play for in Week 18, but Conklin could see some cheap targets regardless of who starts for the Jets at QB.