Week 17 Fantasy Football Tight Ends: Hidden Gems to Secure Your Championship

Fantasy football championships are won on the margins. Finding a reliable tight end off the waiver wire can be the decisive move. For Week 17, several under-the-radar options have emerged with favorable matchups. These players could provide the crucial points needed to lift a fantasy trophy.

The tight end position was a wasteland in Week 16 for elite production. This makes targeting volume and opportunity even more critical. According to analysis from Fantasy on SI, specific matchups and rising snap shares point to a few key sleepers.

Brenton Strange Presents a High-Upside Play

Jacksonville’s Brenton Strange is seeing his role expand at the perfect time. He earned seven targets in Week 16 against Denver. He converted one of those looks into a red zone touchdown.

The matchup for Week 17 is highly favorable. Strange faces an Indianapolis Colts defense that was shredded by George Kittle last week. Kittle tallied 115 yards and a score, often working open over the middle.

Strange’s snap share has climbed to 76% recently. On a fast track in Indianapolis, he is a top streaming candidate. His low roster percentage makes him widely available for the final week.

Juwan Johnson Offers a Safe Floor in New Orleans

For managers seeking consistency, Juwan Johnson is a strong option. The New Orleans Saints tight end secured eight catches for 89 yards last week. He saw nine targets from quarterback Tyler Shough.

The Saints’ offense has found a rhythm with Shough under center. His play has created more opportunities for pass-catchers like Johnson. This trend should continue against a vulnerable Tennessee Titans secondary.

Tennessee ranks 24th against the pass this season. Johnson’s involvement in the short and intermediate passing game provides a solid floor. He is a reliable, if unspectacular, play for championship lineups.

Mike Gesicki is a Touchdown-Dependent Dart Throw

Mike Gesicki of the Cincinnati Bengals is the definition of a boom-or-bust option. He has found the end zone twice in his last three games. His yardage output, however, remains inconsistent week-to-week.

The appeal lies in the matchup and quarterback. Joe Burrow is starting, and the Bengals face the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona’s defense has allowed 59 red zone opportunities this season, one of the league’s highest figures.

Gesicki could easily vulture a touchdown in a potentially high-scoring game. For managers desperate for ceiling, he is a viable gamble. Seattle’s AJ Barner is another deep name to monitor as an alternative.

Securing the right Week 17 fantasy football tight end could be the championship difference. Target players like Strange and Johnson for their volume and matchup upside. A savvy waiver wire move now can deliver the title.

Info at your fingertips

Is Brenton Strange a reliable option for the championship?

His reliability comes from a steady target share and a great matchup. With a 76% snap share and the Colts’ poor tight end defense, he is a top streamer. He may not be a locked-in TE1, but his ceiling is high for Week 17.

Why is Juwan Johnson considered a safe play?

Johnson offers a safe floor due to consistent targets in a improving offense. He has 17 targets over the last two games. Facing the 24th-ranked Tennessee pass defense adds to his weekly security.

What is the risk with starting Mike Gesicki?

The risk is his complete dependence on scoring a touchdown. He averages very low yardage, making a zero-catch game possible. He is purely a gamble for managers needing a high-ceiling, low-floor play.

Who is the best widely available tight end this week?

Brenton Strange is likely the best combination of availability, opportunity, and matchup. He is rostered in a small fraction of leagues and has a clear path to targets. His role has grown consistently over the past month.

Should I trust a tight end facing the Colts?

Yes, the Colts’ defense has been a favorable matchup for tight ends recently. They have struggled to cover the middle of the field. George Kittle’s dominant performance against them last week is a clear blueprint.