Week 17 vs. Green Bay Packers
In the loss at Denver last week, Jesse James turned his only target into a 12-yard reception. David Blough completed just 12 passes for 117 yards, so none of the Detroit pass catchers had a big day. James will continue to share time with Logan Thomas, making neither of them a good fantasy option.
Week 16 at Denver Broncos
After being off the radar for most of the season, Jesse James emerged with three receptions for a season-high 31 yards in the loss versus the Bucs last week. With T.J. Hockenson lost for the year James and Logan Thomas are sharing time at TE. Even though the Lions have been depleted with pass catchers James should not be a part of your fantasy starting lineup.
Fantasy Upside
Over the past three seasons with the Steelers, Jesse James has averaged 37 receptions for 378 yards and scored eight times. He is coming off a career-high 423 yards last year, averaging more than 14 yards per grab. James has not missed a game in three years, is just 25 years old and is a huge target at 6’7”.
Fantasy Downside
The Lions drafted T.J. Hockenson in the first round and plan for him to be their TE of the future. Even though James registered a career-high in yards last season, nearly 200 of them came in the first two weeks. In ’18, he scored just twice and had more than three receptions in a game on only three occasions.
Bottom Line
James and Hockenson are both learning a new offense, so the veteran may see some additional playing time early on as the rookie gets acquainted with the NFL. Right now, neither player makes for a good fantasy option, but Hockenson definitely has the long-term upside.
Week 3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jesse James ran just 29 routes last week but caught five passes for a career-high 135 yards and a touchdown. He's now caught eight passes for 198 yards and a touchdown this season. Tampa has allowed 20 receptions to opposing tight ends on just 24 targets. James and Vance McDonald split TE reps pretty evenly last week but there could be enough to go around this week, making both solid TE2 plays with TE1 upside. James' production, however, doesn't seem sustainable.
Week 2 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Jesse James recorded three receptions for 60 yards last week, taking advantage of Vance McDonald sitting out the first week with a foot injury. McDonald could be back this week, which could cut into James' numbers. McDonald is a much more athletic target. If anything, you should pick up McDonald this week, though don't play him just yet.
Week 1 at Cleveland Browns
Jesse James should start and see the majority of the playing time for the Steelers at tight end with Vance McDonald still working his way back into shape. James had eight catches for 41 yards and two touchdowns at Cleveland in the opener last season. He might not reach eight catches or two TDs again, but 41 yards is certainly something he can achieve.
Week 16 at Houston Texans
Jesse James caught just 2 passes for 7 yards last week but he also was the target on a controversial TD that was reversed on review at the end of the game. Vance McDonald will be back again this week, which could steal some of James' thunder. He's not someone you should have in your lineup.
Week 15 vs. New England Patriots
Jesse James set career highs with 10 catches for 97 yards, easily his most productive non-TD game this season. You probably can't expect that again. But he should see a few passes thrown his way. James has 19 catches in the past four games.
Week 14 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Jesse James had just 1 catch for 13 yards last week, even though Vance McDonald was still out. He had 3 receptions for 40 yards against Baltimore earlier this season, but James shouldn't be in your lineup.
Week 13 at Cincinnati Bengals
Jesse James had 3 catches for 32 yards last week and now has 8 catches in the past two games. But Vance McDonald will be back this week, which hurts his value. James did not record a catch in the first meeting with the Bengals, while McDonald had 2 catches for 37 yards.
