Week 15 vs. Miami Dolphins
Charles Clay's best performance over the past month was 4 receptions for 60 yards. That seems to be his ceiling. Add the fact he has not scored a touchdown since Week 3.
Clay will face the Dolphins this week, who are ranked 29th in aFPA to tight ends. Even with the great matchup against Miami, the production has not been there, plus Clay is not healthy right now. Clay ranks as a high-end TE2 but not high enough to earn a fantasy start in Week 15.
Week 14 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Consistency has been the word for Charles Clay the past several weeks. Since his return in Week 10, Clay has been targeted an average of 3.5 times. Of course, owners would like to see more, but at least you know what you're getting.
It's a great matchup for Clay this week, as he will face a Colts defense ranked 24th in aFPA to tight ends. However, the lack of targets and the possibility of playing without Tyrod Taylor makes Clay an iffy play for Week 14. Keep him on the bench.
Week 13 vs. New England Patriots
Charles Clay continues to struggle with injuries, although he was active last Sunday and caught 4 passes for 60 yards. He has been limited in practice the past couple weeks, but the Bills are being cautious. He will play Sunday.
Clay will face the Patriots, who are ranked 13th in aFPA to tight ends. Even with the neutral matchup, we are still worried about Clay's overall health and how it could limit him. Keep Clay on the bench as a TE2 for Week 13.
Week 12 at Kansas City Chiefs
Charles Clay is not healthy and while he will probably play this week, this is a factor in his performance. He has seen only 7 targets the last two games since returning from injury, but he has not been practicing since his return.
Clay will face the Chiefs, who are ranked 10th in aFPA to tight ends. The Bills offense has struggled and Clay has not had impactful numbers since he returned to the lineup. Even if some of the Bills receivers sit out with injuries, Clay isn't a good play for Week 12. Keep him on the bench.
Week 11 at Los Angeles Chargers
Charles Clay returned from injury playing for the first time since October 8th. His impact was limited to 3 targets and 2 receptions. He still is not 100% and he has been limited in practice, but will play Sunday and will have a new quarterback as rookie Nathan Peterman gets the call.
Clay has a tough matchup as the Chargers are ranked second in aFPA to tight ends. With all the factors including the new QB, Clay's fantasy ranking isn't where it was or where it can be. So leave him on the bench for Week 11.
Week 10 vs. New Orleans Saints
Charles Clay has not played since Week 5 but could be back this week. He had been playing very well and had been ranked as a TE1 on a consistent basis. Buffalo is still being cautious with Clay who has been limited in practice.
New Orleans has been tough on tight ends, ranking 8th in aFPA versus the position. If Clay plays, he can help you in Week 10 so start him as a low-end TE1 on Sunday.
Week 5 at Cincinnati Bengals
Charles Clay had a big day in Atlanta on Sunday—catching 5-of-7 targets for112 yards. Clay has worked his way into the fantasy conversation as a starter each week and that is true yet again in Week 5.
With No. 1 receiver Jordan Matthews expected to be out, Clay becomes the main target in the passing game along with LeSean McCoy. Considering his numbers have been very good this year, Clay is ranked as a TE1 against Cincinnati, even though the Bengals rank fourth in aFPA to tight ends. Start Clay in all leagues and formats for Week 5.
Week 4 at Atlanta Falcons
Charles Clay did catch his second touchdown of the season, but his other numbers remain average. He was targeted 6 times, recording 3 receptions for 39 yards. Clay does lead the team in red zone targets (5), which gives him some fantasy value.
The Bills will face Atlanta who is 11th in aFPA to tight ends. He has been involved in the Buffalo offense at the end of last season and now the first three weeks of 2017. This is enough to start him as a TE1 for Week 4.
Week 3 vs. Denver Broncos
After a strong Week 1, Charles Clay was not a factor last week in Carolina with only 3 catches for 23 yards. Buffalo's offense struggled on the road and Clay's numbers showed it.
Going into Week 3, Clay is questionable with a knee injury. He did practice on Thursday which means he is likely a go unless there is a setback. Clay will face a tough Denver defense that is fifth in aFPA to tight ends. Keep him on the bench against the Broncos this week as he is ranked as a solid TE2.
Week 2 at Carolina Panthers
Charles Clay had the best day of anyone catching the football for Buffalo last Sunday with 4 catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he was targeted 9 times which takes you back to when he was a Dolphin and those were regular numbers.
Will he see those types of target numbers on a regular basis? Still to be determined, but he definitely moves up the tight end rankings this week. It's a good matchup for Clay in Week 2 against Carolina, who stopped everyone last week except the opposing tight ends. Clay isn't a Week 2 fantasy starter, but he is high-end TE2.
