Week 5 at Los Angeles
Charles Clay bounced back last week after a rough Week 3. The veteran tight end caught five passes for 47 yards, both season-highs. The Bills will be looking for players to target in the passing game with No. 1 wide receiver Sammy Watkins now on the IR.
Even though Clay may see more targets, we don't see the numbers rising too much. And definitely not enough to warrant a fantasy start. Keep Clay on the bench against LA for Week 5.
Week 4 at New England
Charles Clay was held without a catch last Sunday and was targeted only twice. With the Bills lacking legit receiving options, you would think Clay would be more involved with the offense, but that has not happened so far.
He is not an option this week on the road at New England. Keep him on the bench for Week 4.
Week 2 vs. New York Jets
Charles Clay had the biggest play of the game against Cincinnati with a 33-yard reception last Sunday. Unfortunately, he only had one other catch and ended up with just 40 yards. The Bills paid Clay a big contract last year, so you would expect Buffalo to get him more involved. That hasn't happened enough to where you can count on him from a fantasy standpoint, however.
The Jets have done a good job against tight ends (including last week), so Clay only rates a low-end TE for Thursday night due to the matchup and the Bills struggling offense.
Week 1 at Baltimore
Charles Clay was given a big contract last season and his 2015 results were ho-hum. He did have issues with his back which forced him to miss three games, but the overall results weren't as good as they were in Miami.
The Bills are hoping he is more efficient and productive in his second year in the system. However, it might not come in Week 1. Baltimore's pass defense wasn't very good in 2015, but they did do a good job against tight ends - fourth best in the NFL in limiting fantasy points.
Unless Clay really upgrades his numbers, he will be TE2 most of the year and that is the case this week where is a low-end TE2. Keep him on the bench for now until he shows us he's worth a weekly start.
Fantasy Upside
Charles Clay has put up impressive numbers the past three seasons, two with Miami and his first with Buffalo. Although 2013 was the best of the three, he has still been consistent with at least 51 catches all three years. The Bills will continue to use him in the passing game as there aren't many great options after Sammy Watkins and LeSean McCoy.
Fantasy Downside
Although Clay's numbers are decent, they probably won't get much better. He is a very average tight end despite the big contract Buffalo gave him.
2016 Bottom Line
Clay is a solid TE2 and who can give you a spot start here and there. He is going around the 17th-18th round which is the right spot on for him. Don't expect much more than a good backup fantasy tight end.
Week 16 vs Dallas
Charles Clay missed last week's game against Washington with a bad back, but has been back at practice this week. He should be back in the lineup but even when he was 100 percent healthy, he wasn't a great fantasy option. The tight end should remain on your bench for Week 16.
Week 13 vs Houston
Charles Clay was targeted eight times last Sunday which is the most since Week 7. Clay did have five receptions but it only netted 31 yards and zero touchdowns. Things won't be much better for Week 13 as Houston is 3rd in aFPA to tight ends. Considering Clay's track record this year and the matchup, he should be on the bench on Sunday. He only ranks a low-end TE2.
Week 12 at Kansas City
Charles Clay had only one catch last Monday for three yards which has happened more often than you would like if you thought he was going to put up numbers like he did in Miami. He is listed as probable for Sunday, but should play. Clay will face the KC, who is No. 1 in aFPA to tight ends so low volume and a bad matchup keeps Clay on the bench for Week 12 as low-end TE2.
Week 10 at New York Jets
Charles Clay has had some noticeable games this season, but last week wasn't one of them. He had one catch for six yards, but the Bills also only threw 12 passes the entire game and eight went to Sammy Watkins.
Clay will face the Jets on Thursday, who are eighth in aFPA to tight ends. Although Clay is capable of putting up a big game every once in awhile, it won't happen this week. Keep him on the bench as he is ranked as a TE2 for Week 10.
Week 9 vs Dolphins
Charles Clay only had three receptions for 26 yards in his last game before the bye. He has not scored a touchdown since Week 3 and has not come close to putting up the numbers he did last season in Miami.
In the first meeting with the Dolphins, he was productive with seven catches for 82 yards and a TD. However, he hasn't done much since then. Clay is just on the outside looking in as a high-end TE2 for Week 9. If you need a tight end, he could be an option, but there are better ones out there.
