Week 7 vs Jacksonville
Charles Clay had a quiet game on Sunday. He was only targeted three times and had just one reception. However, he is still the most targeted player on the Bills roster and those numbers should go up with Percy Harvin and Sammy Watkins out on Sunday morning in London.
Clay faces Jacksonville who is 9th in aFPA to tight ends. With fewer options for QB E.J. Manuel, Clay should get targets which gives him a better chance for some fantasy production. Start Clay as a low-end TE1 for Week 7 and hope he is Manuel's favorite target.
Week 6 vs Cincinnati
Charles Clay had his worst game of the season last week with only one catch and three targets. The Bills are a walking infirmary right now, and Clay has his own issues with a calf that is bothering him.
The Bills will probably be without starting QB Tyrod Taylor, and they face a Bengals defense that is ranked 2nd in aFPA to tight ends. Clay rates a low-end TE1 at best, but don't expect much from him on Sunday.
Week 5 vs Titans
If you are looking for the best fantasy play on the Bills for Week 5, Charles Clay is your guy. With Sammy Watkins out last week, Clay was targeted a team-high 13 times and caught nine passes for 111 yards. Watkins is not expected to play again Sunday, so that bodes will for Clay owners.
The Week 5 opponent, Tennessee, is also one of the worst teams in the NFL against opposing tight ends with an aFPA of 27. This is a great situation for Clay owners. Start him in all leagues as a solid TE1 this week.
Week 4 vs New York Giants
Charles Clay had his best game as a Bill, and it came against his old team Miami. He posted catches for 87 yards and a touchdown for the second straight game, and has owners wondering if he can be the producer he was with the Dolphins. With Sammy Watkins probably out, there will be more opportunity for Clay in the passing game.
The Giants have been weak against opposing tight ends this season, which is even better for Clay. Start him as a solid WR1 for Week 4.
Week 3 at Dolphins
Charles Clay didn't put up great numbers against the Patriots, but he did score his first touchdown as a Bill. So, far it has been an average start for Clay. The numbers could be better, but we haven't seen him be a big part of the offensive game plan just yet.
Clay will face his old team on Sunday. The Dolphins have been tough on tight ends early this season, so it's not a great matchup for Clay. He is a borderline TE2, but really is nothing but depth at this point.
Week 2 vs Patriots
Charles Clay had a decent Bills debut with four catches. He will probably be used more in the offense than past Buffalo tight ends, but will he put numbers up like when he was in Miami? He has a positive matchup against New England for Week 2, but we don't have enough data to determine how Clay will be used. He still is TE2 at this point.
Week 1 vs Colts
Charles Clay got a big paycheck to come play tight end for Buffalo after playing with division rival Miami the past several seasons. Clay was a capable receiver with the Dolphins, but it's hard to say how Rex Ryan and OC Greg Roman will use him. It's also hard to say how successful QB Tyrod Taylor will be. Clay is the 24th ranked tight end in our rankings, he is a borderline TE2 at best this week.
Fantasy Upside
Charles Clay is now the starting tight end for Buffalo and he brings some good numbers over from his days in Miami. He caught 127 balls over the past two seasons and you would have to think the Bills will try to get him the ball after investing a ton of money in him.
Fantasy Downside
Clay wasn't a great red zone target in Miami. He doesn't have great hands or great size. And how much will the Bills use their tight ends in the passing game? Of course, the QB play in Buffalo is also an issue as we don't know how good Tyrod Taylor or whoever ends up behind center is going to be.
Bottom Line
Clay will not be drafted in most leagues. He is ranked as our No. 29 tight end, so unless we see some good things from early in the season, he will only end up on deep league rosters.
Charles Clay - Week 17 vs. New York Jets
Charles Clay exploded last week with six receptions for 114 yards on 10 targets. He now has six receptions in back-to-back games. It was easily Charles' best performance of the season.
It's probably best to view Charles' breakout as an anomaly. His previous season high was 65 yards and it was the only other time this season he surpassed 60 receiving yards.
He faces a Jets defense this week that's allowed 13 touchdowns (tied for most in the league) to the TE position this year. But the Jets don't allow many yards to tight ends. Clay should be viewed as a borderline TE1.
Charles Clay - Week 16 vs. Minnesota
Charles Clay had his second-best game of the season (in terms of yards) last week as he finished with six receptions for 59 yards. His 59 yards being the second best game of his season should tell you that he's not really a strong option at the position.
On top of his lack of production he's going against a very tough Minnesota defense. The Vikings have been very stingy against tight ends as they've allowed the second-fewest receptions to the position.
Clay only has two touchdowns on the season so he's not a strong option to score. He should be viewed as a very low-end TE1.
