Week 16 at Arizona Cardinals
Jordan Reed had just two catches for 18 yards last week, but he caught his fourth touchdown of the season and had five targets. He’s been reasonably healthy this season, but hasn’t put up consistent fantasy numbers. He faces a Cardinals defense that ranks 10th in aFPA to opposing tight ends this season. Reed has some upside as a streamer, but hopefully, there are better, more consistent options available. Sit him.
Update: If you weren't sitting him already, definitely sit him with Kittle back.
Week 15 at Dallas Cowboys
Jordan Reed failed to deliver a “revenge” game against his old Washington team last week, catching just two of five targets for 13 yards as the Washington defense crushed the 49ers. Reed has just seven catches over his past three games combined, although he did find the end zone against the Bill a couple of weeks ago.
This week, Reed faces a Cowboys defense that ranks fifth in aFPA to opposing tight ends, despite struggling nearly everywhere else on that side of the ball. That makes for a tough matchup for Reed, who is already a fringe fantasy option. There should be better options available, even for streamers. Sit him.
Week 14 vs. Washington Football Team
Jordan Reed found the end zone last week for the first time since Week 2 against the Jets. He ended up with three catches on four targets for 32 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Bills. Reed has double-digit PPR points in two of his last three games and has looked reasonably healthy during that span.
Washington is solid defensively, but actually rank just 16th in aFPA to opposing tight ends. If the 49ers are going to attack the Washington defense, it might be best to go through Reed. He’s risky. The 49ers are healthier than they’ve been all season at the running back and wide receiver positions, so targets may be diminishing. But in a better-than-it-looks matchup, if you need streaming options amidst the tight end injuries – cough… Mark Andrews – you could do worse than Reed.
Week 13 vs. Buffalo Bills
Jordan Reed had two catches for 18 yards last week, but he was targeted six times for the second straight game. The 49ers are getting healthy at the wide receiver position, which might limit Reed’s targets, but he has upside for as long as he’s healthy with George Kittle likely still a ways from coming back – if at all – this season.
It’s a nice matchup for Reed this week. The Bills rank 30th in aFPA to opposing tight ends, giving him streaming value in all league formats. If you’re looking for an injury replacement or someone to replace Gronk on a bye week, Reed might be available on waivers and should be solid in a good matchup.
Week 12 at Los Angeles Rams
Jordan Reed caught five of six balls thrown his way for 62 yards against the Saints before the bye last week. Reed’s return to health has been fortuitous for the 49ers, who are without George Kittle for the near future. Reed has been productive in healthy spurts, and if he can stay on the field, (a big if) he should be in contention for the team-lead in targets.
This week, Reed faces a Rams defense that ranks 19th in aFPA to opposing tight ends. Reed has some upside as a streaming option for needy fantasy teams, but this looks like it could be a bloodbath for the 49ers’ offense, so tread carefully.
Week 10 at New Orleans Saints
Jordan Reed returned to action last week against the Packers, but only caught one pass for three yards and was targeted just twice. Reed was returning from injury, so it’s possible the team was being cautious with him. Not getting hurt was definitely an accomplishment for him though, and he should be in line for more action this week.
The Saints defense ranks 19th in aFPA to opposing tight ends, so if Reed does get an increase in targets, there’s upside for him in a pretty good matchup. He’s a boom-or-bust option because he’s liable to get injured at any moment, and he’s also vying with Ross Dwelley for snaps at the tight end spot, but Reed has the ability to lead the team in receiving if they end up down a bunch of wide receivers once again. Consider him a desperation start with upside in deep leagues.
Week 9 vs. Green Bay Packers
Jordan Reed, coming off IR at the last minute, no one else is healthy... what could go wrong? If you're desperate, Reed has upside with extra targets, but I'd sure be worried about him getting hurt warming up. Be very, very careful, and stay away if you can.
Week 3 at New York Giants
Jordan Reed had a great game filling in for the injured George Kittle last week, catching seven balls for 50 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also led the team with eight targets and was clearly a huge part of the game plan. The 49ers are dealing with some serious attrition at the skill positions, so as long as he’s getting significant snaps, Reed has value as a sneaky starter.
This week, Reed faces a Giants defense that has held tight ends in check so far this year, but current versions of Eric Ebron and Jimmy Graham aren’t exactly elite players at the position. Reed has significant upside as the best target in the 49ers’ passing game, given all the injuries, and he’s a nice streaming option in all leagues.
Week 2 at New York Jets
Jordan Reed looked healthy in Week 1, against the Cardinals, catching two passes for 12 yards. The 49ers are low on receiving options, so there is an opportunity for Reed to find some targets. Reed should be considered a contingency option this week, with potential for expanded looks should George Kittle miss time with a sprained knee. Keep an eye on the injury report, and if Kittle is out, Reed might be a sneaky starter. If Kittle plays, Reed can stay on the bench, or waivers in most leagues.
UPDATE: With Kittle out and the 49ers generally short-handed in a pretty good matchup, Reed has some streaming value in deeper leagues. Don't start him over someone more established, but if you're looking for someone off waivers with upside, you could do worse than Reed.
Fantasy Upside
Jordan Reed was a breakout star in 2015 when he finished with 87 receptions for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s played well in games since that season, but injuries have limited his value. He bounced back somewhat in 2018, finishing as the No. 15 tight end in PPR formats (17 in standard). In his last 16 games, Reed has 67 catches for 664 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers would have beat out Kyle Rudolph as the No. 7 fantasy tight end last season.
Fantasy Downside
The obvious downside is Reed’s injury history. He’s missed 17 games over the past three years, and played through injuries for most of 2018. There’s also the presence of Vernon Davis who finished 25-367-2 in 2018. Those aren’t great numbers, but they’re enough to make a dent in Reed’s fantasy value.
2019 Bottom Line
Reed is a player I wouldn’t feel comfortable drafting as my TE1. There’s a high chance he gets injured again, and then you’re scrambling for an option at a shallow position. But if you play in a league where you can use multiple tight ends, Reed is an ideal TE2 choice. He has high upside with potential at finishing top 10 at his position. If he can just stay healthy, he could emerge as the top receiving threat in an otherwise lackluster group in Washington.
