Week 10 at New York Jets
Rhett Ellison has some upside filling in for an injured Evan Engram, but he’s never really produced on a consistent basis, even when given the opportunity. Ellison has seven touchdowns in 112 career games, including just one this season. Sit him. Leave him on waivers. Ignore his existence.
Week 14 at Washington Redskins
Rhett Ellison had four catches for 42 yards last week against the Bears. Those seem like top-end numbers for the veteran backup, as it was his second-largest yardage total of the year, despite the frequent absence of Evan Engram from the lineup. Ellison’s seven targets last week make him a reasonable desperation streaming option in large leagues, but in most cases, he should remain on waivers.
Update:
With Engram set to play, Ellison's fantasy value went from limited to miniscule. He should definitely be on waivers.
Week 13 vs. Chicago Bears
Rhett Ellison caught four passes for 77 yards last week against the Eagles and he may be in line to start this week against the Bears with Evan Engram still unlikely to play. Regardless of Engram’s status, Ellison should be avoided in all fantasy leagues. Ellison struggled to put up decent numbers during Engram’s absence earlier this season and there aren’t enough balls to go around in New York to feed him. Leave him on waivers.
Week 6 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Rhett Ellison is nursing a sore foot, but even if he’s active, he's not worth starting in most leagues. Ellison has caught only five passes the last two games in relief of Evan Engram, gaining only 46 yards in the process; although he did catch a two-point conversion against the Panthers. Engram may be back this week, but even if he isn’t, it’s hard to get excited about Ellison. The Eagles have allowed the fifth-least fantasy points to the tight end position this season. Leave him on waivers, as there should be better streaming options available.
Week 5 at Carolina Panthers
Rhett Ellison only gained 29 yards on three receptions last week in relief of Evan Engram, but he was targeted five times and should continue to be the primary tight end while Engram is out. He’s too risky to count on in most leagues, but if you’re desperate due to injuries at the position and looking for a sneaky streaming option, Ellison will face a Panthers defense that has given up two touchdowns and 18 receptions to the tight end position in only three games.
Week 4 vs. New Orleans Saints
Rhett Ellison caught all three balls thrown his way last week for 39 yards and a touchdown. With Evan Engram expected to miss time with a knee sprain, Ellison is the most likely beneficiary. The Giants have routinely gotten the most out of the tight end position, turning players like Will Tye, Kevin Boss and Martellus Bennett into consistent fantasy starters during Eli Manning’s tenure.
While the Saints have been abysmal against the pass this year—10 touchdown passes allowed through three games—they’ve actually covered the tight end fairly well, allowing only 140 total yards and eight receptions to the position. Ellison is still a sneaky streaming option in a game that should feature a lot of passing. Fantasy owners feeling a little risky and desperate at the position should consider him.
Rhett Ellison - Week 6 vs. Detroit
Rhett Ellison has caught a pass in back-to-back games, but for just 19 and 12 yards, respectively. He's splitting time with tight end Chase Ford, but neither one is filling the void of Kyle Rudolph. He's not worth a look.
Rhett Ellison - Week 5 vs. Green Bay
Rhett Ellison played the most snaps out of all the Vikings' tight ends in Week 4. Ellison was on the field for 72 percent of the team's offensive snaps as Kyle Rudolph sat out with an injury. He was only targeted once throughout the entire game, though.
Ellison is used more as a blocker in the Vikings' offense. He's not worth a look.
Rhett Ellison - Week 4 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Rudolph will miss some time due to injury. Rhett Ellison is next on the team's depth chart, but he won't be a serious fantasy option. Ellison has just two catches on the season and 14 in his three-year career. I hope your fantasy team hasn't come to the point where you are considering starting Rhett Ellison.
