Week 16 at New York Jets
Vance McDonald is on track to return this week after sitting out with a concussion last week. But he's not gotten enough work in the passing game to be much of a fantasy factor unless he scores. He shouldn't be in your lineup for a tough matchup against the Jets, who have been good against opposing tight ends.
Week 14 at Arizona Cardinals
Vance McDonald caught all three of his targets last week for 21 yards, continuing a stretch of ineffective play, largely because the Steelers just don't throw the ball much. But the best tight end in fantasy football each week is whoever is fortunate enough to be playing against the Cardinals, who have given up a tight end touchdown in 10 of 12 weeks and allowed 13 TDs to the position overall. McDonald is a solid bet to score this week and should get enough action to be a low-end TE1 play.
Week 13 vs. Cleveland Browns
Vance McDonald caught his only target last week for a one-yard gain, which broke a string of three consecutive games in which he had been targeted seven times each. McDonald had three catches for 33 yards two weeks ago against the Browns and should get similar production in this game. That makes him a TE2.
Week 12 at Cincinnati Bengals
Vance McDonald has now gotten at least seven targets in three consecutive games. That's the good news. The bad is that it only added up to three catches for 33 yards last week against the Browns. McDonald's overall snap count has gone up in recent weeks and the Bengals have allowed 45 catches for 595 yards and four scores to opposing tight ends. McDonald should be involved more with JuJu Smith-Schuster out and a low-end TE1 performance should be forthcoming.
Week 11 at Cleveland Browns
McDonald is becoming more of a part of the passing game, getting seven targets in each of the past two games. Unfortunately, it added up to just three catches for 11 yards last week. But the Browns can be had at tight end. They've allowed five touchdowns to the position this season. McDonald is one of those borderline TE1/2 plays each week. This could be a week he scores. if that happens, he's a TE1. If not, a TE2. Will you roll the dice?
Week 10 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Vance McDonald matched his season-high with seven targets last week, catching five passes for 30 yards and a touchdown. Mason Rudolph seems more inclined to check the ball down to the speedy tight end rather than push it to him deep. The Rams are 23rd in scoring allowed to opposing tight ends, so McDonald is a low-end TE1 start this week with six teams on a bye.
Week 9 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Vance McDonald got four targets last week, catching three passes but for just 19 yards. But if you're thinking about starting him this week, it's because of the opponent. The Colts have allowed 42 catches for 415 yards and three touchdowns to the tight end position this season. That works out to six catches per game to the position, so McDonald could see an increase in action in this game. He's a low-end TE1 play this week.
Week 8 vs. Miami Dolphins
Vance McDonald had been missing practices throughout the first six weeks because of a shoulder injury. But he seems to be more healthy now, which should increase his usage. He's in that mix of tight ends just outside the top tier guys who could force their way into TE1 conversation if they start scoring more regularly. Will that be this week? That is anybody's guess, but the Dolphins will give up some plays to the tight end.
Week 6 at Los Angeles Chargers
Vance McDonald caught all three of his targets last week for 34 yards and now faces a Chargers defense missing both starting safeties. Don't be surprised if he's a little more of the game plan this week. The Steelers figure to use a lot of big packages to run the ball and then throw off of that, which could mean additional opportunities for McDonald. But he's no more than a low-end TE1, at best.
Week 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens
All signs point to Vance McDonald being ready to play this week, so feel free to start him if he's ready to go. The Ravens have struggled against tight ends and the Steelers feel McDonald is a nice security blanket for Mason Rudolph. The Ravens have been susceptible to tight ends, allowing 22 catches for 248 yards and a score in their first four games to the position. McDonald is a low-end TE1 assuming he plays.
