Week 4 vs. Washington Redskins
Evan Engram has been great to start the season, catching 23 balls for 277 yards and a pair of touchdowns through three games. He beat up on the Buccaneers last week to the tune of 113 yards and a touchdown and didn’t seem to be affected at all by the change at quarterback to rookie Daniel Jones. Engram looks like one of the best in the league at his position, and he should be considered a reliable every-week starter moving forward.
This week, Engram faces a Redskins defense that is tied for 12th in the least fantasy points allowed to the tight end position through three weeks. Washington kept Zach Ertz mostly in check during a Week 1 matchup, holding him to 54 yards on five catches, but gave up a touchdown to Jason Witten in Week 2. Engram is an elite option, however, especially since he lines up so frequently in the slot. It’s a nice matchup for a top-level player, and he should be active in all leagues.
Week 3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Evan Engram only had 48 yards against the Bills last week, but he was targeted eight times and caught six balls. Engram has shown he’s clearly the most talented receiving option in New York right now – perhaps other than Saquon Barkley – and he should continue to be the primary weapon for new starting quarterback Daniel Jones.
This week, despite switching to a rookie quarterback, Engram is a must-start against the Buccaneers, who rank 20th in the league in fantasy points allowed to the tight end position through two games this year. Expect another slew of targets for him as the Giants try desperately to gain a spark on offense. He’s a steady weekly option at the position and should be active in all leagues.
Week 2 vs. Buffalo Bills
Evan Engram had a great start to the season with 11 catches on 14 targets, gaining 116 yards and scoring a touchdown. He was clearly the primary target for Eli Manning in the passing game, and despite a blowout loss to the Cowboys, Engram was a bright spot for the offense. His seam-stretching ability and uncanny skill at finding soft spots in the zone make him an elite receiving option at the position and there should be plenty of targets for him all season. The Giants look awful on defense and will be playing catchup all year.
This isn’t the best matchup for Engram against a Bills defense that looks hungry and held Jets tight ends to three catches and 10 yards last week. However, the Jets don’t have anyone as talented as Engram, and due to the targets he’s likely to receive, he’s a must start in all formats regardless of matchup.
Week 1 at Dallas Cowboys
Evan Engram missed four games in his sophomore season and regressed from his rookie year. He still ended up with 45 receptions, 577 yards and three touchdowns, however, and he should benefit from the 124 vacated targets Odell Beckham Jr. took with him to Cleveland. Engram has seam-stretching talent and was most productive when Beckham was injured in 2017, giving him significant upside heading into this year.
Engram starts his 2019 campaign against a Dallas Cowboys defense that has a lot of talent but allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to the tight end position last year. Engram should be targeted heavily with a lack of pass-catchers available in New York, and he should be active in all league formats.
Fantasy Upside
Evan Engram was limited to 11 games last season due to injuries, but he averaged 5.8 targets and 52.5 yards per game when he did play. His numbers were down from his rookie season when he caught 64 passes for 722 yards and six touchdowns, but he still demonstrated his seam-stretching ability and finished the season strong. He had at least 75 yards in each of his last four games. Engram should benefit from the departure of Odell Beckham Jr., who leaves 124 vacated targets. While many of those will go to the newly-acquired Golden Tate, some spillover will land with the talented Engram.
Fantasy Downside
Nicked up all year, Engram struggled and only nine touchdowns in 27 games isn’t the kind of scoring production you hope for from a potential elite tight end. The Giants could struggle in the passing game once again with Eli Manning back at quarterback until rookie Daniel Jones is ready to take over. Either option doesn’t inspire immediate confidence in the Giants improving upon their 23 passing touchdowns from a year ago – 21st in the league.
2019 Bottom Line
It’s risky to draft Engram super high because of the offense he’s in, but there’s value in grabbing him in the late-fifth round at his current ADP. There’s a steep drop in talent after him in our tight end rankings and he represents a high-upside, second-tier option for owners who believe in him. Engram’s rookie season demonstrated he has elite potential, so he’s worth the risk if he slides at all.
Week 17 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Evan Engram has been back to his production from last year now that he’s healthy and with Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) out. OBJ is likely to miss this week too, so Engram should continue his run of games with double-digit PPR points. He had six catches for 87 yards and added 26 yards on the ground against the Colts last week.
This week, Engram should continue to get additional looks against the Cowboys. While Dallas has been steady on defense overall this year, they’re actually slightly below average against tight ends, giving up 81 receptions and six touchdowns to the position. With added volume and his recent looks, Engram should be active as a second-tier option to close out the season.
Week 16 at Indianapolis Colts
Evan Engram has 11 catches and 152 yards over the past two weeks. He’s returned from injury and has benefited from additional targets with Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) sidelined. Regardless of the status of OBJ, Engram’s production should be fairly sustainable. Finally healthy, he’s reminding quarterback Eli Manning why he led the team in targets, receptions, and touchdowns a season ago.
This week, Engram faces a Colts defense that has been pretty good this season overall, but has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year, including 1,017 receiving yards to the position. Engram should build off his recent production and be a solid starter in all leagues.
Week 15 vs. Tennessee Titans
Evan Engram came back from injury last week and caught three balls for 77 yards. Engram is an athletic, seam-stretching mismatch with high upside in any given week. In a season where the tight end position has been trouble for many fantasy owners, grabbing Engram might pay dividends during the fantasy playoffs.
Odell Beckham Jr. is out again this week, so Engram should see additional targets against the Titans. Tennessee has allowed the least fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this year, making it a tough matchup for Engram. Still, his targets and talent should outweigh the difficult matchup, and fantasy owners should consider him a viable streaming option at the position.
Week 13 vs. Chicago Bears
Evan Engram missed last week’s game against the Eagles and he’s a long-shot to suit up this week against the Bears. Even if he does, it’s hard to get excited about a hobbled player in a struggling offense against a great defense. Sit him.
Week 12 at Philadelphia Eagles
Evan Engram caught only two passes last week against the Buccaneers, but he gained 66 yards and showed some of the playmaking ability he exhibited as a rookie. The Giants have won their last two games, face a reeling Eagles defense this week, and Engram has scored at least eight PPR fantasy points in three straight starts. While those aren’t amazing facts by any means, in a season where the tight end position is scarcely dependable, Engram offers optimism for those who have hung on to him.
The Eagles allow the fourth-least fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, and the strength of their defense is at free safety and in their front seven, making it likely other pass-catchers in New York will get more opportunities to shine this week. Engram is a fringe-starter this week in a tough matchup.
