NFC Championship at Carolina
Jermaine Gresham wasn’t targeted last week against the Packers and he remains the backup tight end on a roster without a star at the position. The Cardinals don’t use their starting tight end very much, so being the backup puts Gresham in toss-away territory from a fantasy perspective. Gresham should not be considered a viable fantasy option in any league formats this week.
Week 19 vs. Green Bay
Jermaine Gresham had a forgettable season as the Cardinals’ backup tight end. Partially due to ineffectiveness, but mostly due to the type of offense the Cardinals use, Gresham failed to provide any kind of consistent fantasy production all year. There’s no reason to expect that to change this week, and even though he may lead backup tight ends in targets this weekend, he’s nowhere near starting material for fantasy owners in any league format.
Week 7 at Cleveland
Jermaine Gresham started in place of the injured Darren Fells last week against the Ravens and wound up catching four of the six passes thrown his way for 63 yards and a respectable outing overall. Gresham should continue to see the field often in Arizona, regardless of the health status of Fells, but neither player has shown to be a consistent fantasy option in the Cardinals offense and both should be avoided for the time being.
Week 1 vs. New Orleans
Jermaine Gresham should get first crack as the starting TE in Arizona, especially with Ifeanyi Momah headed to IR. He could get some competition from Joseph Fauria or Troy Niklas long term, but he’ll get a chance to show what he’s got against the Saints in Week 1.
Ultimately however, Gresham is way too unpredictable to put much stock into him this week. Fantasy owners should be able to find a safer option at a deep fantasy tight end position. Watch the Arizona depth chart during the season to see if a tight end finally emerges there, but until we know for sure, it is probably best to just leave them all on waivers.
Fantasy Upside
Jermaine Gresham, a former first-round pick spent the first five years of his NFL career with the Bengals. He signed with the Cardinals on June 24. In Arizona, Gresham deepens a tight end depth chart that took a hit when John Carlson unexpectedly retired earlier this offseason. Gresham is the only true pass-catching threat in a group that includes Darren Fells and Troy Niklas, a second-round pick last season.
Fantasy Downside
Gresham had surgery to fix a herniated disc in March and is still suffering from a back injury. He opened training camp on the PUP list.
Bottom Line
Bruce Arians' offense isn't known for big production at the tight-end position, but Gresham has the potential to make plays. At just 27, he should have plenty of motivation on a one-year deal. But nobody should be looking at the veteran as anything more than a streaming option or value play in DFS.
Week 18: Gresham vs Colts
Jermaine Gresham has become QB Andy Dalton's favorite red zone target over the past three weeks, recording touchdowns in all of those games. He did practice Friday (bad back) which means he is a go for Sunday.
The Colts are 29th in aFPA to tight ends so Gresham could have some success, especially if star wide receiver A.J. Green (concussion) does not play. Gresham rates a solid TE2 in a week where tight end options are limited. The late touchdown run suggests he isn't a bad choice if you don't have any other options. And if Green doesn't play, he is a good choice.
Week 17: Gresham vs Steelers
Jermaine Gresham caught nine passes on 11 targets and scored a touchdown last week. The good news is that he has caught touchdowns in back-to-back games. The bad news is that most of the production last week was more of a result of A.J. Green being limited with an arm injury. Green is expected to be back for Sunday night, so if you want Gresham in your starting lineup, it will be with the hope he can get into the end zone again. We suggest you keep him on the bench against Pittsburgh, who is 15th in aFPA to tight ends.
Week 16: Gresham vs Broncos
Jermaine Gresham did practice on Thursday with a bad toe, but that could mean he will suit up and play. If he does, he won't be enough of a factor to warrant a fantasy start even after scoring a touchdown last game. If he sits, Kevin Brock is the best fantasy option at tight end for Cincy, but again not enough to be inserted into the starting lineup.
Week 15: Gresham vs Browns
Jermaine Gresham had three catches last game, which is about the norm for him, but he did score his third touchdown of the season. His numbers have been low most of the season and like a lot of tight ends, he relies on touchdowns for his fantasy value. Gresham also has a bad toe which isn't helping matters.
He will face the Browns this week who are 10th in aFPA to tight ends so no help in the matchup department. Keep Gresham on the bench for Week 15.
Week 14: Gresham vs Steelers
Jermaine Gresham's targets remain around 5 or 6 a game, but the rest of his numbers are very low. He will face the Steelers who are 22nd in aFPA to tight ends, but that is not enough to warrant a start. Keep Gresham on the bench for Week 14.
