Week 14 vs. Jacksonville
Kyle Rudolph has become a solid PPR tight end, catching five or more passes in five of his last seven games. He's also a red zone threat, although he hasn't scored in three weeks. He'll get a fairly difficult matchup this week, but we feel like he'll get enough looks to be fantasy relevant.
Rudolph is at least involved in Minnesota's offense every week, which automatically places him into fantasy relevance. He may not have a great game, but he's a fairly reliable low-TE1 play against the Jaguars.
Week 13 vs. Dallas
Kyle Rudolph saw a big increase in production with Stefon Diggs out last week, as he caught 9-of-10 targets for 64 yards against the Lions. Diggs should be back in Week 13, but we still like Rudolph to get some looks against the Cowboys.
Dallas was decimated by the tight end position last week when Jordan Reed torched them for two touchdowns. The Cowboys have been favorable to the position all season long, so we like Rudolph as a TE1 play this week.
Week 12 vs. Detroit
Kyle Rudolph has caught five touchdowns this season, including one against the Lions just a few weeks ago. Detroit has been terrible against tight ends, allowing a score to the position in every game but three.
But, while there's a strong chance for a score, it's worth noting Detroit held Minnesota's tight ends to just five yards in the last outing. Rudolph's score came on a one-yard catch.
Week 11 vs. Arizona
Kyle Rudolph had five catches last week for a nice 69-yard day. He also finished with a touchdown, which makes it consecutive weeks with a score. He now has five touchdowns in nine games this season.
This week he'll go up against a Cardinals defense that has allowed the fewest points to tight ends this season. Arizona hasn't surrendered a single score a tight end this season, and have held the position to under 60 yards in every game.
Rudolph will be a low-end TE1 due to his opportunity, but this is a very difficult matchup for him.
Week 10 vs. Washington
We told you Kyle Rudolph had a strong chance to catch a touchdown last week, and he did. But he did the absolute bare minimum by catching one pass for one yard.
Rudolph is starting to become less involved for Minnesota in terms of receptions and yards, but he's still a dangerous red zone threat. He gets a decent matchup this week against the Redskins, and will be a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE1 play.
Week 9 vs. Detroit
Kyle Rudolph has had five receptions in back-to-back games, making him a solid option in PPR formats. The yards haven't been there much this season and he's now gone three straight games without a touchdown.
There's a strong chance that changes this week against a Lions defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Detroit's allowed a score by a TE in every game but two this season, and most players at the position have big yardage totals to go along with the score.
Rudolph is a very attractive start this week in all formats, especially with some big name tight ends on bye.
Week 8 vs. Chicago
Kyle Rudolph finished with a 5-for-55 effort last week in a tough matchup against the Eagles. This week he faces the Bears, who haven't allowed many points to the position, but they also haven't played many talented tight ends.
There's a chance Rudolph finds the end zone again this week. He had a three game stretch earlier in the season and how now gone two weeks without one. Bradford likes Rudolph in the red zone, as well as other places on the field, and that's why he's a TE1 play this week.
Week 7 vs. San Diego
As expected, Kyle Rudolph struggled in the brutal matchup Week 5. He gets another tough matchup this week against Philadelphia as the Eagles have only allowed eight total receptions to the tight end position this season.
Sam Bradford likes Rudolph in the redzone, so there's a strong chance for a score, but be careful with Rudolph this week. He has TE1 upside, but don't be surprised if he has a second consecutive poor effort.
Week 5 vs. Houston
Kyle Rudolph has now caught a touchdown in three consecutive games and has to be considered a top option at his position. But, while Rudolph has to be taken seriously, it's hard to trust him a bunch this week against the Texans.
Houston has faced some good players this season (Delanie Walker, Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, Zach Miller) and has held them to a combined 12 receptions for 92 yards. This is a brutal matchup for Rudolph, but all he needs is a touchdown to be relevant, which is very possible.
Week 4 vs. New York Giants
Kyle Rudolph is the No. 2 tight end in fantasy through three weeks, which is a surprising stat. He led the team in receiving (7-70) last week after seeing 10 targets. He now has a touchdown in back-to-back games, and has been fantasy relevant in every performance.
He doesn't get a dreamy matchup this week, but it's good enough where we expect him to put up good numbers. There's been no reason to doubt his production so far, and that's why Rudolph should be viewed as a TE1 play this week.
