Week 2 at Tennessee Titans
While Ryan Griffin did not receive a target in Week 1, the other two Houston TEs (Jordan Thomas and Jordan Akins) combined for three grabs for 38 yards. The Patriots held the Texans to just 176 yards through the air, so none of the pass-catchers had big days, but it was concerning that Griffin was not thrown to. Right now, there is little reason for him to be taking up a roster spot.
Week 1 at New England Patriots
The tight end spot in Houston hasn’t produced much the past few seasons, but Ryan Griffin would like to change that. After finishing last year on the IR due to concussions, he is healthy now. Griffin had his best game of 2017 at New England, catching five passes for 61 yards and a TD and could be a surprise weapon in the opener. However, he should be used as no more than a TE2 play.
Fantasy Upside
Continued concussions forced starter C.J. Fiedorowicz to an early retirement, leaving a hole at TE in Houston. Griffin appears to be first man up in the effort to fill that void. As Bleacher Report recently noted, before he got hurt, Griffin had a solid start to the 2017 season, catching 13 passes in seven games. In addition to be a solid pass catcher, Griffin is also a serviceable blocker.
Fantasy Downside
The Texans used two draft choices on the tight end position, selecting Jordan Akins (third round) and Jordan Thomas (sixth round) in April. Akins and Thomas will compete with Griffin and third-year pro Stephen Anderson for snaps. If you're looking at one of the youngsters to possibly create some fantasy excitement, Akins, a former minor-league baseball player who runs and catches well, is worth watching. HC Bill O'Brien likes to have a tight end who can get open and make catches and Akins fits the profile.
2018 Bottom Line
Even with the competition, if Griffin stays healthy, the 6-6, 265-pound veteran has the best chance to win the starting role. Assuming he does, the Texans will lean heavily on his skills as a receiver. It's something worth keeping in mind when injuries or attrition strike as the season progresses.
Week 9 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Deshaun Watson threw for 402 yards last week at Seattle, but Ryan Griffin was targeted just 2 times, leading to a 10-yard reception. WRs DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller combined for 13 grabs and 349 of the receiving yards in the loss. Griffin only has 8 catches the past four contests and should not be started unless you’re out of other options, even facing a Colts pass defense that hasn’t slowed down any opponent.
Week 8 at Seattle Seahawks
Since Deshaun Watson took over at QB, the Texans offense has been explosive. Benefitting from the injury to C.J. Fiedorowicz and the rookie signal-caller has been Ryan Griffin. In the four weeks before the week off, the Texans tight end registered 12 receptions for 148 yards and a score. He’ll have a tough task at Seattle on Sunday; so, despite the nice ride during the previous month, Griffin should be used as a low-end TE1 play.
Week 6 vs. Cleveland Browns
Although Deshaun Watson threw for 261 yards and 5 TDs last Sunday night versus Kansas City, Ryan Griffin finished with only 2 receptions for 22 yards. In the past two contests, the TE has been held to 4 total grabs. The Browns are allowing over 225 passing yards per game, but Griffin should be considered no better than a low-end TE1 option.
Week 5 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Even though Deshaun Watson threw for 283 yards and 4 TDs last week in the big win over Tennessee, Ryan Griffin finished with only 2 catches for 13 yards. It was encouraging to see Watson target Griffin 5 times, but after a big Week 3 at New England, the two-catch outing was a bit of a disappointment for fantasy owners. Kansas City is ranked No. 25 against the pass, so look for a bounce back performance from the Houston tight end on Sunday night.
Week 4 vs. Tennessee Titans
Deshaun Watson targeted Ryan Griffin 6 times last Sunday against the Patriots, leading to 5 grabs, 61 yards, and a touchdown. Griffin was cleared after suffering a Week 1 concussion and showed up big on the road. With C.J. Fiedorowicz on I.R., Griffin has a great opportunity to reclaim the No. 1 TE job in Houston. He is more of a TE2 play versus a Titans defense that allowed a lot of passing yards to the Seahawks in Week 3.
Week 3 at New England Patriots
After missing last week’s game with a concussion, Ryan Griffin should be back for the Texans on Sunday. However, with Deshaun Watson at QB, there is no reason for Griffin to even be on a fantasy roster at this time. If Watson does begin to look for his TEs, then Griffin may have some value, at least until C.J. Fiedorowicz returns from I.R.
Week 2 at Cincinnati Bengals
With C.J. Fiedorowicz placed on Injured Reserve because of a concussion, Ryan Griffin would be the next man up. However, he also suffered a concussion during the team's Week 1 contest. With the Houston quarterback situation a bit of a mess, Griffin could be a sneaky start, if he is healthy enough to suit up, as Fiedorowicz grabbed 4 passes for 43 yards before departing last Sunday’s game versus Jacksonville. Check the injury reports leading up to Thursday night's game to see who will be starting at tight end for the Texans.
UPDATE: Ryan Griffin has been ruled OUT for this week's contest against the Bengals. Adjust your lineups accordingly.
