Week 2 vs. Baltimore Ravens
The good news for Bengals fans and Tyler Eifert owners is that he made it through the game unscathed in Week 1. He caught three passes for 44 yards—not matchup-winning numbers, but better games are ahead if he stays healthy.
The Ravens come to town and their defense is one of the better units in the NFL. Eifert has never fared well against Baltimore, although he has two touchdowns in six career games against them.
Eifert will be an impact tight end most weeks, but we suggest you keep him on the bench for Week 2. He's a high-end TE2 against the Ravens on Thursday, so you should be able to stream a better option this week.
Week 1 at Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Eifert has played in 15, 1, 13, 8 and 2 games in his five-year career. He is healthy to start the season, but that is always the question with him. When he plays, he is a viable option each week.
Eifert will face the Colts, who did not handle tight ends last season so the matchup is good. Start Eifert Week 1 as a solid fantasy tight end and hope he makes it through the game.
Fantasy Upside
In 2015, Tyler Eifert scored 15 touchdowns. When he is healthy, he has shown to be a formidable offensive weapon, especially in the red zone. The potential for success for Eifert is high and there is no doubt the Bengals want to use him as a key component of the offense.
Fantasy Downside
Eifert has missed 22 of the last 32 games and has never played a full season in the NFL. The injuries have consumed his career and except for one season, he has been a fantasy dud. The Bengals offense is on shaky ground as well because we are not sure where QB Andy Dalton is at this point—he had a sub-par 2017.
2018 Bottom Line
Eifert is not worth drafting as a TE1. The injuries are too much. If you can get him as your second tight end, the risk factor is a lot lower and he could end up being a steal. His ADP is 132 overall which is a little high. Don't be afraid to take him a little earlier.
Week 3 at Green Bay Packers
UPDATE: Eifert has been ruled out for Sunday.
It's been a slow start for Tyler Eifert who has only been targeted five times in the first two games. More important he has zero touchdowns, the same amount as the Bengals. Eifert was expected to be a major target in the red zone, but that hasn't happened yet.
Another issue that has reared its ugly head again is Eifert's health. He left the game last week and did not practice on Thursday. There's a possibility he doesn't suit up this week, so make sure you check the injury report before setting your lineup.
For now, Eifert doesn't seem to be a good option for Week 3 unless he ends up playing. If he does, he still doesn't rate a starter because of the Bengals' offensive issues and the uncertainty of his health.
Week 2 vs. Houston Texans
The good news from last week was that Tyler Eifert played and looked healthy. The bad news was that he was targeted just once. He did catch his only target, but it was for a measly four yards—not exactly what fantasy owners were looking for from a consensus TE1.
It's hard to blame Efiert and there are better days ahead, although one of those good days might not be Thursday night unless the Bengals regroup quickly. The Texans have an above average pass defense, so quarterback Andy Dalton will have to be much better. We expect coach Marvin Lewis and company to urge Dalton to use his tight ends more.
With that said, Eifert is still a viable fantasy option for Week 2, but a borderline starter against Houston. See if you have a better option, but if you don't, Eifert should still fare better than he did last Sunday.
Week 1 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Tyler Eifert should have a big season if he can stay on the field. Already, we have seen a bad knee in the preseason, but he did practice on Thursday and will be ready to go Sunday.
Eifert has been especially good in the red zone and when A.J Green is on the field, his numbers have been even better. (Green is back after missing the last six games in 2016).
Where does he rank for Week 1? The Ravens were average against tight ends in 2016. Eifert will be a TE1 most of the season and comes in against Baltimore as a solid starter in all formats.
Fantasy Upside
Tyler Eifert has proven he can be a solid TE1. In the past 21 games, he has averaged 3.9 catches for 48 yards and 0.86 TDs per game (on 5.8 targets per game). That equates to 13.8 PPG (PPR), which is what Travis Kelce averaged last season as fantasy’s TE1. He was a red zone beast in 2015, with 13 touchdowns and is really the No. 2 target in the Bengals passing game after A.J. Green.
Fantasy Downside
Health is the biggest concern for Eifert and potential owners. He pretty much missed the whole season in 2014 and only played eight games last season. Also, a healthy Green could limit his productivity in the red zone, as Green is very efficient in the scoring area.
2017 Bottom Line
Eifert is ranked as our TE7 and has an ADP of 63. He can be thrown in the mix with Delanie Walker and Jimmy Graham, as far as production level for this season. But I actually think he will outplay both those players. Eifert is healthy and poised for a big season.
Week 15 vs Pittsburgh
With A.J. Green out, Tyler Eifert has become the go-to guy in the passing game (especially in the red zone). Eifert had two touchdowns last week and now has four the past three games. His targets have not been as high as most owners might want, but the production is there.
Eifert didn't play in the first meeting against Pittsburgh and has had very little success against the Steelers in his career. The matchup is favorable though, as the Steelers are only 24th in aFPA to tight ends, so we expect Eifert to have the best game of his career against Pittsburgh. Start him in all leagues and formats as a top-5 fantasy tight end.
Week 14 at Cleveland
After a strong game two weeks ago with A.J. Green out of the lineup, Tyler Eifert had only two targets and two catches last week. However, one was for a touchdown. We think Eifert will be the QB Andy Dalton's go-to-guy with Green out, so dismiss last week's performance.
This week, Eifert will face the Browns, who are 30th in aFPA to tight ends this season. Even though there is bad weather expected in Cleveland, Eifert can take advantage of that with ball possession and a short passing game. Start him as one of the top fantasy tight ends for Week 14.
Week 13 vs Philadelphia
Tyler Eifert was the biggest recipient of A.J. Green's absence with a team-high 11 targets that produced five receptions for 68 yards and touchdown. With Green expected out again this week, we should see more production again from Eifert.
The Eagles have been tough on tight ends and are third in aFPA this season. That should not slow down Eifert, who should have another big game. Start him as a top fantasy tight end for Week 13.
