Week 12 at Baltimore
Tyler Eifert is starting to get back into the groove, and the Bengals might need him more than ever. With A.J. Green and Gio Bernard out, and the possibility Brandon LaFell missing Sunday too, Eifert might see double-digit targets in Baltimore.
The Ravens are ranked fifth in aFPA to tight ends, but he is one of Andy Dalton's remaining reliable targets and should still put up good numbers. Start Eifert in all leagues and formats as a top-5 fantasy tight end.
Week 11 vs Buffalo
Tyler Eifert was only targeted five times last week, which produced just three receptions. However, he did have 96 receiving yards. We expect Eifert to be targeted more and catch more balls. We also expect the Bengals to use him in the red zone on a regular basis.
Buffalo is ranked 14th in aFPA to tight ends, so the matchup is neutral this week. But Eifert is one of the premier pass-catching tight ends in the NFL and we expect the numbers to match that statement. Start him in all leagues as a solid TE1 for Week 11.
Week 10 at New York Giants
Tyler Eifert's return has helped the Bengals in many ways, especially the red zone. He had a full complement of snaps his second game back which turned into a nine reception, 112 yard day with a touchdown.
Eifert really emerged last season as an offensive threat. He faces a Giants defense Monday that is 12th in aFPA to tight ends. Eifert is a good start for Week 10 in all leagues or formats as a solid TE1.
Week 8 vs Washington
Tyler Eifert returned to action last week, but was limited playing 25 percent of the snaps. That number should rise slowly as the Bengals ease him back to full-time status. He was targeted twice and caught one pass for nine yards.
Eifert is not really a fantasy option at this point, but he will be soon. Keep an eye on both his snaps and targets, as he will eventually work his way into the top-10. Sit him for Week 8.
Week 18 vs Pittsburgh
Tyler Eifert returned last week from a concussion and caught four passes including a touchdown. He as fairly limited in his two meetings with the Steelers this season, who were ranked 4th in aFPA to tight ends. He had six receptions for 81 yards, but keep in mind he was knocked out of the second game.
There aren't a lot of high-end tight ends playing this weekend and with Eifert healthy, he should be one of the better ones. He is a good play for Week 18 despite the matchup disadvantage compared to the rest of the tight ends playing Wild Card Weekend.
Week 17 vs Baltimore
After missing the last two games with a concussion, Tyler Eifert is expected to be back on Sunday. He has been practicing and officially cleared to play.
Eifert will face Baltimore who is 15th in aFPA to tight ends. In the first meeting this season, Eifert was shutout with zero catches and targets. We think it will be different this time around. Start him as a low-end TE1 for Week 17.
Week 15 at San Francisco
Tyler Eifert left the Steelers game with a concussion and has not practiced this week. Speculation is he will not be cleared to play on Sunday. Even if he does, his value is hurt by the absence of QB Andy Dalton who will be sidelined with a broken thumb. Look for another tight end for Week 15.
Week 14 vs Pittsburgh
A surprise scratch last week with a pinch nerve in his neck, Tyler Eifert is listed as probable for Week 14 and should be back in the lineup against Pittsburgh. He was limited in the first meeting with the Steelers as he caught four passes for 39 yards. Pittsburgh is 15th in aFPA to tight ends so no advantage either way, but we like Eifert to put up better numbers this time around. Start him in all leagues as a top 5 fantasy tight end on Sunday.
Week 13 vs Browns
Only a four target day last week which produced three catches for Tyler Eifert might seem negative, but he found the end zone again for the 12th time this season. Eifert has been a red zone monster in 2015 and will face the Browns who he had three touchdowns against in the first meeting. Eifert is listed as questionable with a pinch nerve in his neck and did not practice Wednesday or Thursday so keep an eye on the active list on Sunday.
Cleveland is 16th in aFPA to tight ends so a neutral matchup, but as a long as Eifert plays, he should be in your starting lineup as a solid TE1 for Week 13.
Week 12 vs St. Louis
Tyler Eifert scored multiple touchdowns in a game for the fourth time this season and now has 11 on the season. He is the main target for QB Andy Dalton in the red zone and is having the best season of any tight end in 2015.
His matchup is neutral this week, as the Rams are 15th in aFPA to tight ends, but St. Louis is No. 1 against receivers. Eifert should get plenty of looks and put up big numbers for Week 12, so start him in all formats as a top-5 fantasy tight end.
