Week 8 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Kroft scored his third touchdown in the last three games and he has averaged almost five receptions per game over that span. No doubt Kroft has picked up where Tyler Eifert left off and has made himself fantasy relevant.
Kroft will face the Colts in Week 8 who are 26th in aFPA to tight ends. WIth the good matchup and the way the Bengals have used him, Kroft is a good play this Sunday.
Start him as a low-end TE1 against Indy and expect the same numbers in recent weeks.
Week 7 at Pittsburgh Steelers
With Tyler Eifert on IR, Tyler Kroft now permanently takes the No. 1 spot at tight end for 2017 on the Bengals' depth chart. He has already had some decent games and should be someone who will occasionally have a big game. So, he does carry some value and is good depth at tight end.
However, he will face a Steelers defense ranked fifth in aFPA to tight ends and the matchup rates Kroft as a low-end TE2 for Week 7.
Week 5 vs. Buffalo Bills
With Tyler Eifert out, Tyler Kroft became one of the best waiver wire pickups of the year. Against the Browns, Kroft caught 6 passes for 63 yards and 2 touchdowns. He tied A.J. Green for most targets on the team. Kroft is nursing an injured neck, but is expected to play against Buffalo. Eifert has not been ruled out for the week but did not practice Thursday with a bad back.
If Eifert plays, Kroft's stock drops off the radar, but if he doesn't, Kroft has some value as a TE2 against a very good Buffalo defense. If you need a tight end for a week and you know Eifert is out, Kroft is available in most leagues.
UPDATE: Tyler Eifert was ruled out so Kroft does have value this week.
Week 4 at Cleveland Browns
With Tyler Eifert probably out again this week, Tyler Kroft will get the start and snaps at tight end for the Bengals. But his fantasy value is low even against a bad Browns pass defense. Keep Kroft out of your starting lineup.
Week 1 at New York Jets
Tyler Kroft will get the start on Sunday as starter Tyler Eifert is coming off ankle surgery and his status remains up in the air as to when he will be back.
The Jets were actually very good against tight ends in 2015, and even though Kroft will get snaps and some balls thrown his way, he really isn't a fantasy option at this point. Keep him on the bench and waiver wire for Week 1.
