Week 12 at Denver Broncos
Vance McDonald had just three catches for 27 yards last week at Jacksonville but scored for the second week in a row to make him a viable play. He faces a Denver defense this week that has given up five touchdowns to tight ends this season, including one in each of the past three games. The Broncos also allowed seven receptions for 107 yards to the Chargers' tight ends last week. McDonald is a low-end TE1 play again this week.
Week 11 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Vance McDonald caught four passes for 44 yards and his second touchdown of the season last week and now gets to see a team he torched for 10 receptions for 112 yards on 16 targets in the playoffs last season. He might not get quite that many targets, but the Jaguars have had issues covering tight ends in the red zone, allowing six TDs to the position this season. Five of those have come in their past two games, so opponents might be on to something. McDonald is a sneaky start once again in DFS.
Week 10 vs. Carolina Panthers
Vance McDonald had three catches for 25 yards against the Ravens last week, but it could have been a better day if not for a drop down the seam late in the first half. Now, he faces a Carolina defense that has given up the most catches (55) and TD receptions (7) to tight ends thus far this season. Five of those TDs have come in the past four weeks, including two to Tampa Bay last week. McDonald is a sneaky start this week at the position.
Week 9 at Baltimore Ravens
Vance McDonald had just three catches last week for 47 yards but the Steelers shut their passing game down early in a rout of the Browns. He had a line of 5-62-0 earlier this season against the Ravens, who have allowed 13 receptions for 149 yards and two scores to the position in the past two weeks. McDonald is a nice sleeper pick as a TE1 play this week against Baltimore.
Week 8 vs. Browns
Vance McDonald had a season-high seven catches prior to the bye, posting 68 yards, as well. He missed the opener against the Browns, but Jesse James had three catches for 60 yards in that one. Cleveland has twice given up double digits in receptions to the position already this season, including last week to Tampa Bay. McDonald is a sneaky start this week as a TE1.
Week 6 at Cincinnati Bengals
Vance McDonald's day was a little underwhelming last week as he caught just one pass for six yards. But better days should be ahead. He did still run 19 pass patterns last week and if the Bengals are paying too much attention to Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster, McDonald could be used to attack the middle of the field. Cincinnati has given up 28 tight end catches this season, an average of just over five per game. McDonald could be a borderline TE1 this week.
Week 5 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Vance McDonald followed up a strong game against Tampa Bay with a five-catch, 62-yard effort against Baltimore and is emerging as a TE1, especially with so many stars down at the position this year. The Falcons have allowed at least five tight end catches in three of their four games this season. McDonald should be a decent start moving forward.
Week 4 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Vance McDonald was eased back into things two weeks ago, then exploded for four receptions for 112 yards and a 75-yard TD last week. He now has at least four receptions and 50 yards in four of the past five games he's played with Ben Roethlisberger. That makes him a borderline TE1 play in these tight end-starved days. The Ravens have been pretty stingy against opposing tight ends this season. But McDonald is a low-end TE1 option.
Week 3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vance McDonald returned to action last week and caught three passes for 26 yards. He also ran 28 pass routes compared to 29 for Jesse James. James has posted some big numbers thus far but those could funnel more to the athletic McDonald. Tampa Bay has given up 20 TE catches in two games on 24 targets. McDonald should be picked up in deep leagues.
Week 2 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Vance McDonald sat out the opener with a foot injury that sidelined him throughout the preseason but it looks like he'll be ready to go this week. I'd expect 15–20 plays from McDonald in his first action. Don't put him in your lineup but he might be worth stashing on your roster, especially with the high number of tight end injuries around the league in Week 1.
