Week 1 at Cleveland Browns
Even if Vance McDonald plays this week -- which is still highly questionable -- he might only get 10 to 15 plays. He missed the entire preseason with a foot issue. But Jesse James caught two TD passes in the opener in Cleveland last year, catching eight passes for 41 yards, as well. McDonald is more of a down-the-field threat. But he shouldn't be in your lineup just yet.
Fantasy Upside
Vance McDonald will clearly be the Steelers' top tight end this season and that could add up to some very big games, as his 10-catch, 116-yard effort in the playoffs would suggest. He's a breakout candidate in 2018 who should see upwards of 75 targets if he stays healthy.
Fantasy Downside
That health is a big issue for McDonald. He has yet to play in more than 15 games in his five NFL seasons, missing a game or two here and there. Also, with all of the stars in this lineup, he's the fourth or fifth option.
2018 Bottom Line
The Steelers acquired McDonald just before the season started last year and because of that, some minor injuries forced the team to limit his usage and hold him out of a couple of games because he didn't practice all week. That won't be an issue this season. McDonald should easily surpass his career-highs of 30 catches and 391 receiving yards. His current ADP is in rounds 13-16. He could surpass that in value with a really good season. But expect 40+ catches for 500 or so yards.
Divisional Round vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
If you're looking for a sleeper pick at tight end this week, Vance McDonald is a solid choice. After watching the Jaguars struggle covering Nick O'Leary last week—even though Tyrod Taylor missed him several times—look for the Steelers to try to get McDonald open down the middle of the field.
Week 17 vs. Cleveland Browns
Vance McDonald returned last week and had 4 catches for 52 yards, his second game in the past three weeks with that same total. Of course, he didn't play in the week in between, so there's that. But he's healthy now and the Steelers want to get him involved in the offense more. He could be a nice sleeper tight end play.
Week 13 at Cincinnati Bengals
Vance McDonald will be back this week and is the more valuable receiver among him and Jesse James. McDonald had 2 receptions for 37 yards against the Bengals in the first meeting versus the Bengals, while James was shut out.
Week 11 vs. Tennessee Titans
Vance McDonald caught both of his targets for 16 yards and a touchdown last week, despite a sprained ankle. He scored after spraining the ankle, so it shouldn't limit him, even in a short week. He's the Steelers tight end to own moving forward and runs some deeper routes than Jesse James. But he's not worth starting this week.
Week 3 at Chicago Bears
Vance McDonald was out with a back issue last week, but could replace an injured Jesse James this week against the Bears. Don't look for more than a couple of catches, however, even if starts in place of James.
Week 14 vs. Jets
Here's how bad things were for the 49ers' passing game last week. McDonald had two catches for nine yards and was the only San Francisco player with more than one catch. Ugh. The Jets just allowed 10 catches for 117 yards and three touchdowns last week against Indianapolis, so expect the 49ers to test New York's defense with McDonald. He's a low-end TE1 start or high end TE2 this week.
Week 13 at Chicago
McDonald had four receptions for 60 yards last week against Miami and is really the only safe start in the San Francisco passing game. He's now led the 49ers in receiving yards in each of the past two weeks as Colin Kaepernick has spread the ball around without a true go-to receiver. McDonald is a low-end No. 1 start this week given the injuries at the position and the teams on a bye, as Chicago has allowed a touchdown to an opposing tight end in each of the past three weeks.
Week 12 at Miami
McDonald had three catches for 46 yards and also scored for the second time in three games. He's starting to get on the same page as Colin Kaepernick, which is nice and is the most consistent option in a very inconsistent offense. Miami has allowed 13 receptions for 128 yards and two scores in the past two weeks to the tight end position. McDonald is a low-end No. 1 TE start this week.
