Week 11 vs. New England
After posing a 3-84-1 line two weeks ago, McDonald caught four passes for 50 yards last week for a second productive game in a row. New England has given up just one TE touchdown this season, so use McDonald at your own risk. He's a high-end No. 2 TE play this week. And those are a dime a dozen.
Week 10 at Arizona
McDonald had three catches for 84 yards last week and has now had six targets in each of the past two games. That's a good sign for McDonald. That said, the Cardinals are the best in the league defending tight ends this season. They haven't given up more than five receptions in a game to the position and have yet to allow a TE score.
Week 9 vs. New Orleans
McDonald had just one catch in San Francisco's last outing, but did have a season-high six targets. Though the catch percentage could be better, that's a solid workload. The Saints are middle of the pack in terms of defending the tight end and have given up just two TE touchdown catches this season. McDonald isn't a starter-worthy tight end this week.
Week 7 vs. Tampa Bay
McDonald finally returned last week after a two-week hiatus and caught two passes for 25 yards. Anyone who owned Vernon Davis in previous years when Colin Kaepernick started, he doesn't use his tight ends consistently. McDonald will be a victim of that now.
Week 3 at Seattle
McDonald had just one catch last week, but he made it a big one, going 75 yards for a score. He's reached the end zone twice already this season, but has done so on just three catches. Unless you're in a scoring format, there's no reason to have McDonald in your lineup this week.
Week 2 at Carolina
McDonald had just two receptions for 14 yards on three targets last week, but did catch a touchdown. That's not the kind of workload you expect out of a starter. There are certainly better tight end options out there.
Week 1 vs. Los Angeles
McDonald was Blaine Gabbert's favorite target in the preseason and that will probably continue into the regular season. That said, in two games against the 49ers last season, the Rams allowed 11 TE catches for 79 yards. That's not exactly what you're looking for, so McDonald should be kept on your bench this week.
2016 Fantasy Outlook
McDonald had 30 receptions for 326 yards and three scores last season on 46 targets. He should see his targets increase this year. Blaine Gabbert looked his way more often than Colin Kaepernick and he had some decent games down the stretch last season. I'd look for at least 70 targets for McDonald from Gabbert this season, which makes him a decent TE2 option, particularly in PPR leagues.
Week 17 vs. St. Louis
McDonald had a nice day last week, putting up a 5-61-1 line. He has now scored three touchdowns with Blaine Gabbert at QB, so there's some hope that connection continues. That's especially true considering the Rams are 28th in the league defending tight ends. McDonald is a sleeper start in deep - deeeeeep - leagues.
Week 16 at Detroit
McDonald returned from sitting out with a concussion and caught just one pass for 10 yards. He seemed to have a good relationship with Blaine Gabbert at first, but that has faded, as has McDonald's fantasy value. But the Lions have given up 11 tight end touchdowns this season. McDonald might be worth a roll of the dice this week in deep - very deep - leagues.
