Week 15 at New York Giants
The Eagles still have an implied team total in Vegas in the top half of teams this week despite starting back-up QB Nick Foles, and the loss of their starting QB could mean increased volume for Zach Ertz. According to NFL's Next Gen Stats, Foles has thrown just 5.8% of his passes outside the tackle box the last two seasons compared to 11.7% from Carson Wentz. The Giants have also allowed 11 touchdowns to TEs this season. Start Ertz with confidence.
Week 14 at Los Angeles Rams
The Eagles-Rams game has the third-highest over/under in Vegas this week at 48 points. Zach Ertz has been cleared for practice but has yet to clear the concussion protocol as of this posting. The Rams are top-10 on the season in aFPA vs. tight ends, but Ertz is averaging more than 7 targets per game. He's still one of 2017's elite tight ends. If he's ruled active, start your stud.
Week 13 at Seattle Seahawks
The Eagles have the fourth-highest implied team total of the week at 26.25 points, and Seattle is top five in aFPA versus RBs. That means the Eagles could rely on Carson Wentz to attack a banged up Seahawks secondary and a linebacking group that is only 22nd in aFPA to TEs. Ertz has been an elite TE option in 2017. There's no reason not to start him again this week.
Week 12 vs. Chicago Bears
Zach Ertz had his first game of the season without at least 80 yards and/or a touchdown last week. He recorded just 2 receptions for 8 yards last week. However, Ertz has just been too good to get cute this week. Don't let last week cloud your judgment. He's a top-tier tight end option this week against a stout Bears defense against TEs (third in aFPA).
Week 11 at Dallas Cowboys
Alshon Jeffery popped up on the injury report mid-week with an ankle injury, one that coach Doug Pederson admitted he's been dealing with for a few weeks. That could mean more targets for Nelson Agholor and Zach Ertz on Sunday night. In a decent matchup against Dallas (15th in aFPA vs. TEs), he's an elite TE1 option again. Plus, Vegas has the Eagles with an implied team total of 26.25, fourth-highest for Week 11. Fire up some Ertz.
Week 9 vs. Denver Broncos
The Eagles offense may funnel through pass-catchers this week, with Denver the toughest matchup in our aFPA rankings versus RBs. That is especially the case for Zach Ertz, as Denver is just 28th in our aFPA vs. TE rankings. Ertz is battling a hamstring issue, but Doug Pederson says he will play, again making him an elite TE option in Week 9.
Week 8 vs. San Francisco
Zach Ertz is having a Rob Gronkowski-like season. Actually, Rob Gronkowski is having a Zach Ertz-like season, as Ertz is the top dog at the position in PPR. Against the terrible 49ers defense? You already know. Start him.
Week 7 vs. Washington
Shutdown corner Josh Norman returns this week for a Washington defense ranked second in our aFPA vs. WRs. That should funnel some targets towards tight end Zach Ertz, as Washington is just 29th in our aFPA vs. TE rankings, allowing 13.9 PPR points per game to TEs (fourth-most). Ertz also has 90 yards and/or a touchdown in every game this season, including Week 1 against Washington. Keep starting him.
Week 6 at Carolina Panthers
Zach Ertz is the best tight end in fantasy football through five weeks in both standard and PPR formats. Are you starting him Thursday Night against the Panthers? Of course! His 9.6 targets per game is top-10 in the league.
Week 5 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Zach Ertz has averaged 9 targets per game this season, with an average of 6.5 receptions and more than 80 yards per game. Simply put, he's been fantastic and one of Carson Wentz's most trusted targets. Plus, with Alshon Jeffery likely to be shadowed by shutdown corner Patrick Peterson, expect the same volume for Ertz. He's a high-end TE1 for Week 5.
