ClutchPoints
The tight end position always finds a way to test the patience, instincts, and emotional stability of fantasy football managers. Of course, Week 11 was no exception. With the fewest total TE touchdowns we’ve seen in weeks and several big names failing to fire, the scoring landscape tightened just as playoff pressure began to mount. As we head into Week 12, the volatility hasn’t gone anywhere. Clarity, though, is forming at the top. A few sleepers are lurking with real upside.
Week 11 offered more turbulence than stability at tight end. Only six touchdowns were scored by the position. It was down dramatically from the 11 in Week 10 and the massive 18 in Week 9. That drop-off reflected a mix of poor matchups, defensive overperformance, and offenses shifting elsewhere in the red zone.
Fortunately, Week 12 brings back two important contributors: Tyler Warren and Juwan Johnson return from their byes. That said, fantasy football managers will again be navigating roster holes with the Dolphins, Commanders, Broncos, and Chargers sidelined.
In Week 11, Trey McBride delivered a monster performance. Meanwhile, George Kittle kept pace with two scores of his own. Travis Kelce, AJ Barner, and Mark Andrews rounded out the top performers.
Now, it’s time to turn the page. Let’s break down the top tight end plays and the matchup sleepers who could flip your Week 12 fortunes.
Trey McBride is the undisputed TE1 of the fantasy football universe right now. His Week 11 performance only cemented that status. He had 10 receptions on 11 targets for 115 yards and a touchdown. McBride delivered his second straight 100-yard game while extending his scoring streak to five consecutive weeks. His chemistry with Jacoby Brissett continues to be elite, particularly in the red zone. That’s where McBride has now become the Cardinals’ most reliable scoring threat outside of Michael Wilson.
With Jacksonville struggling to contain tight ends all season, McBride enters Week 12 as a locked-in elite option with massive target volume. He has superior route-running efficiency and a matchup begging to be exploited.
Goedert’s Week 11 stat line read two catches for just 24 yards. That was disappointing, but the usage tells a different story. Philadelphia still designs high-leverage plays for him. His five targets were right in line with his season trends. Now, Week 12 brings a matchup against Dallas. Goedert already posted a 7-44-0 line against that defense earlier this season.
The Eagles–Cowboys rivalry tends to bring out aggressive game plans, too. With Philadelphia’s passing attack searching for rhythm, Goedert remains a strong, high-floor start.
Bowers’ bounce-back performance in Week 11 had seven catches on 12 targets for 72 yards. That showed he’s still heavily featured in Las Vegas’ passing game. Despite a couple of drops, his elite athletic profile and route versatility make him a weekly threat for...
