Ellis Johnson

It was easy to forget one of the offseason's top TE sleepers after he was hurt in Week 5. However, since returning, Brenton Strange has returned as one of the most steady receiving options on this team. In his two games back from injury, Strange has back-to-back TE5 finishes. Combining for nine targets, eight receptions, 138 yards, and a score across these games, he has been one of Trevor Lawrence's most consistent targets. Even with Brian Thomas Jr. returning and the addition of Jakobi Meyers, Strange is a strong play in a great matchup this week. The Colts are averaging the fifth-most fantasy points and second-most yards per game at the position on the season. He may not have the big name, but Strange is a top-six option at TE for me this week.

Kelce's resurgent season has been shockingly consistent. Even with the return of Rashee Rice, Kelce has finished in the top 10 at the position in six of his last eight games. Over his last five games, he has scored at least 10 points in all but one game. He has done this through a steady mix of yards and touchdowns, scoring only three times in his last seven games. It may not be the fantasy-breaking performances of old, but Kelce is back to a locked-in TE1 each week. This week, they face the Texans, who allow the fifth-fewest fantasy points to the position. This game has massive playoff implications for both teams. With their backs against the wall, we know Mahomes looks to his trusty TE in these situations. As a result, Kelce remains a steady TE play behind only Trey Mcbride, Brock Bowers, and Tyler Warren this week.

Despite a very strong rookie season, Warren has slowed down a little for fantasy. This may be a result of Daniel Jones playing with a broken leg, or the fact that they have played three of the top six defenses against the position over their last three games. Either way, the road ahead couldn't get much better. This stretch starts with the Jaguars, who are allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position. Warren has been the most consistent target on this offense all season. With the Jaguars allowing the fourth most yards and second touchdowns to opposing TEs on the season, Warren should be right back as a top end option for fantasy.

Despite his second-lowest target total of the season, Bowers had his second-best fantasy performance of the season. Catching all four targets for 63 yards and two scores, we were all reminded why Bowers is one of the league's best at the position. It's hard to trust the Raiders offense, however, Bowers sees enough targets each week to guarantee a solid fantasy floor. This week, the Raiders face the Broncos for the second time in five weeks. Last time, the Broncos held Bowers to one reception on three targets. Although the weather was not great in that game, the Broncos are one of the league's best defenses. This week, Bowers should outproduce their last meeting; however, we are once again betting on Geno Smith against the Broncos' defense.

This stretch of fantasy performances for Trey McBride is incredibly good. His consistency in yards and receptions is reminiscent of Tyler Higbee's five-game stretch to close out 2019. If you don't remember that, I'll remind you that he had 56 targets, 43 receptions, 522 yards, and two scores over five games. Outside of that little blast from the past, there isn't much else to say other than McBride is a fantasy star with Brissett under center. He has seven touchdowns in his last seven games, has only finished lower than the TE3 once in the last seven games (he was TE6), and has eight or more receptions in six of seven games. This week, they face the Rams, who bolster a tough pass rush. The Rams are allowing the 13th fewest fantasy points to the position, but that is only a red flag for TEs not named McBride.

Fool me once, fool me twice, fool me three times, and you bet I'm ready to get hurt again. Last week, I was too optimistic about Jackson being a full participant in practice and removed from the injury report ahead of a great matchup against the Bengals. Unfortunately, this led to his fifth career performance under 10 fantasy points and his third one in a row. Yikes. So what do we do with Lamar Jackson? Firstly, he isn't healthy. Regardless of what the reports say, he is not the same player we saw at the start of the season. Having said that, he appeared to be more mobile than in the previous two weeks and had a few big plays called back. The first was Isaiah Likely fumbling across the goal line, then Zay Flowers had a questionable offensive pass interference call on a long touchdown, and Devontez Walker dropped two long bombs. All this to say, this game could have gone differently. However, as my brother elegantly reminded me, as soon as we start counting "what ifs," you're already too far gone. This week, they face the slumping Steelers in a massive divisional matchup. Jackson will need to be on his game for the Ravens to keep their playoff hopes alive. As a result, I have him as a low-end QB1, and would be willing to sit him if there is a better option available.

At 10-2, we have to admit that the Broncos are a true force to be reckoned with. However, Bo Nix and this offense have left a lot to be desired. Thankfully for fantasy, it doesn't matter how the tape looks as long as they are producing for fantasy. That's exactly what we are getting with Nix. On the season, he has nine games outside of the top 14. However, he also has three games within the top six at the position. This week against the Raiders is a great chance for him to make that four weeks within the top six. Despite an abysmal secondary, Maxx Crosby and company have held fantasy QBs to the 15th fewest fantasy points on the season. However, with the Broncos' elite offensive line and multiple passing options, Nix should be able to connect on multiple big plays. In this kind of matchup, he should be ranked as a top-six option in all formats.

Coming off his second QB1 finish on a week this season, Mahomes has one of the hardest matchups ahead. Not only is the Texans' defense elite, but this game is massive for both teams as they try to scrap their way into a wild-card spot. We have seen the Texans stifle the league's best, most notably, holding Josh Allen to eight fantasy points on Thursday Night Football two weeks ago. On the season, they are allowing the fewest fantasy points to QBs per game. Then again, it is these must-win games that bring the best out of Mahomes. As a result, we have a real dilemma of an unstoppable force and an immovable object. I'd temper expectations for Mahomes, moving him into low-end QB1 territory.