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The tight end position in fantasy football is experiencing unprecedented depth, with viable options extending well beyond the top tier. Past fantasy standouts such as Mark Andrews, Jake Ferguson, and Colston Loveland are now ranked outside the TE1 range, while players like Tyler Higbee and Kyle Pitts offer upside further down the board. For those seeking a Week 5 streamer, three tight ends merit consideration. Availability percentages are sourced from Sleeper.
Mike Gesicki (69% Available)
The Cincinnati Bengals are facing uncertainty regarding the availability of wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. There is a strong possibility that both will be sidelined, and at least one is likely to miss the game. As a result, Gesicki's role in the offense is set to expand. He currently holds a 10% target share and a 73% catch rate, averaging 43.8 yards per game with three total touchdowns on four red-zone targets. Projections as of Wednesday evening indicate roughly a 70% chance that Chase and Higgins play, which would reduce their combined volume by 30%. This scenario places Gesicki at TE8 for Week 5. Should both receivers be out, Gesicki would undoubtedly be a top-5 tight end. Quarterback Joe Burrow's primary pass-catchers would then be Gesicki and Chase Brown, followed by unproven options Dohnte Meyers and Mitchell Tinsley.
Oronde Gadsden II (71% Available)
Gadsden led the Los Angeles Chargers in targets (7) during Week 4, commanding a 23% target share. With Ladd McConkey trending toward missing Week 5, that volume can be viewed with optimism. Gadsden has run the third-most routes of any Charger in back-to-back weeks. While Tre' Harris and Quentin Johnston will also be involved, neither warrants immense volume. Instead, Gadsden should command at least 20% of the offense in Week 5. The Denver Broncos rank 19th-best against tight ends in fantasy football, providing little reason for Gadsden to underperform. He is ranked TE16 this week but offers desirable upside with that volume.
Hunter Henry (50% Available)
Henry is averaging 3.0 receptions per game and, more importantly, has run the second-most routes of any New England Patriot. The volume is present; Henry simply needs a favorable matchup to capitalize on it. The Las Vegas Raiders are 6th-worst against tight ends in fantasy football, having allowed five touchdowns to the position—more than one per game. Patriots tight ends hold a 21.4% red-zone target share, so if the team scores, fantasy managers hope Henry, not Eli Raridon, gets the look. Averaging 18.0 more routes per game than Raridon, Henry logically has the upper hand.
More Fantasy Sports On SI News: Fantasy Football Week 5 Tight End Projections and Rankings: George Kittle Cruises, Mark Andrews Flounders Week 5 Fantasy Football Injury Report: The Latest Updates On Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins, And More Fantasy Football Week 5 Wide Receiver Projections and Rankings: CeeDee Lamb Has Arrived, Makai Lemon Has Not Week 5 Fantasy Sleepers, Featuring Emanuel Wilson and Carnell Tate This article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/fantasy as Mike Gesicki is a Steal Among 3 Tight End Streaming Options for Week 5 Fantasy Football.
Originally reported by yahoo.