High-Cost Option: Greg Olsen ($6,200)
The Rams haven't been giving up a ton of production to opposing tight ends, but they are allowing 3.6 red zone trips per game to opposing offenses (eighth-most). Touchdown potential is one of the most heavily influential variables we should look at when selecting tight ends, given the volatility at the position. Greg Olsen leads the Panthers in red zone targets and has had success all over the field for Carolina, leading them in receptions, targets, and receiving yards. Coming off a poor performance last week, Olsen may go a bit under-owned this week due to recency bias, making him a terrific GPP target.
Mid-Cost Option: Kyle Rudolph ($4,000)
Priced down at just $4,000, Kyle Rudolph will likely be the highest-owned tight end in most cash and GPP games this week. The Detroit Lions are just handing out production to opposing tight ends, ranking top-five in receptions, targets, receiving yards, and touchdowns allowed. Rudolph leads the Minnesota Vikings in targets (54) and touchdowns (3) and ranks top-six in Total NEP among tight ends this season. There's no need to overthink this one.
Low-Cost Option: Lance Kendricks ($2,900)
If trying to fit in several stud players, you could do worse than punting at the tight end position and taking Lance Kendricks. Kendricks has seen 17 targets over his past two games and now faces a Carolina back-seven that's given up the second-most touchdowns and fifth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Following his recent surge in production, Kendricks leaves a lot of flexibility in your lineup construction priced at just $2,900.
Other Options: Gary Barnidge ($3,900), Dennis Pitta ($3,800)