3 Fantasy Football Tight End Streamer Options for Week 8

The tight end position isn't overflowing with depth. Instead, it's still top-heavy. So, those of you who kicked the can down the road at the position instead of investing in an elite tight end might dabble in the streamer waters. Some of you came out of drafts with the intention of streaming.

No matter the path to this point, those who need help identifying widely available tight ends to help their fantasy squad each week have found the correct spot. This is your weekly home for streaming options. Here are three choices for this week.

Irv Smith Jr., Minnesota Vikings

Yahoo! Roster Percentage: 41%

Irv Smith Jr. was hardly used in the season opener by the Minnesota Vikings but has carved out a meaningful role since. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Smith was 12th in routes (132) among tight ends from Week 2 through Week 6. Additionally, he was third on the Vikings in targets (25) and receptions (18), fourth in receiving yards (140), and tied for first in touchdown receptions (two) during that five-game stretch.

In Minnesota's last five games, Smith had at least three receptions four times, at least 32 receiving yards three times, and scored a touchdown in two games. Further, he scored at least five points in full-point point-per-reception (PPR) leagues in the last five games, exceeding 10 points twice. Obviously, Smith isn't posting week-winning production, but it's acceptable at the tight end position.

Fortunately, Smith has a mouthwatering matchup this week. According to Pro Football Reference, the Arizona Cardinals have allowed the most receptions (53) and receiving yards (539) and are tied for the most touchdowns (six) coughed up to opposing tight ends this year. Smith is primarily a matchup-driven suggestion, albeit with respectable production and a steady role in his team's offense.

Greg Dulcich, Denver Broncos

Yahoo! Roster Percentage: 12%

The Denver Broncos have justifiably been the butt of many jokes in a disappointing season for them. However, Greg Dulcich has popped up as an intriguing fantasy option since returning from Injured Reserve in Week 6.

Across his two healthy contests, Dulcich was third for the Broncos in routes (61 and tied for second in all of targets (12), and receptions (eight) and receiving yards (95). The rookie tight end hauled in the only receiving touchdown for the Broncos since Week 6 on a busted coverage by the Los Angeles Chargers.

He also converted a third down in the fourth quarter on a pass from Brett Rypien in Week 7.

So, even though Russell Wilson is trending toward a return for this week's game in London, Dulcich is a viable streamer if Rypien is forced into another start. Moreover, Dulcich has the potential to cement himself in weekly fantasy starter territory from now on, making him the most attractive option in this week's piece for gamers looking for more than a one-week fill-in.

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints

Yahoo! Roster Percentage: 3%

Juwan Johnson has been a regular tenant in this piece. Thankfully, he made me look good for suggesting him last week, trouncing the Cardinals for five receptions, 32 yards, and two touchdowns on five targets. In the past three weeks, the 26-year-old converted wide receiver is second on the New Orleans Saints in routes (86).

He's also efficiently secured 10 receptions on 13 targets during that stretch, albeit for an underwhelming 86 yards. Johnson's standing in the pass-catching pecking order could slide if Michael Thomas or Jarvis Landry return from their injury-related absences. Nevertheless, Johnson has shown some rapport with Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston, so a quarterback switch won't sound the death knell for Johnson's streaming appeal.

Johnson's matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders is arguably the most compelling case for using him this week. The Raiders have yielded 5.3 receptions and 53.0 receiving yards per game to tight ends. They're tied with the Cardinals for the most touchdowns (six) allowed to the position this year despite playing one fewer game (since they had a bye in Week 6).

Johnson has a nifty path to panning out through reaching pay dirt with the upside to chip in receptions and receiving yards.

Joshua Shepardson is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Joshua Shepardson also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username bchad50. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his/her personal views, he/she may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his/her personal account. The views expressed in his/her articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.