Getty Gallery: 3/7
Start: TE O.J. Howard at Bengals
Sit: TE Benjamin Watson at Vikings
Since Jameis Winston has returned, Howard has been one of his main targets. Last week, Howard had five receptions for 67 yards, solid numbers in PPR leagues. The Bengals are giving up the fourth most passing yards in the NFL, and I like Howard's chances to finish as a top-12 tight end for Week 8.
This offseason, Howard spoke about what he worked on to improve for the upcoming season.
"We all have to do our reports on last year's film and tell the good and bad about it," Howard told The Tampa Bay Times. "So I had a lot of things I wanted to improve on such as the run game, running routes, getting open a lot in man coverage."
Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter spoke about Howard's talent level after an early training camp practice this summer.
"You saw two good examples of O.J. right there at the end," Koetter explained to The Tampa Bay Times. "He made that great catch in the end zone (Tuesday). He made that beautiful catch in the seam, then a few plays later, we threw the screen to him. I mean O.J.'s incredible athleticism just jumps out to you."
Look for Howard to find the end zone against the Bengals this week as his plus matchup makes him a start for Week 8.
Watson Is Not a Priority in the Saints Passing Attack
Watson is coming off his best fantasy performance of the season, and now I am telling you to sit him. The truth is Watson is not a huge priority in the Saints passing attack, which means he is not someone you can count on a weekly basis. Watson had six receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown last week against the Ravens. Chances of that happening very often are unlikely.
It marked the only touchdown reception Watson has made this season. There has only been one other game where Watson received five or more receptions. Watson also faces a difficult matchup against a Vikings defense that is trending up.
Watson is a veteran tight end who helps the Saints win, but that does not always translate to fantasy production. Watson was on the receiving end of Drew Brees' 500th touchdown pass.
“One of the greatest things about the 500th touchdown pass, it was caught by one of my favorite teammates of all time,” Brees told NOLA.com. “I couldn’t think of a better guy to catch this touchdown than Ben Watson. He is a terrific veteran, and I look up to him.”
With the tough Vikings matchup combined with Watson's inconsistent usage, there are better tight end options for you to plug into your fantasy lineup this week.