Fantasy Start/Sit Week 3: TE Charles Clay

The Denver Broncos can be vulnerable to opposing tight ends, but that is only when the team has deep threat targets or other wide receivers worth covering. Buffalo Bills’ tight end, Charles Clay could give them a run for their money in week 3.

Just like every other offensive player on the Buffalo Bills, Charles Clay came to play against the New York Jets but then struggled against the stingy Carolina Panthers defense.

Charles Clay was limited in practice on Wednesday of this week with a nagging knee injury. This injury is not seen as serious, but just a precaution to keep him ready for the long NFL season. The veteran tight end is a big play asset in an offense that can struggle to push the ball down the field through the air. The Buffalo Bills rely on him more than some may think.

All statistics and fantasy projections per ESPN standard scoring leagues.

Here is how Charles Clay performed in recent weeks:

• Week 1 vs. New York Jets:
  • 4 receptions
  • 53 yards
  • 1 touchdown
  • 11.3 fantasy points
• Week 2 @ Carolina Panthers
  • 3 receptions
  • 23 yards
  • 0 touchdowns
  • 2.3 fantasy points

The Buffalo Bills’ tight end has caught seven balls for the team so far but may need to build on that volume until he turns into a top-10 fantasy tight end. The touchdown in week one is the only reason he is still relevant among tight ends.

Here is how the Denver Broncos have fared against opposing tight ends this season:

• Week 1 vs. LAC (Hunter Henry/Antonio Gates)
  • 2 receptions
  • 17 yards
  • 0 touchdowns
  • 1.7 fantasy points
• Week 2 vs. Dallas Cowboys (Jason Witten)
  • 10 receptions
  • 97 yards
  • 1 touchdown
  • 15.7 fantasy points

It is worth noting that the Denver Broncos surged out to an early lead over the Dallas Cowboys, and played more drop back coverage to play it safe. The Dallas Cowboys were then forced into passing situations for a majority of the game. It didn’t help when Ezekiel Elliot only had 8 rushing yards for your team.

Charles Clay is currently ranked 17th for highest projected fantasy points among tight ends.

Here is Charles Clay’s projected stat line for week 3 vs. the Denver Broncos:

3.9 receptions – 40.5 yards – 0.2 touchdowns – 5.5 fantasy points

The Broncos boast one of the league’s top secondaries, and will most-likely limit Charles Clay’s big play ability. If Clay could grab short passes in the red-zone, or find room on busted coverage, then he will be a top TE this week, but I don’t see that happening.

Clay is ranked behind tight ends that are most likely on the waiver wire in your league such as Ed Dickson and Zach Miller. These tight ends may be worth more of a look than Clay.

Verdict:

SIT

Next: Fantasy Start/Sit Week 3: RB LeSean McCoy

Do you agree with my Charles Clay verdict? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!