Fantasy Start/Sit Week 5: TE Charles Clay

Charles Clay has risen to the top tier of tight ends in the first quarter of the NFL season. Can he continue his success against the Cincinnati Bengals?

Um, yes. Charles Clay has scored more than 15 points in three out of four weeks, and the Bengals are prone to surrendering points to quality tight ends. Cincinnati has only seen one solid tight end this season in Martellus Bennett and gave up 17 points to tight ends that week. The Buffalo Bills’ tight end is in the midst of one of his best seasons and will continue that against the Bengals this week.

Charles Clay didn’t even score a touchdown last week against the Atlanta Falcons, yet still scored 16.2 points. He isn’t touchdown dependent which is rare for tight ends this year.

All statistics and fantasy projections per ESPN standard scoring leagues.

Here is how Charles Clay performed in recent weeks:

• Week 3 vs. Denver Broncos:
  • 6 receptions
  • 39 yards
  • 1 touchdown
  • 15.9 fantasy points
• Week 4 @ Atlanta Falcons:
  • 5 receptions
  • 112 yards
  • 0 touchdowns
  • 16.2 fantasy points

Charles Clay has caught 18 balls this year, on track for 72 receptions this year. Clay could see his numbers improve even more down the stretch; when he plays defenses that aren’t as good as the Broncos and Panthers.

Here is how the Cincinnati Bengals have fared against opposing tight ends this season:

• Week 3 @ Green Bay
  • 5 receptions
  • 64 yards
  • 1 touchdowns
  • 17.4 fantasy points
• Week 4 @ Cleveland
  • 3 receptions
  • 13 yards
  • 0 touchdowns
  • 4.3 fantasy points

Cincinnati gives up an average of 6.4 fantasy points to opposing tight ends per week. That is 5.5 less than the NFL average which does not mean good things for Charles Clay. If the Buffalo Bills’ tight end had less production this year, then I would proceed with caution this week, but Charles Clay has been having a monster year.

Here is Charles Clay’s projected stat line for week 5 vs. the Cincinnati Bengals:

4.1 receptions – 44.7 yards – 0.2 touchdowns – 10 fantasy points

The Bengals were supposed to have a good team this year with a solid defense, but that hasn’t been the case this year. Their only win comes against the Cleveland Browns and sit with a 1-3 record.

Charles Clay is projected to have the 7th most points among all tight ends this week. He is ranked above players such as Jared Cook and Evan Engram. Clay is absolutely a TE1, and you shouldn’t be hesitant about starting him this week.

Verdict:

SIT

Next: Should you believe the Buffalo Bills hype?

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