Who Should I Start? Mike Gesicki or Noah Fant

Tuesday, November 25, 3:03 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki returned from a five-week absence to record season-highs in targets, receptions, and yards in a Week 12 loss to the Patriots. While his final stat line of four receptions for 35 yards was only good enough for TE16 on the week, it was clear early on Sunday that the Bengals had a plan to feature their athletic tight end in a game that All-Pro receiver Ja'Marr Chase missed due to suspension. Heading into a Week 13 Thanksgiving matchup with the Ravens, receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) has already been ruled out, giving Gesicki another opportunity for an increased workload. With quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) in line to return this week, it should also be noted that Gesicki's three redzone targets in Burrow's two starts this year are tied with Chase for the team lead. Gesicki is RotoBaller's TE19 this Week, but he offers enough upside to make him a matchup-dependent streaming candidate.

Saturday, November 22, 1:49 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant has enjoyed an uptick in production of late. He scored a touchdown in two of his previous four appearances. The 28-year-old is also coming off his second five-catch game of the season. With that said, Mike Gesicki (pectoral) was activated from the Injured Reserve list and is set to make his return for Sunday's matchup with the Patriots. With Ja'Marr Chase sidelined for that one in order to serve a one-game suspension, there will be additional targets up for grabs behind Tee Higgins. Although Gesicki is reportedly in line for a more prominent role in Week 12, it appears Fant has a good thing going with Joe Flacco, meaning the duo may continue to connect. While Gesicki's presence significantly lowers Fants' ceiling, it's hard to imagine he'll go away completely, giving him some upside for desperate, deep-league fantasy managers.