Fantasy football sleepers: This under-rostered TE is a top-five play

The fantasy football playoffs are rapidly approaching, and for teams on the the bubble, it may already be must-win territory. One under-rostered tight end is expected to make his return from injury this week and could be the catalyst for your team’s postseason run.

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller, who’s been sidelined since suffering a pectoral injury against the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 19, has reportedly been activated from injured reserve and will play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

This is a massive opportunity for fantasy managers who’ve struggled to find consistency at tight end. Waller, who’s rostered in only 18.5% of ESPN leagues, was Tua Tagovailoa’s favorite red zone target prior to his injury. The 6-foot-6 converted wide receiver scored a touchdown in every game he started and finished, and in his Miami debut back in Week 4, he hauled in two scores to lead the Dolphins to their first win of the season.

Only three tight ends are clearly worth starting over Waller this week: Arizona’s Trey McBride, Las Vegas’ Brock Bowers and San Francisco’s George Kittle. That’s it.

New England’s Hunter Henry and Indianapolis’ Tyler Warren are on the verge, but they each have factors working against them. The Patriots could potentially use Henry as a blocker more after the injury to left tackle Will Campbell, while the Colts are facing the Houston Texans’ league-best defense with quarterback Daniel Jones reportedly managing a fractured fibula.

It’s not often you find a top-five tight end at this point of the season. Pick up Waller, plug him into your lineup and thank me later.