Week 8 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars

Tight End: Benjamin Watson

Benjamin Watson, TE, New Orleans Saints
9 Receptions, 147 Yards, 10 Targets, 1 Touchdown
NEP: +14.22

It only makes sense that after Brees' record tying day that at least one of his receivers would be mentioned here, right? Benjamin Watson now joins Gary Barnidge as the only repeat performers for the top weekly NEP performances this season.

Let me repeat that -- Benjamin Watson and Gary Barnidge are the only repeat performers for the most efficient tight ends of the week through Week 8 of the season. Not Gronk. Not Kelce. Not Graham. Not Eifert.

Watson and Barnidge, ladies and gentlemen.

Watson's +14.22 was also the third-highest of the season among tight ends, as he caught 9 of 10 targets for 147 yards and 1 touchdown. This marks the second time in three weeks that Watson has laid claim to this honor, and he has now elevated his Reception NEP for the season to the fourth-highest among all tight ends. He also happens to have the sixth-most fantasy points on the season after leading the position this week.

Brees has found a dependable target in Watson over the last three weeks, as he either leads or is tied for first among all Saints receivers in receptions, targets, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. The 34-year-old tight end has been a consistent outlet this season for Brees as his 79.2% Catch Rate trails only Delanie Walker among qualifying tight ends this season with at least 15 targets.

Jacob Tamme led the rest of the tight ends in Week 8, posting an +11.26 NEP and picking up 10 catches for 103 yards and 1 touchdown. Heath Miller found fantasy relevance again with the return of Ben Roethlisberger this week. Rob Gronkowski, Greg Olsen and Travis Kelce each hauled in six receptions and a score to round out the rest of this week's top tight end performances.

Best of the Rest: