Heading into this season, a lot of us were pretty pumped for the Trey McBride breakout to happen. Well, it may have taken some time, but I think we can say it is finally here and here to stay. This is the Dynasty Football Debate: Trey McBride.
NFL Week 11 is underway, and we have already lost Mark Andrews to a potentially season-ending ankle injury (Ravens fan here by the way...*crying emoji*). Joe Burrow has a wrist injury which we do not have the full details on yet, but hopefully he won't miss significant time. We all hope they both make speedy recoveries because football (not just fantasy) is better with them healthy.
Anyway, McBride has been making waves with his exceptional performance in various efficiency and usage metrics, solidifying his potential as a top-tier tight end in dynasty leagues.
Let's break down a little of what McBride has done over the last few weeks.
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Dynasty Football Debate: Trey McBride
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Efficiency Metrics That Tell the Tale
Since Week 8, among 50 qualifying tight ends, McBride has positioned himself among the elite. His impressive target share of 31.5% reflects a clear connection with star quarterback Kyler Murray.
Furthermore, McBride ranks No. 3 in air-yard share at 34.5%, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and become a valuable asset in the Cardinals' passing attack. The yards per route run (YPRR) metric, where he stands second at 3.02, emphasizes his efficiency in turning targets into significant yardage.
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First-Read Share and Mastery Against Two-High Coverage
One of the most intriguing aspects of McBride's breakout is his dominance in first-read share, leading the pack with an impressive 38.2%. This statistic suggests that Murray was looking McBride's way as a primary option in passing plays, indicating a high level of trust and chemistry brewing between the two.
Additionally, McBride's success against two-high coverage cannot be overlooked. McBride ranks third in fantasy points per route run among qualifying tight ends when facing this look. This ability to excel against specific defensive strategies bodes well for his future success, as opposing teams adjust their game plans to contain him.
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Kyler Murray's Return and Instant Impact
Murray's return to action in Week 10 provided a significant boost to Trey McBride's fantasy value. In that game, Murray targeted McBride nine times, and the tight end delivered with eight receptions for an impressive 131 yards.
This performance marked the third-highest receiving yardage by a tight end this season. The immediate chemistry between Murray and McBride suggests a promising connection that could elevate the tight end's production in the weeks and seasons to come.
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Challenges and the Zach Ertz Factor
Looking ahead, some may raise concerns about the potential return of veteran tight end Ertz from the injured reserve. However, this should not overshadow McBride's emergence.
Despite Ertz's looming return, McBride has already established himself as a vital piece of the Cardinals' passing game, and his role is unlikely to diminish significantly. The coexistence of two talented tight ends could provide Murray with additional weapons, creating matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
Future Outlook and Dynasty Potential
As we project into the future, Trey McBride's trajectory indicates that he could be a top-five dynasty tight end for years to come. His play-making ability, combined with his efficiency metrics and growing rapport with Murray, positions him as a cornerstone for fantasy managers looking to secure long-term success at the tight end position.
McBride's potential extends beyond the current season. So, even if fantasy managers missed the opportunity to buy low on McBride earlier in the season, there's still a chance to acquire him for teams making a playoff push. For those who may have lost key players like Mark Andrews, swapping for McBride offers an immediate impact and sets the stage for sustained success in future seasons.
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Conclusion: Securing McBride for Dynasty Success
McBride's ascent in recent weeks has not gone unnoticed. His efficiency, usage metrics, and immediate impact with Murray make him a compelling dynasty asset.
Fantasy managers looking to secure a top-tier tight end for the foreseeable future should target McBride. The combination of youth, talent, and a promising connection with a star quarterback positions him as a player with the potential to redefine the tight end landscape in fantasy football for years to come.
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