Tank Dell: Is He the Better Start for Week 3 Fantasy Football? Bio, Partnership and More

Is Tank Dell a good pick in Week 3? The answer largely depends on your risk tolerance. He’s a high-upside, boom-or-bust option in a favorable matchup against the Minnesota Vikings

If you’re looking for a safe floor, Dell might not be your guy, but if you’re willing to gamble on a potential breakout game, he could reward you handsomely.

With C.J. Stroud improving and the Texans likely to be in a pass-heavy game script, Dell is certainly worth considering as a flex or WR3 option in deeper leagues.

Just be mindful of the risk involved, as his range of outcomes is wide. If you can handle the volatility, Dell has the talent and opportunity to shine in Week 3.

Dell’s freshman year at Alabama A&M in 2018 showcased glimpses of his talent. Despite playing for a smaller school, he managed to catch 12 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns.

His per-catch average of 30.3 yards demonstrated his ability to make explosive plays, but he didn’t yet command national attention.

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Tank Dell: Fantasy Football Pick for Week 3

Fantasy football is always a mix of analysis and gut feeling, particularly when considering less-established players like Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell.¹

As Week 3 approaches, fantasy managers are asking themselves: is Tank Dell a good pick? Given that the Texans are set to face the Minnesota Vikings, the answer could be yes, but let’s explore why.

Week 2 Performance Recap

Tank Dell’s performance in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts gave fantasy managers a glimpse of what he’s capable of.

Dell caught seven passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. While these stats aren’t astronomical, they’re certainly impressive for a player who’s not the first option in the Texans’ passing game.

Dell showed good chemistry with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, which is a crucial factor when evaluating his potential for Week 3.

Yeahhh 12 🫡

— Flash1x⚡️ (@Tankdell4) May 28, 2024

Why Dell’s Chemistry with Stroud Matters

Rookie quarterbacks often gravitate toward players who can make themselves available quickly, and Dell fits that mold. Stroud has already shown flashes of accuracy, and Dell is emerging as one of his favorite targets.

As the Texans’ offensive line has struggled, Stroud has had to get rid of the ball quickly, making a reliable, shifty receiver like Dell a valuable asset.

This chemistry is likely to continue building as the season progresses, making Dell a more consistent fantasy option.

A Favorable Matchup: Minnesota Vikings’ Defense

The Vikings’ defense has been shaky to start the 2024 season. In their first two games, Minnesota allowed over 600 yards passing and struggled to contain opposing wide receivers.

While their pass rush is solid, their secondary has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in coverage breakdowns and blown assignments. This sets up a favorable scenario for Dell to exploit.

Dell thrives in open space, and the Vikings have allowed big plays to opposing wide receivers. This means there’s a significant opportunity for Dell to contribute, even if he doesn’t see a massive target share.

With Stroud likely to air it out, Dell’s speed and route-running could lead to explosive plays downfield.

Tank Dell: Houston Texans’ Game Plan

The Texans are still searching for their identity as an offense, but it’s clear they want to be a pass-first team, especially with Stroud at the helm.²

In Week 2, Stroud threw for over 380 yards, and while that level of production may not happen every week, it’s clear the Texans will rely on the pass more than the run.

Dell operates primarily as a slot receiver, which allows him to be involved in short and intermediate routes.

However, as seen in Week 2, the Texans are also willing to let him stretch the field.

With veteran wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins also in the mix, Dell won’t be the primary option, but he doesn’t need to be. His big-play potential and involvement in key moments make him a high-reward fantasy option, particularly in deeper leagues.

Vikings’ Current Form and Defensive Struggles

While the Minnesota Vikings are a tough team to beat overall, their defense, especially the secondary, hasn’t been solid.

They have struggled with assignments and allowed opposing receivers to have big games. This bodes well for the Texans’ passing game. Quarterback C.J. Stroud will likely have plenty of opportunities to exploit the Vikings’ weaknesses, and Tank Dell is positioned to benefit from that.

Dell, who thrives in space and excels at making defenders miss, could have a field day against this defense.

The Vikings have allowed numerous big plays through the air in their first two games. Their cornerbacks have struggled in man coverage, and Dell’s ability to get separation quickly makes him an ideal candidate to exploit this weakness.

Given that Stroud is likely to target the weak spots in Minnesota’s defense, Dell stands to benefit significantly.

Texans’ Offensive Line Woes Could Help Dell

While the Texans’ offensive line is dealing with injuries and has struggled to protect Stroud consistently, this could actually work in Dell’s favor.

The Vikings’ defensive front is capable of generating pressure, which means Stroud will need to get the ball out quickly.

Dell’s quickness and ability to create separation on short routes make him a perfect target when Stroud is under duress. These short passes could lead to chunk plays, particularly if Dell can make defenders miss in open space.

Game Script: Could This Be a High-Scoring Affair?

The Texans are not a dominant team, and they may find themselves playing from behind against a Vikings team that can score quickly, especially with quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Justin Jefferson leading the charge.

In a game where Houston is likely to be chasing points, the game script could call for a pass-heavy approach, which bodes well for Dell’s fantasy value.

Minnesota’s offense has been prolific so far, meaning the Texans will likely need to throw often to keep pace. If Stroud is forced into a high-volume passing game, Dell’s chances for a productive fantasy day increase significantly.

Garbage-time production is a real possibility, as the Texans may find themselves in a position where they need to throw the ball late in the game to try and catch up.

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Tank Dell: Ceiling vs. Floor

One of the biggest challenges with considering Dell as a fantasy option is his range of outcomes. As a rookie on a team that’s still finding its rhythm, his floor is lower than some more established players.³

However, the combination of his rapport with Stroud, his role in the offense, and the favorable matchup against Minnesota suggests that his ceiling is quite high in Week 3.

Dell’s speed and ability to turn short passes into long gains give him significant upside, especially in deeper leagues or PPR (Points Per Reception) formats. He may not see 10+ targets, but his efficiency per target should remain high. In fact, Dell’s ability to turn limited opportunities into big plays makes him a potentially explosive option in Week 3.

Red Flags: Is It All Too Risky?

• While everything points toward a promising week for Tank Dell, it’s worth noting that he’s not the Texans’ number one option.
• Veteran receivers Nico Collins and Robert Woods are more established, and Dell could easily get lost in the shuffle.
• Moreover, the Texans’ offensive line is a concern, and if Stroud is under constant pressure, the entire passing game could suffer.
• Another point of concern is Dell’s size. At 5’8″ and 165 pounds, he’s not a traditional wide receiver who can physically dominate defenders.
• While this hasn’t stopped him from producing, it’s a potential risk in certain matchups, especially if the Vikings choose to press him at the line of scrimmage.
• If you’re in a PPR league, Dell’s potential value is even higher. His role as a slot receiver and his ability to rack up short receptions mean that he’s likely to provide a solid baseline of points, even if he doesn’t score a touchdown.
• In standard leagues, where touchdowns and yardage are more critical, Dell is more of a boom-or-bust option. If you’re in a deeper league or looking for a high-upside flex play, Dell is certainly worth considering.

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2. texanswire.usatoday
3. sportingnews