The Top Durable Players by Position (Part II); WRs and TEs

In Part I of my durability series, I sought to identify several quarterbacks and running backs that have historically demonstrated an affinity for playing through and/or avoiding injuries. For those unfamiliar with my previous work, I have quantified the historic health of players by several using epidemiologic methods. Please reference my introductory article, which explains the development and usefulness of these dynamic metrics. In this article, I will finish analyzing offensive players who have demonstrated elite durability scores at the wide receiver and tight end positions.

Wide Receiver

Mike Wallace is a fine example of a player who holds undervalued durability. Unexpectedly, the journey-man receiver has returned the highest durability amongst active players at his position. Known as a deep-threat, Wallace fails to demonstrate a fragility that prevents him from frequently missing games similarly to others within his archetype. Using his susceptibility score, games missed by Wallace have come on few injuries. This bodes well for the aging receiver as it speaks highly to his potential career longevity, as many fantasy gamers hold concerns about his age. This concern is understandable, as players entering the final years of their career often increase in susceptibility and decrease in durability. Neither appear to be the case for Wallace, who is a sound addition to your roster.

DeAndre Hopkins is not an underappreciated talent. A lock to come off draft boards in the top 20 picks, Hopkins provides fantasy owners with upside in both production and durability. This makes him a very safe acquisition for your roster in both the long and short-term.

Jordan Matthews to this point has shown to be a durable option for your team, but has been plagued with a high frequency of injury. Entering his fourth year in the league, it does not appear that Matthews will alter course after sustaining a chip fracture to his sternum this preseason. Despite the ailment, Matthews appears to be a go to play through the injury. Moving forward, Matthews should be a target to attain as owners begin to view his susceptibility as an issue. In my opinion, players who find a way to play on Sundays are premium assets.

Doug Baldwin has established himself as one of the most consistent options by reputation. Paired with a standout quarterback, Russell Wilson, Baldwin has found himself raising up draft boards as of late. Baldwin is a sound option in the top rounds as he has shown an incredible aptitude for playing through injury. This can be seen by his high durability and heightened susceptibility scores. Much like Jordan Matthews, Baldwin has shown to cause headaches on his game day injury status. Do not be detoured as he has only missed two games on seven unique injuries.

TY Hilton is coming off a career year in 2016. The primary option in the Indianapolis Colts offense is another target for your squad. Since 2012, Hilton has had 11 unique injuries and missed a measly two games. This high burden of injury is reflected by his appearance within Group 1 of the susceptibility. Feel comfortable when attaining Hilton moving forward as he shows an uncanny ability to find the field on Sundays.

Willie Snead in his three season in the NFL has a single absence on two injuries. This impressive feat leads me to believe he should be a target in the high-flying Saints offense moving forward. Just a week after his suspension for a DUI, look to capitalize on any discount for Snead. His opportunity and durability make him a fantastic long-term asset to any team.

Jamison Crowder is a fantastic buy, despite his inflated cost. Crowder, like Snead, has been impressive in his ability to avoid injuries. In his first two season, Crowder has only missed one game on a single injury. Additionally, he holds a high upside for an increase in opportunity share as his fellow cast of receivers appear in the depths of the durability database. Look for him to have a standout season simply due to being available in the Redskins air raid offense.

Tight End

Jason Witten is an ageless wonder. As stated previously, players often show a steady decline in susceptibility as they age. This fails to be the case for undervalued veteran as he shows the uncanny ability to avoid injury all together. In 14 seasons, Witten has missed a mere four games on five unique injuries. Paired with Witten’s recent extension, I am confident that he will remain a viable option for the remainder of his four year contract. Easily attained by a third-round rookie pick, Witten simply must be added to your roster.

C.J. Fiedorowicz is one of the best values in fantasy football. Emerging as the go-to tight end in Houston, Fiedorowicz is a cheap option at an otherwise heavily injury burdened position. Though he has limited upside in an average offense, attrition will likely allow for him to achieve top-12 status. This is especially true in the short-term as Houston fails to have a legitimate receiving option behind DeAndre Hopkins. Long-term, Fiedorowicz should be a staple in the Houston offense as it looks to build around their rookie quarterback.

Greg Olsen at one point might have been considered an injury prone player. However, Olsen has been verbal about making the necessary changes to his off-season approach to avoid injury in his advanced age. Olsen, currently 32 years old, remains the most consistent asset in the Carolina offense. This is both a testament to his talent and durability. In spite of entering the later stages of his career, Olsen remains a safe long-term asset, due to limited field exposure early in his career. His consistent ability to play through injury and the misconceptions about his age have created a buying opportunity. Investing early round capital in Olsen might be a league winner, as he is a better option than less durable candidates like Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski.

Jimmy Graham is the riskiest option of the bunch. After successfully returning from a torn patellar tendon in 2015, Graham shined down the stretch in Seattle. This did not come without his share of injuries along the way, which leads me to believe the “tread on the tire” showing signs of wearing thin. Due to the threat of injury associated to the patellar injury and his “advanced” age, Graham provides the ideal short-term fixture, pairing a massive upside in his current situation and the ability to play through his lingering ailments. By viewing him in as a short-term feature to your roster, it allows for the adding developing talents such as David Njoku and OJ Howard without leaving a roster hole in preparation for the long-term. As it stands, Graham is currently being selected in the 8th round. Ultimately, this is a price I am willing to pay for a premium asset for the next two or three years.

For those who play in IDP leagues, I have not forgotten about you. I plan to conclude this series with a list of the most durable defenders in the coming days. As always, Thanks for reading and feel free to reach out if you might have any further questions.