Week 16 Outlook
Availability
The Detroit Lions have traded TE Michael Roberts to the New England Patriots for a conditional 2020 seventh-round pick.
Fantasy Impact
Roberts becomes another acquisition for the Patriots in the passing game, and he may have some late-round fantasy upside. At 6-5, 265 pounds, he’s a matchup problem in the red zone and could make an impact around the goal line. Matt LaCosse is likely to open the season as the starting TE, but with Benjamin Watson suspended the first four games of the season, Roberts could see his number called regularly. Although he’s accumulated just 13 receptions for 146 receiving yards and three TDs in two NFL seasons, the change of scenery will surely boost his outlook.
Michael Roberts who missed the last game with a shoulder injury, returned on Thanksgiving to catch 3-of-6 targets for 16 yards. He was the target on the final interception during the 23-16 loss to the Bears.
Fantasy Impact
The Lions TEs don't get enough volume to be fantasy relevant even with a depleted WR corp. Leave Roberts on the waiver wire.
Michael Roberts (shoulder) is active for the Lions' Week 12 game against the Bears.
Fantasy Impact
Roberts missed last week's game with the injury but is ready to go for Thanksgiving. He led the Lions' tight ends in snaps the previous two weeks he was active, and he should see some targets with Marvin Jones out.
Detroit tight end Michael Roberts will miss Week 11 with a shoulder injury. Roberts led Detroit's tight end rotation in snaps in each of the previous two weeks.
Fantasy Impact
Luke Wilson will take over starting duties for the Lions and makes an interesting desperation play against a Carolina defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends, including a league-worst nine touchdowns allowed.
Michael Roberts was targeted four times but only pulled down one reception for 12 yards in the Lions loss to the Vikings.
Fantasy Impact
Roberts only has fantasy value if he finds the end zone since he doesn't get enough looks. If you are in a touchdown-only league out there somewhere give him consideration, otherwise, leave him safely on the waiver wire.
