1. Eric Ebron, Detroit Lions
Ebron has never fully lived up to the expectations that came with being a first-round pick. He finished as the 13th-best fantasy tight end after putting up a stellar second half of the season. And with the retirement of Calvin Johnson, most figured Ebron would pick it up even more.
Due to injuries and a lack of a real role in the Lions' passing game, Ebron simply hasn't lived up to expectations this season. He's currently the 19th-best fantasy tight end and is on pace to barely surpass the stats we saw from him last season. At this point, we wonder if Ebron will ever turn into that No. 1 receiving option most envisioned him being.
2. Charles Clay, Buffalo Bills
Clay simply hasn't performed up to the level many expected after he left the Miami Dolphins for free agency prior to last season. Here's a guy that put up 600-plus receiving yards in his final two seasons in South Beach, finishing sixth and 16th among tight ends in fantasy points respectively.
Thus far this season, Clay has caught just just 46 passes and is averaging less than 10 yards per reception. He's also scored just two touchdowns on 70 targets. This has Clay as the 22nd-best fantasy tight end heading into Week 16.
3. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
As we've seen recently, Gates lack of production has had a lot to do with myriad of injuries he's suffered through. The future Hall of Famer has missed two games to injury. But when he's been on the field, the veteran has proven himself to be a watered-down version of his former self. He's caught just 40 passes for 399 yards in 12 games.
Fortunately for those who have relied on him, he does have five touchdowns to his name. A consistent TE1 option or the vast majority of his career, Gates is now ranked 18th at his position in fantasy points.
4. Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts
Allen's numbers are a bit misleading. Sure he's the 26th-best fantasy tight end heading into Week 16. That's bad. But it's not nearly as bad as his overall production. A total of 31 percent of his fantasy points came when the tight end up put up three touchdowns against the New York Jets back in Week 13.
Outside of that, he's done next two nothing. Thus far this season, Allen has tallied just 29 receptions for 341 yards. That's not what many of us expected from him after Indy Roethlisberger Coby Fleener go in free agency.