You have lineup questions, we have lineup answers -- at least we hope so. Start 'Em, Sit 'Em is here to help fantasy managers make difficult roster decisions. And you know what is a good move? Starting Ja'Marr Chase. But that's too obvious, so you won't see such simple analysis here. Instead, we're exploring more debatable situations. And if you can't find a player you are looking for, please check out the latest NFL Fantasy lineup rankings. Unless otherwise noted, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.
Start 'Em
Bowers leads tight ends in fantasy points, targets, catches and yards. He is second in yards per route and third in air yards. The Steelers are a middle-of-the-pack defene against tight ends, although they did allow a nice fantasy day to Jake Ferguson last week. There is no way you can get away from Bowers right now. Start him weekly.
Before last Thursday’s game, NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported the Falcons wanted to get Pitts more involved. Then they threw the ball to him a season-high eight times. Now, Kirk Cousins will not throw 58 times every game, but eight targets is a big step in the right direction. Pitts may be boom or bust, but he provides upside, which is more than most tight ends can offer. With the Panthers allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends, start Pitts this week.
It was a rough Week 5 for Kincaid, but I am not giving up on him and neither should you. There was one play toward the sideline where it looked like he had made a catch, but it was ruled incomplete. Then, he had a step open downfield and Josh Allen completely underthrew him. You can see those plays on NFL Pro. He is second among all tight ends in air yards this season. Plus, the Jets’ elite secondary will stick to the Bills’ wide receivers. Do not be surprised if the Buffalo passing attack runs through Kincaid this week. There is too much upside to get away.
Sometimes a player goes to the perfect landing spot, like Kraft ending up with the cheeseheads in Green Bay. He has 14 targets in the last two weeks. He is second among all tight ends with 141 yards in that span and his three touchdowns lead the position. He has shown a very high ceiling, which is enough to make him a must-start at the tight end position. Arizona just allowed a big game to George Kittle. Continue riding the hot hand here.
Did you know Conklin is fourth in targets among tight ends over the last three weeks? He is fifth at the position in yards during that span. He has topped 11 fantasy points twice during that stretch, and now he gets the Bills, who have struggled at times against tight ends this season. Buffalo has excelled at limiting receivers, but running backs and tight ends have had success against Sean McDermott’s group. Start Conklin this week.
Sit 'Em
Week 5 was a step in the right direction for Andrews. He played 55 percent of the snaps against the Bengals, but still ran just 16 routes in a game where Lamar Jackson threw 42 passes. It’s not just Isaiah Likely competing for snaps at the position, either. Charlie Kolar ran just seven routes in Week 5, but he had four targets, 64 yards and a touchdown. He could continue to take targets away from his fellow Ravens tight ends. Until we see consistent usage, I think it’s OK to sit Andrews, especially since the Commanders have allowed the fifth-fewest FPPG to tight ends this season.
Two for one Ravens tight end special! Likely caught two TDs in Week 5, which is obviously great for fantasy purposes, but he finished with just three targets and 13 yards. He is not going to catch two touchdowns weekly. He likely (no pun intended) needs a touchdown to break double-digit fantasy points. His Week 1 was awesome, and I do not really understand why he hasn’t been featured more, but I can’t trust his usage. As I mentioned before, the Commanders have allowed the fifth-fewest FPPG to tight ends.
Schultz had four catches for 34 yards last week. That was his best fantasy game of the season. He also saw a season-high six targets in the win over the Bills, but I believe that was more about the matchup than a sign of things to come. Buffalo has struggled against tight ends and with Nico Collins sidelined, it led to some more volume going his way. I still do not trust it, even with Collins now on injured reserve. The floor and ceiling have been too low.
Week 2 was fun, wasn’t it? Henry had more yards and fantasy points in that game than he has in the other four contests combined. He has yet to reach 40 yards or six fantasy points in those other four games. The opportunities are just not going his way. Plus, the Texans have allowed the second-fewest FPPG to tight ends this season. They kept Dalton Kincaid in check last week. Sit Henry.
There is simply not enough volume for Gesicki with both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins out there. Gesicki has three targets in the last two games combined. He finished with -9 yards in one of those games. Gesicki was useful when Higgins was sidelined, but with Higgins back in the fold, Joe Burrow is smartly leaning on his two top receivers. You cannot trust Gesicki in fantasy.
