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 Puka Nacua. 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.
NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.
Start 'Em
Have we reached the point where I no longer need to tell you to start Warren? Probably, but I'll keep saying it until everyone listens. He has scored double-digit fantasy points in three of his four games this season. While you can’t bank on a rushing touchdown each week, he has hit 70 receiving yards three times. The targets seem safe and should only increase. We still haven't seen his ceiling. Warren is a must-start option.
How many tight ends have more fantasy points this season than Ferguson? In my best Johnny Manziel impression: Zero. Ferguson has been a top-two target for Dak Prescott each week, and he has scored at least 16 fantasy points in three straight games. The usage and production is simply too good to get away from. Ferguson is a must-start option until something changes. Plus, tight end targets have been highly effective against the Jets, who allowed two Darren Waller TDs last week.
Even in a game where the Patriots only threw it just 17 times and Henry saw only two targets, he managed to finish as a top-10 fantasy tight end. Not only did he score a TD against the Panthers, he just missed a second one after getting tackled at the 1-yard line. Henry has posted double-digit fantasy points in three games this season. He'll likely continue to be Drake Maye's go-to player in the red zone in a game where the Patriots could be chasing points.
The volume was not there last week for Kincaid, but he still came through in fantasy by scoring a touchdown. Kincaid has topped seven fantasy points in every game and twice has scored 14 or more. That is a safe floor and some upside as far as tight ends are concerned. The Patriots have allowed the seventh-most receiving yards to tight ends. Kincaid remains in play this week.
Ertz is much more appealing if Jayden Daniels is indeed back, but I do think Ertz is in play regardless. The Chargers have struggled against slot receivers this season, allowing the ninth-most yards to the position. Ertz leads the Commanders in targets, catches and yards from the slot. In what could be a back-and-forth game, and with four teams on bye, Ertz is in play.
He’s back! In his first game in nearly two years, Waller scored not one, but two touchdowns. He was used sparingly, but when he was on the field, he was targeted. Plus, those targets came in the end zone, which leads me to believe he'll be the go-to red-zone option on a team with a lot of targets suddenly up for grabs after Tyreek Hill's season-ending injury. I would also expect his snaps and routes to increase as he gets reacclimated. After posting 17 fantasy points and a TE4 finish last week, Waller is in play for those who have been streaming tight ends or need a bye week replacement. Another thing playing in Waller's favor: The Panthers have allowed the second-most receiving yards to tight ends this season.
Sit 'Em
Outside of one half, Hockenson has been very quiet this fantasy season. With Jordan Addison back in the lineup last week, Hockenson was fourth on the team in targets. He has a tough matchup this week, as the Browns have allowed the fourth-fewest receiving yards to tight ends this season. They also get after the QB extremely well, and protecting the QB has been an issue for the Vikings. This feels like a defensive battle.
I considered Goedert as a start, but the more I looked into his season and this matchup, the worse I felt. He caught two touchdowns last week, yet those were his first red zone targets of the season. He has been touchdown reliant so far, and his floor is very low if he doesn’t score. Not only does he get a tough Broncos defense this week, but there is a chance we see a squeaky wheel game for A.J. Brown. Goedert is too all-or-nothing to trust in this one.
The Browns are utilizing two tight ends, and it's been awful for fantasy football purposes. Neither player cracked five fantasy points last week. They have one double-digit fantasy game between the two of them -- Fannin in Week 1. They are simply eating too much off each others' plates, making them unusable in fantasy. Plus, the Vikings rank 11th in fantasy points allowed to tight ends.
Otton isn't seeing enough targets to be fantasy relevant. Even with Mike Evans out last week, Chris Godwin slid into his role as the target vacuum. Otton has seen four targets or fewer in every game this season. He is a name many recognize, so managers might consider streaming him. Do not do it.
In his return to action, Likely played 47 percent of the snaps, ran 20 routes and didn't get a single target. There's a ton of competition for targets in Baltimore, and Mark Andrews' resurgence doesn't bode well for Likely's fantasy chances. Plus, the Texans have allowed the fifth-fewest receiving yards and only one touchdown to tight ends. Stream elsewhere.
