Honorable mention Starts: Trey McBride (ARI), Brock Bowers (LV), Pat Freiermuth (PIT)
Honorable mention Sits: Tyler Higbee (LAR), Brenton Strange (JAX), Huner Henry (NE)
Start: Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins
Six. The number six. Six straight double-digit performances Jonnu has given us. Do you know who else has done that this season? George Kittle (TE1), Bowers (TE3), and Trey McBride (TE4). That’s it. That’s the company Jonnu is in. And he’s kind of matchup-proof at this point, not that it matters because The Land is most generous to the position (24th). He’s getting peppered with targets, and he’s turning them into consistent production for us. Top 10 week for Jonnu, especially if Waddle continues to sit.
Start: Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans
Running it back with my man Chig! Against a Colts defense that’s been gouged all season by TEs, Chig’s stat line was impressive – eleven targets, nine receptions, 81 yards, good enough for TE2 on the week. And now he gets a crack at the Jaguars, who have ranked 26th against tight ends (routinely giving up 15+ points)?? SWOOOOOOOON. The switch at QB has certainly favored Okonkwo, which is good news as Rudolph has been named the Week 17 starter. Obviously we’re starting the usual suspects, but in the fantasy playoffs – championship week for most of us – I’m absolutely OK rolling Okonkwo.
Sit: Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
Ferguson just isn’t consistent enough for me to bet the farm on him this weekend. The targets have been here and there with Coop at QB, but it’s mostly checkdowns and short gains with zero touchdowns (and minimal fantasy production) in sight. In fact, Ferguson hasn’t finished above TE17 since Week 9. And Philadelphia’s defense has been stellar against tight ends this season, ranking among the best in limiting fantasy production at the position. Their pass rush can also disrupt timing, reducing opportunities for players like Ferguson (check-downs) to get involved in the passing game. The Cowboys have leaned heavily on their wide receivers in recent weeks, with CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks commanding a significant target share, which further limits Ferguson’s value. Unless you’re dealing with injuries or a lack of better options, it might be wise to look elsewhere for a tight end with a more favorable matchup.
Sit: Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
The Jets’ defense has been consistently strong against tight ends and just limited Tyler Higbe and Co. to one catch for 11 yards. Touchdowns have been their bugaboo in recent weeks (three TDs allowed in the past four), but I don’t think that will be an issue this week, as Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox have combined for only three TDs all season. The Buffalo offense can dice your defense in several different ways, making it tough to predict with any certainty when ANY of the skill positions are going to produce. Kincaid is a gifted athlete with a QB who can sling it, but are you really trusting a TE that has one – ONE – finish above TE15 all season? Yeah, me neither.