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 Lamar Jackson. 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
As I mentioned last week on Fantasy Live, big Tyler Warren weeks are coming. So far, we've seen his safe floor. This week against the Rams could be a time we see Warren post a massive fantasy performance. The Rams have struggled against tight ends recently, allowing the most fantasy points per game to the position in 2024 and giving up a 33-yard touchdown to Dallas Goedert last week. Warren is a must-start in what could be a huge day.
Kraft had a down week after tweaking his knee in practice, though most fantasy managers were probably just happy to see him avoid serious injury. In Week 2, however, Kraft showed why he should always be in the starting lineup, hauling in six catches for 124 yards and a TD. This week, he faces a Cowboys defense that ranks in the middle of the pack against tight ends. That's somewhat skewed because opponents have cooked Dallas with their wide receivers. Overall, the Cowboys have given up the most pass yards and fourth-most pass TDs in the league. Kraft is a must-start option.
Ferguson has been Dak Prescott's top target for two straight games, which led to a career-high 13 receptions last week. Fun fact: The only tight end with more catches in a game in franchise history is Jason Witten, who had 14-plus in three games, per NFL Research. The Packers' defense is stingy but it has struggled some against tight ends, allowing the second-most yards to the position this season. The only tight ends I'd play over Ferguson this week are Trey McBride, Brock Bowers and the two players listed above.
Through three weeks, Henry has given us his floor (1.9 fantasy points), his median (10.6) and his ceiling (29). Last week, Henry finished with eight catches on a team-high 11 targets, producing 90 yards and two touchdowns. Henry was great with Drake Maye down the stretch last season, and it's quickly looking like the veteran is Maye's most-trusted option again this year. Henry should be in play this week, as the Panthers have allowed the most yards to tight ends.
People forget that Kincaid was often Josh Allen's top target prior to his injury last season. Now healthy in 2025, Kincaid has been Allen's top target in each of the last two weeks, has topped 14 fantasy points twice and has posted at least seven fantasy points in each game. Last week against a Dolphins D that didn't create a lot of pressure on the quarterback, Kincaid posted season highs in catches (five) and yards (66). It's a similar matchup this week.
Sit 'Em
What do Jonnu Smith, Noah Fant and Chigoziem Okonkwo have in common? They each have more fantasy points this season than Njoku. The Browns tight end has yet to reach double-digit figures in a game this season, finishing with 40 yards or fewer each time out. Now he gets the Lions, who, despite allowing Mark Andrews to feast last week, are still one of the toughest matchups for a tight end going back to the start of last season. Njoku can hit the bench until we see more upside.
Ertz had his worst fantasy game of the season last week with Marcus Mariota starting in place of an injured Jayden Daniels. I don't hold that against him, but the Falcons pose a really tough matchup. This season, they have allowed just 48 yards and haven't given up a single touchdown to the position. They were tough on tight ends last year, as well. Ertz is more of a floor option than a ceiling play at this point in his career. In tough matchups, floors tend to be lowered. I would go in another direction this week.
Week 1 was fun while it lasted. Pitts is the TE13 on the season, but he has been held to fewer than eight fantasy points in the last two games. With Darnell Mooney back after missing the season opener, Pitts is back to being the third target, and he's competing for that spot in the pecking order with Bijan Robinson. Not to mention, Michael Penix Jr. is struggling. You can get away from Pitts.
Loveland is the Squidward meme, watching Tyler Warren and a bunch of other rookies get chosen as starts this week. He had a long catch against the Cowboys, but that was all he did before tweaking his hip. Through three weeks, Loveland has just six targets. There is potential here, and it's still possible he breaks out at some point this season, but it's looking more likely that will happen off the waiver wire. Don't start him until we see more consistent usage.
I miss watching this guy play in a non-Arthur Smith offense. Smith has seen his targets decrease in each game this season, going from six to four to just three last week. He has yet to top 30 yards in a game. It would make sense for a downfield passing attack to utilize Smith, a good catch-and-run tight end, but that's not the case. With both Smith and Pat Freiermuth seeing consistent playing time, it's too difficult to trust either in fantasy. Right now, Smith is a touchdown-dependent streaming option.
