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.
NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.
Start 'Em
Warren has been my biggest tight end target all draft season long. I ranked him as the TE4 behind only the elite three at the position, so there's no way I'm getting away from the rookie in Week 1. Daniel Jones was statistically at his best last season when targeting the middle of the field, and Warren is a big-bodied target who is a beast after the catch. Translation: He is the type of player offensive coordinators build attacks around. In his NFL debut, Warren faces a Miami defense that lost a number of key pieces, and if the Dolphins offense lights up the scoreboard as it has done in past years under Mike McDaniel, the Colts could be forced to throw. Regardless, Warren is a must-start.
The Bears ranked in the middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to tight ends last season but also gave up the sixth-most receiver yards to the position. Hockenson was one player who found success against Chicago, recording seven catches on nine targets for 114 yards in the first meeting and five receptions on seven targets for 52 yards in the second matchup. I'm a big believer in Hockenson and Kevin O'Connell's system, which is why I ranked the veteran as my TE5 this summer. He should be a big safety blanket and potential No. 2 target for J.J. McCarthy.
The Titans were a tough matchup against tight ends last season, and despite Engram having a "red" matchup on the fantasy app, don't overthink this. He has been a top-12 tight end in fantasy points per game for three straight seasons, and he could reach new heights as the No. 2 target in Denver. Engram could serve as a big slot receiver in Sean Payton's offense, which would highlight his catch-and-run abilities. We saw flashes of this in very limited preseason action.
I'm going with my gut on this one because this isn't a slam-dunk matchup. Andrews saw just one target against the Bills in last year's regular season but caught five balls on seven targets for 61 yards against them in the Divisional Round. Andrews has likely had this game circled after his drop late in that playoff loss. I expect Lamar Jackson to target his veteran tight end early and often, especially in the red zone. Andrews is also a sneaky rush-TD option.
This is a perfect storm for Njoku. Last season, the Bengals allowed the second-most fantasy PPG, fourth-most yards and second-most touchdowns to tight ends. Njoku went off against them last year, with 14 targets, 10 catches, 76 yards and a touchdown in their first meeting and eight catches on 10 targets for 66 yards in the second tilt. It also helps that Njoku will be catching passes from veteran Joe Flacco. In the last two seasons, Njoku has averaged 18.6 fantasy PPG with Flacco and 11.9 with all other QBs. In a game where the Browns could be chasing points, Njoku is a very strong start.
Sit 'Em
Ferguson gets a bad matchup to kick things off. The Eagles allowed the fewest fantasy PPG and yards to tight ends last season, holding Ferguson specifically to 24 and 18 yards in their two meetings. He also lost a fumble in each of those games. Philly brought back many of its defensive starters, so I would go in another direction this week.
Goedert, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were all healthy at the same time for just four games last season -- and in those games, Goedert averaged 4.8 targets and 43 receiving yards, scoring one TD total. Knowing the trio is set to take the field this week, Goedert simply does not carry a safe enough floor OR high enough ceiling, especially with no teams out of action. Then there's the opponent. Goedert went for 25 yards and a touchdown in his lone game against the Cowboys last season, who allowed the second-fewest fantasy PPG to tight ends. Their defense is different this year, but given the lack of volume, I would stay away.
I am very excited about what Loveland could do this season, but I'm not ready to plug him directly into my lineup just yet, not with all the competition for targets in that Bears offense, between DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Olamide Zaccheaus, Luther Burden III and D'Andre Swift. Oh, and there is Cole Kmet, who was splitting snaps with Loveland in the preseason. I expect Loveland to become the lead TE and establish a set role, but I need to see it happen before I act.
The Ravens have a tough defense and are bringing back nearly all of their starters from last season. Not to mention, they spent a first-round pick on Malaki Starks. In 2024, they allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy PPG to tight ends. In the playoffs, they held Kincaid to one catch for 11 yards. Plus, if the preseason is any indication, he will once again be splitting snaps with Dawson Knox. Kincaid has the upside to become an every-week starter, but at this point, you have to sit him in a matchup like this.
Ertz was a nice surprise in fantasy last year, carrying a safe floor and serving as an option you could plug in most weeks if needed. However, the Commanders added Deebo Samuel this offseason, and I suspect a lot of the shorter targets Ertz used to corral will go Samuel's way. Plus, it is a tough matchup. The Giants allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing tight ends last year -- and the unit only added more talent this offseason.
