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 Jahmyr Gibbs. 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
Pitts had been ascending in Atlanta's offense with Drake London out, but he reached a new stratosphere last week. He posted career highs across the board and finished with 45.6 fantasy points -- the most by a tight end all season. The only players with more in a game in 2025 -- at any position -- are running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Jonathan Taylor. The important thing is that Pitts has scored 15-plus fantasy points in each of his last three games and been the top target for Kirk Cousins in each of the QB's last four starts. Now, Pitts faces the Cardinals, who have allowed the seventh-most yards this season and fifth-most since Week 11. They have also allowed the second-most TDs since Week 11. Two years after predicted, Pitts may come through as a league-winner after all.
I apologize to those who benched Goedert last week. After weeks of being forgotten about in Philadelphia's offense, Goedert has 17 targets in the last two weeks, with 70-plus yards in each game. He scored two red-zone touchdowns in last week's win over Las Vegas. He has a good chance to make it two straight games with a score this week against the Commanders, who have allowed the second-most touchdowns to tight ends this season. Goedert and the Eagles faced this Dan Quinn/Joe Whitt defense twice last year, with five catches for 61 yards in Week 11 and seven receptions for 85 yards in the NFC title game. This year's Washington defense is much worse. Given the recent uptick in production and the matchup, Goedert is back in play for fantasy managers.
Last week, the big fella did what big fellas do: score touchdowns. The reason for starting Waller is he brings end-zone upside each week. With Quinn Ewers replacing Tua Tagovailoa in his first NFL start, the rookie quarterback could lean on his big-bodied pass catcher, especially considering the Bengals are the best matchup for tight ends. Cincinnati's defense has allowed the most catches, yards, touchdowns and fantasy PPG to the position. For more context, Cincy has allowed nine more catches, 324 more yards and six more touchdowns to tight ends than any other team in the league. There's risk with Waller, given the QB change, but as the Dolphins' top red-zone target, he remains a streaming option against the Bengals.
Straight from the waiver wire to starting lineups in the fantasy semifinals! The Rams have used more 13 personnel this season and featured Parkinson more in the passing game. He has logged fewer than nine fantasy points just once since Week 10, with some big performances mixed in. He was targeted seven times against the Lions last week and could be the No. 2 target if Davante Adams (hamstring) can't play Thursday. The Seahawks are a strong matchup for tight ends, as they have surrendered the second-most yards and sixth-most fantasy PPG to the position. Given Parkinson's recent uptick in usage, and with Adams ailing, the tight end is in play this week.
OTHER START OPTIONS: Chiefs' Travis Kelce (at Titans); Texans' Dalton Schultz (vs. Raiders).
Sit 'Em
This one pains me. After finding success early in the season, Warren's production has fallen off a cliff. He hasn't reached 12 fantasy points in a game since the Colts' Week 11 bye and has hit that mark only once since Week 8. While Philip Rivers throwing short passes should benefit the rookie, that wasn't the case against the Seahawks, with Warren being held to fewer than 25 receiving yards for a third straight game. I expect San Francisco's defense to load up the box and dare Rivers to win through the air. This isn't a bad matchup, but Warren does have a low floor right now. Don't sit Warren for just anyone, but carefully consider your options with a spot in the fantasy championship on the line.
This potentially could be a bad week for rookie tight ends. Loveland has been more fantasy relevant of late, but he consistently receives between four and six targets. The Bears also use two tights (Cole Kmet), which lowers Loveland's weekly floor. This week's opponent, Green Bay, doesn't help matters either. The Packers have allowed the fewest yards to tight ends and just one touchdown (to Loveland) since Week 11. Given that Loveland is more of a floor play, I would avoid this matchup -- with one caveat. If Rome Odunze (foot) or Luther Burden III (ankle) is out this week, Loveland becomes more appealing.
It has been a roller-coaster fantasy season for Henry. The highs have been quite high, but the lows have been very low. It is also worth pointing out that he has reached double digits just twice since Week 5 -- against the Giants and Bengals. He had a huge outing against Cincy, but many tight ends have done that. This week, he faces a Ravens defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest yards and one touchdown to tight ends since Week 11. Baltimore has given up three touchdowns all season to the position. Stream elsewhere this week.
There have been flashes where it looks like Barner could fully break out. It just hasn't been consistent. He's been held to 35 yards or fewer in four straight games, and the volume isn't reliable, with Barner having just four games this season with more than four targets. The Rams are also a tough matchup, allowing the sixth-fewest yards and no TDs to TEs since Week 11. They have allowed the fifth-fewest yards on the season to the position. There are better streaming options out there.
