NFL Fantasy 2025 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Tight ends for Week 17

Even with Drake London back on the field, Pitts came through for fantasy managers last week. He saw nine targets, turning them into 57 yards, a touchdown and 18.7 fantasy points. He has topped 15 fantasy points in each of the last four games with Kirk Cousins. Don’t look now but he is the TE2 on the season! The Rams are a middle-of-the-pack matchup for tight ends but have been extremely tough on them of late. I am still starting Pitts in leagues he helped get me to the title game. The volume and production have simply been too good to get away from. Pitts is a league-winner. 

Since Shedeur Sanders took over as the Browns starter in Week 12, Fannin has a 31 percent target share and 26 percent air yards share, while seeing two of their three end zone targets. In fact, he leads Cleveland (by far) in catches, yards and has half of the team's receiving touchdowns in that stretch. He has averaged 15.3 fantasy PPG, a number that can only be topped this season by Trey McBride. He has topped 11 fantasy points in each of his last four contests, showing a safe floor and high upside. Plus, the Steelers are top four in yards, touchdowns and fantasy PPG allowed to tight ends. Fannin is a must-start this week. Plus, he is the TE6 on the season, and if he cracks the top five, LaQuan Jones is dying his hair blonde. (EDITOR'S UPDATE: Fannin was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report with a groin injury.)

After a target drought in the middle of the season, Henry has six-plus targets in four of his last five games. He also has a 25 percent end zone target share since Week 12. That comes in handy this week against the Jets, who are in the top eight in touchdowns allowed to tight ends. They’re also in the top 10 in yards allowed to tight ends since Week 12. The Patriots should be able to put up plenty of points Sunday, which increases Henry’s chances of finding pay dirt. He is not a must-start, but the matchup has him in play for those who have been streaming tight ends.  

While he did not have a blowup performance against the Bengals last week, he did score seven PPR points. What I care about even more, is he was second behind Jaylen Waddle in targets for Quinn Ewers. Waller also remains the clear red/end zone target for the Dolphins, as we witnessed two weeks ago on Monday Night Football. More than anything, this is about the matchup. The Bucs have allowed the fourth-most catches, third-most yards and most touchdowns to tight ends since Week 12. There is a good chance the Dolphins are trailing in this content and will be forced to throw. Just like last week, this is about chasing upside in a fantastic matchup for managers who have been streaming tight ends.  

Warren has seen a lot of targets from Philip Rivers, but it hasn't translated to fantasy success. He has scored just 10.9 fantasy points in Rivers' two starts combined and has less than 10 in four of his last five games. On top of that, the Jaguars were once a favorable matchup for tight ends, but that hasn't been the case in recent weeks. Since Week 12, the Jags are in the bottom 12 in yards allowed to tight ends and have allowed just one touchdown. If you have the option to get away, I would.

Last week, the fantasy community rallied around Parkinson. How did he reward us? With two catches for 21 yards, good for 4.2 fantasy points. We had to see Terrance Ferguson score two touchdowns. And that is the concern. The Rams had three tight ends play 65-plus percent of the snaps. You just never know which one is going to have the big day. In addition, the Rams play a Falcons defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest yards and a league-low two touchdowns to tight ends. That unit held Trey McBride to his worst fantasy performance of the season last week. Avoid starting Parkinson. 

Barner had success last week against the Rams, but I would not chase the points. Prior to that game, he had less than eight fantasy points in four straight games. Plus, the Panthers have been tougher against tight ends of late. They have allowed just one touchdown and are bottom 10 in yards allowed to the position since Week 12. If he does not score a touchdown Sunday, you are likely looking at one of those single-digit floor games. In fact, he has only reached double-digit points twice in games without a touchdown. There are better streaming options out there. 

You either retire a fantasy hero, or you play long enough to become the villain. This is not Kelce’s fault, but with the Chiefs now without Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, it’s time to get away from the veteran. He will be catching passes from Chris Oladokun, a 2022 seventh-round draft pick who hadn't thrown a pass in a regular-season game until last week. The Chiefs face a Broncos team that is fighting for a division title and the AFC's top seed. Kelce had success against the Broncos earlier this season, but it's different now. He had six receiving yards and 11.6 fantasy points last week. His flow is too low and so is his ceiling. After years full of winning championships -- in real life and in fantasy -- his potential last hurrah might just be to hit the bench in the biggest fantasy game of the season.