It’s Week 14, folks! Time to set those fantasy lineups! Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is your go-to guide for navigating the best and worst matchups in fantasy football leagues. This week, we’re diving into tight ends who could either shine or falter based on their opponents. Just look at Jonnu Smith and Kyle Pitts from last week!
As you finalize your lineup decisions, don’t forget to check out my fantasy player rankings, which I update daily. And for even more insights, be sure to subscribe to the Fantasy Dirt Podcast with Lindsay Rhodes and me, where we break down everything fantasy football five days a week!
Byes: Broncos, Colts, Commanders, Patriots, Ravens, Texans
All Positions: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | K & DSTs
Let’s kick things off with the tight ends you should be starting this week. Here’s a quick rundown of the top options:
- Brock Bowers at Buccaneers
- Trey McBride vs. Seahawks
- Travis Kelce vs. Chargers
- Jonnu Smith vs. Jets
- George Kittle vs. Bears
- David Njoku at Steelers
- T.J. Hockenson vs. Falcons
- Evan Engram at Titans
- Sam LaPorta vs. Packers (Thurs.)
- Cade Otton vs. Raiders
Complete Week 14 tight end rankings
Start of the Week
Jonnu Smith vs. Jets (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Smith has been nothing short of spectacular over the last three weeks, scoring over 21 points in each game. He’s racked up a whopping 30 targets during this stretch, and his first-read rate is even higher than Tyreek Hill’s! So, while the Jets may seem like a daunting matchup on paper—having only allowed two tight ends to score more than 9.5 points—Smith has become a must-start player in fantasy leagues.
Start ‘Em
Will Dissly vs. Chargers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): After a surprising zero-point outing last week, Dissly still deserves a shot against the Chiefs. Their defense has been generous to tight ends, allowing a league-high 78.5 receiving yards per game along with the third-most points overall. Don’t let one bad week deter you from starting him!
Cade Otton vs. Raiders (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Despite struggling recently, Otton is hard to pass up this week with six teams on a bye. The Raiders’ defense has allowed tight ends to score nine-plus points eight times this season, including three who hit at least 25 points since Week 8. He may be less reliable since Mike Evans’ return, but he remains a top-12 option.
Pat Freiermuth vs. Browns (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Freiermuth is back on the fantasy radar, scoring 9.9 or more points in three of his last four games. He had a season-best 18.8 points last week against the Bengals, and the Browns have been generous, allowing the most fantasy points per game to tight ends over the last month. Amid the bye week chaos, Freiermuth is a viable option.
TEs With Good Matchups
Now, let’s shift gears and discuss the tight ends you might want to bench this week.
Sit of the Week
Kyle Pitts at Vikings (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Pitts has been struggling lately, averaging just 3.4 points over the last month and scoring 2.1 or fewer points in two games. He didn’t register a single point last week, and his snap count has dropped significantly. The Vikings’ defense has only allowed two touchdowns to tight ends all season. It’s best to keep Pitts on your bench this week.
Sit ‘Em
Tucker Kraft at Lions (Thurs. 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video): Kraft has been a pleasant surprise lately, but he faces a tough Lions defense that’s allowed just one tight end to score more than 9.6 points. If you start him, manage your expectations; he’s not a sure bet this week.
Cole Kmet at 49ers (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Kmet had a disappointing outing last week, scoring only 5.6 points. He’s been held to single digits in five of his last six games, and the 49ers’ defense has been tough on tight ends, allowing the fourth-fewest points per game. Starting Kmet this week might not be the best idea.
Mike Gesicki at Cowboys (Mon. 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): Gesicki had a decent game last week, but don’t let that fool you. The Cowboys have been stingy against tight ends, allowing only 44.3 receiving yards per game. With only two players scoring over 12.2 points against them this season, it’s wise to keep Gesicki on the sidelines.
As you prepare for Week 14, remember that every point counts. Make those lineup decisions wisely, and good luck out there!
