It’s the fantasy postseason, folks! Time to set those fantasy lineups and get to the championship game! Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups in a given week for fantasy football leagues. Each week, I’ll examine the tight ends who could either exceed or fail to meet expectations based on their weekly opponent.
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Start of the Week
Sam LaPorta at Bears (1 p.m. ET, Fox): LaPorta has caught fire just at the right time for fantasy managers, scoring double digits in three straight games and four of his last five. That includes last week’s impressive 18.1-point performance in a loss to the Bills. Next up is a favorable matchup against the Bears, who LaPorta previously torched for 15.6 points in Week 13. In total, their defense has allowed the ninth-most points per game to tight ends since Week 8. With momentum on his side, LaPorta is a must-start this week!
TEs With Good Matchups
When it comes to tight ends with promising matchups, there are a few names that stand out. Here’s a quick rundown of players to consider starting this week:
- Tucker Kraft vs. Saints (Mon. 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): Despite a disappointing 5.4-point outing last week, Kraft had scored 10-plus points in each of his previous three games. The Saints’ defense has allowed four tight ends to score at least 9.5 points since Week 9, making Kraft a viable option if you’re in need of a tight end this week.
- Jake Ferguson vs. Buccaneers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Ferguson has struggled recently, but he faces a Buccaneers defense that has allowed tight ends to score 12-plus points eight times this season. Even a struggling Ferguson is worth a shot in this favorable matchup.
- Brenton Strange at Raiders (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Strange exploded last week with a career-high 18.3 fantasy points. With a favorable matchup against the Raiders, who have given up the most points to tight ends in the last eight weeks, Strange is a solid sleeper pick for Week 16.
TEs With Bad Matchups
As we dive into the tight ends to avoid, it’s crucial to recognize the players who may not deliver the points you need to secure a win. Here are the tight ends to consider sitting this week:
- Cade Otton at Cowboys (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Otton’s production has dwindled since Mike Evans returned, failing to score double digits in four of his last five games. With the Cowboys allowing just 43 receiving yards per game to tight ends, it’s wise to bench Otton this week.
- Kyle Pitts vs. Giants (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Pitts has seen his numbers plummet recently, averaging just 3.8 points over the last five weeks. The Giants’ defense has been tough against tight ends, allowing only 10.9 points per game, making Pitts a risky start.
- Dalton Schultz at Chiefs (Sat. 1 p.m. ET, NBC): Schultz has had a rough season, averaging just 6.6 points. With a matchup against the Chiefs, who are not terrible on paper, you might still want to steer clear of Schultz in the playoffs.
- Cole Kmet vs. Lions (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Kmet has been held to single digits in all but one of his last eight games. Facing a Lions defense that has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends since Week 8, Kmet is another tight end to sit this week.
Complete Week 16 Tight End Rankings
Here’s a complete list of tight ends to consider for your lineup this week:
- Trey McBride at Panthers
- Brock Bowers vs. Jaguars
- Jonnu Smith vs. 49ers
- George Kittle at Dolphins
- Travis Kelce vs. Texans (Sat.)
- Sam LaPorta at Bears
- T.J. Hockenson at Seahawks
- Mark Andrews vs. Steelers (Sat.)
- David Njoku at Bengals
- Dalton Kincaid vs. Patriots
Final Thoughts
As we gear up for the fantasy playoffs, making the right lineup decisions is crucial. With tight ends often being a thin position, knowing who to start and who to sit can make all the difference. Remember, the playoffs are all about maximizing your potential, and every point counts. So, whether you’re rolling with Sam LaPorta or sitting Cade Otton, make sure to weigh your options carefully. Good luck, and may your fantasy team soar to victory this week!
