It’s Week 11, folks! Time to set those fantasy lineups! 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 exceed or fail to meet expectations based on their weekly opponent … like Mark Andrews and Cole Kmet in Week 10!
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Week 11 Start ‘Em: Tight Ends
The tight end position can be a rollercoaster ride in fantasy football, but this week, we have some exciting matchups to consider. Let’s dive into the tight ends who are primed for big performances and those who might leave you wanting more.
Start of the Week
David Njoku at Saints (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Njoku had a stinker in his last game before the bye, scoring just 7.9 fantasy points. However, he had scored 17-plus in the previous two contests and has been one of the league’s most targeted tight ends in the last month. In Week 11, he’ll face a Saints defense that’s given up at least 9.1 fantasy points to seven different tight ends, including Ja’Tavion Sanders, Luke Schoonmaker, and Will Dissly. Njoku is set to bounce back and should be in your lineup.
TEs With Good Matchups
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T.J. Hockenson at Titans (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Hockenson looked great in his second game of the season, playing 39 snaps and scoring 15.2 fantasy points in a win over the Jags. Despite a tough matchup against the Titans, who have allowed the fifth-fewest points per game to tight ends, Hockenson is a must-start with four teams on bye and his recent form.
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Pat Freiermuth vs. Ravens (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Freiermuth has been nearly invisible in the stat sheets lately, posting 22 or fewer receiving yards in four of his last five games. Still, with four teams on a bye, he’s worth a roll of the dice against the Ravens. Their defense has been generous to tight ends, allowing seven to score at least 9.7 points, including five with at least 15.5.
- Jonnu Smith vs. Raiders (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Smith has seen at least six targets in four of his last five games, making him a valuable asset this week. He faces a Raiders defense that has allowed 25 or more points to two tight ends in each of their last two games. No defense has allowed more fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends since Week 7, making Smith a solid start.
TEs With Bad Matchups
On the flip side, some tight ends are facing daunting matchups that could leave fantasy managers disappointed. Here are a few to consider sitting this week:
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Evan Engram at Lions (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Engram is nearly impossible to sit during the bye weeks, but this is a warning. The Lions’ defense has allowed just one tight end to score double digits against them this season. With Mac Jones at quarterback, who had a dreadful passer rating of 38.3 in his first start last week, Engram’s prospects look grim.
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Jake Ferguson vs. Texans (Mon. 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): As a Cowboys fan, it pains me to say this, but it’s hard to trust anyone with a star on their helmet right now. Ferguson had just five targets and was held to 4.4 fantasy points in a brutal loss to the Eagles. The Texans’ defense has allowed only one tight end to exceed 13.1 points this season, making Ferguson a risky play.
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Kyle Pitts at Broncos (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): Pitts has seen his numbers drop in the last two weeks, scoring a combined 11.6 fantasy points with just five catches. He faces a tough matchup against the Broncos, who have allowed single digits to every tight end not named Travis Kelce or Brock Bowers. If you start Pitts, temper your expectations.
- Cole Kmet vs. Packers (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Kmet can finish with a huge stat line at any time, but he’s been all or nothing this season. He’s been held to single digits in any game he hasn’t scored 24 or more points. With the Bears offense struggling, Kmet is a gamble for fantasy managers.
Key Takeaways
As you finalize your lineups for Week 11, remember to consider matchups carefully. The tight end position can be unpredictable, but by analyzing the defenses and recent performances, you can make informed decisions.
With four teams on bye this week—Buccaneers, Cardinals, Giants, and Panthers—there are opportunities to capitalize on favorable matchups. Keep an eye on the players mentioned here, and adjust your roster accordingly.
Let’s gear up for an exciting week of NFL action and make those fantasy dreams a reality!
