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 Ja'Marr Chase. 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. Unless otherwise noted, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.
Start 'Em
I know, Otton let you down last week, recording only one catch for 30 yards against the Giants after leading the Bucs in catches and receiving yards during Mike Evans' three-game absence in Weeks 8-10. It's natural to worry that the ride is over, now that Evans (who had five catches for 68 yards last week) is back. But not so fast. The Giants might be a two-win team, but they are also a difficult matchup for TEs, having allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. This week, Otton gets to face the Panthers, who have allowed the most FPPG to tight ends, along with the most receiving touchdowns and the third-most receiving yards. Given the matchup and how productive he has been, there is no way I am getting away this week.
In case you've forgotten, I will remind you that the last time Hill stepped on a football field, he racked up a career-high 138 rushing yards and three touchdowns while catching eight of 10 targets for 50 yards. He also threw for 18 yards and an interception, finishing with 41.52 fantasy points. Obviously, that is likely going to be the game of his career. But that usage cannot be ignored. He's deployed in the passing game as an extension of the run game and garners goal-line touches. Alvin Kamara fantasy managers hate to see it, but that means Hill has week-winning upside as a fantasy tight end, even if Hill's floor is low. We saw Hill go on a run late last season, as well.
Goedert didn't do much last week, largely because he did not have to. He has certainly been up and down this season, but the upside is too high this week. The Ravens have allowed the second-most yards and 10th-most FPPG to tight ends this season. Not only that, but Baltimore is one of the few teams that could force the Eagles to put their foot on the gas and throw a bunch. Goedert is worth taking a shot on in a game that could become a scorefest.
Henry has been targeted eight or more times in three of his past four games. He is also clearly the go-to target for Drake Maye; since Maye took over in Week 6, Henry has averaged 10.9 FPPG. To put that into perspective, there are only seven tight ends averaging more than that this season. Henry could build on that success this week against the Colts, who have allowed the sixth-most FPPG to tight ends, along with the seventh-most receiving yards and fourth-most receiving touchdowns. This underrated fantasy option is in play this week.
More start options: Kansas City's Travis Kelce (vs. Raiders), Minnesota's T.J. Hockenson (vs. Cardinals), L.A. Chargers' Will Dissly (at Falcons).
Sit 'Em
In two games without Trevor Lawrence so far, Engram has averaged 34 receiving yards and 8.9 FPPG. Volume has gone his way, it just has not translated to much production. And while Lawrence might return this week, I wouldn't bank on that changing against the Texans, who have been one of the toughest matchups for tight ends all season, allowing the fourth-fewest FPPG and fifth-fewest receiving yards to the position -- those rankings would be even better if not for one 70-yard TD by Chig Okonkwo on a broken play last week. With no teams on a bye and plenty of TE options available, you can get away from Engram.
Kincaid, who is coming back from a knee injury, did not practice Wednesday -- but I would stay away from him even if he suits up. He's been more of a floor play, having scored double-digit fantasy points in just three games while averaging 8.2 FPPG this season. He has one game with more than seven targets and has caught just two touchdown passes. Plus, he's facing the Niners, who have allowed the second-fewest yards, just three touchdowns and the sixth-fewest FPPG to tight ends. Floors tend to get lowered in tough matchups. You can get away from Kincaid this week.
Kmet was targeted 10 times last week, more than he totaled in his prior four games combined. That uptick was encouraging, but I need to see more consistent usage before I trust him. He tends to have a big game every few weeks, then disappear for a stretch. He could be quiet again this week, as the Lions are the toughest matchup for a tight end. They have allowed the fewest yards, only one touchdown and the fewest FPPG to the position. With no teams on bye, I would avoid the risk here.
