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
Njoku was targeted 30 times in his last two games, scoring three touchdowns and averaging 21.7 fantasy PPG in that span. In six games with Jameis Winston at quarterback, Njoku has averaged 9.7 targets and 15.2 fantasy PPG, topping 17 fantasy points in four of those contests. He has league-winning potential at a weak fantasy position -- especially this week against the Chiefs, who have allowed the most yards and second-most fantasy PPG to tight ends. Njoku is a must-start.
Smith did not have a single fantasy point when regulation ended last week against the Jets. Then in overtime, he got involved to finish with 44 yards, a game-winning touchdown and 13.4 fantasy points -- just like that, he was the TE7 on the week. He enters the fantasy playoffs as the TE4 on the season. And as yet another reminder, if Smith finishes the season as a top five fantasy TE, my colleague LaQuan Jones has to dye his hair blonde. (He is already considering strawberry blonde -- and yes, Jonnu knows about the bet!) The Texans are a tough matchup, but Smith has scored at least 13 fantasy points in each of his last four games and averaging 21.6 fantasy PPG in that span. Smith is a must-start tight end this week.
Henry has been highly productive in fantasy with Drake Maye at quarterback, averaging 7.3 targets, 5.3 catches, 54 yards and 11.4 fantasy points per game. To put that in perspective, only seven tight ends have averaged more points this season (one is Taysom Hill). The Cardinals have been stingy against tight ends, but Henry should remain the top target in a game where the Patriots could be chasing points. The volume and production Henry has put up with Maye keeps him in play despite a potentially tough matchup.
“Muth” is getting hot! The fourth-year pro has caught a touchdown and topped 13 fantasy points in two straight games. He has averaged 58 receiving yards per game in his last three contests -- an uptick from earlier in the season. This week, the Steelers face a tough Eagles secondary that could make life difficult for Pittsburgh receivers, a group that will likely be without George Pickens. In addition, Pittsburgh could be chasing points against a top-eight scoring offense. Pair the fact that Freiermuth could get plenty of volume with his recent production and he is in play this week.
Sit 'Em
Engram has experienced a rough stretch with Trevor Lawrence dealing with multiple injuries. In the last four games, he has averaged 9.1 fantasy PPG with his best mark being 11.1, which came in the game Lawrence started but exited with a concussion. He has reached 50 receiving yards just once this season and has recorded just one touchdown. That means the floor and ceiling are low for Engram. He also faces a Jets defense that has been pretty tough on tight ends. Simply put, there is not enough upside to trust Engram in the fantasy playoffs.
Last week on NFL Fantasy Live, I waved the white flag on Pitts. If you drafted him, your season is probably over. For those of you who made it through with Pitts, it’d be wise to move on from him. In his last three games, he has a grand total of two catches for 23 yards. In four of his last five games, Pitts has made one reception for fewer than 15 yards, averaging just 3.2 fantasy PPG in that span. The worst part? This week is a fantastic matchup for Pitts. It’s one that you should be able to get excited about, but the production has simply been nonexistent. Don’t risk it with Pitts in the fantasy playoffs.
Kincaid has a chance to return this week. Whether Kincaid plays or not, this applies to both him and Knox: Put a different tight end in your starting lineup. The Lions are the toughest matchup for tight ends. They have allowed just two touchdowns to the position, while also yielding the fewest yards and fantasy PPG to TEs this season. And with Buffalo's receiving room getting healthier, Kincaid is at risk of falling behind in the target pecking order. Play Bills receivers this week, not their tight end(s).
Last week marked the second time this season that Kmet played and did not see a target. He has four games with one or fewer targets and just two games with more than five. He is good for a blow-up game every so often, and while he performed well against the Vikings in their first meeting, Kmet’s floor is actually zero fantasy points. You cannot risk taking a donut in the fantasy playoffs.
