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
McBride is one of three highly reliable tight ends in the league right now. He's scored double-digit points in 10 straight games and has averaged 19.7 fantasy PPG over the last month. My bold prediction for this week: McBride will finally catch a touchdown pass. The third-year player -- who has 89 catches for 938 yards, but zero TD grabs -- is getting dangerously close to setting the all-time mark for most receptions in a season before recording a receiving score (Keyshawn Johnson with 92 in 2001). The Cardinals know they need to get their stud in the end zone, which is why they're busting out calls like goal-line shovel passes. Plus, the Panthers have allowed the most touchdowns to tight ends in 2024. McBride is a must-start option.
Another big game for Smith has us one step closer to turning LaQuan Jones' hair blonde. Unfortunately for my colleague, Smith is well past TE5 status and is actually closing in on being the TE2. The Dolphins playmaker has averaged 21.3 fantasy PPG over his last five games, hitting at least 13 points in each, with five receiving scores. That is elite production at a position that offers very few elite options. The 49ers present as a tough matchup for Smith, but so did the Texans last week -- and we know how that turned out. Just like I said a week ago, Smith is a hard matchup for those defenses, too. He simply has seen too much volume and been far too productive to suddenly move away from just because of a potentially unfavorable matchup. Start him.
Njoku was inactive last week due to a hamstring injury, but he was a pre-game workout away from suiting up. You will have to monitor his health this week, but if he plays for the Browns, he should play for your fantasy team. In Njoku's last two games, he's seen 30 targets, scored three touchdowns and has averaged 21.7 fantasy PPG. With Jameis Winston under center, Njoku has averaged 9.7 targets and 15.2 fantasy PPG. Unfortunately, the Browns are turning to Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center for this week. While I loved the Winston-to-Njoku connection, I'm a little less bullish on the tight end with DTR running the show. But, honestly, against a Bengals defense that has allowed the third-most yards, second-most touchdowns and most fantasy PPG to tight ends, I'm still starting a healthy Njoku.
Don't look now, but Freiermuth has caught a touchdown pass in three straight games, putting up 14.6 fantasy PPG in the process. He faces a Raven defense on Saturday that has allowed the fifth-most yards to tight ends this season; though, the unit has been better of late. And while he could see added volume if George Pickens (hamstring) is sidelined for another week, Muth's upside is most definitely his TD potential.
IF YOU NEED A STREAMER: Jaguars' Brenton Strange (at Raiders).
Sit 'Em
Bench Kelce during the fantasy playoffs? Pretty spicy, right? In all honesty, though, if you remove the name and only look at the production, it's not that hot of a take. Kelce has scored in the single digits in two consecutive games and in three of his last five. He has not had a blow-up game since Week 10. In his last five contests, he's averaged 9.0 fantasy PPG and hasn't found the end zone once (since all scoring plays seemingly go to Noah Gray). As for the designed short stuff, those opportunities have been going more to Xavier Worthy. On Saturday, Kelce faces a Texans defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest yards and fourth-fewest fantasy PPG to tight ends. Plus, the Chiefs' offense could be led by Carson Wentz or a hobbled Patrick Mahomes. Kelce is by no a means a must-sit, and I'm not suggesting you should sideline him for a streaming option, either. But if you have another tight end you feel good about, I would go in that direction.
Otton's middle-of-the-season run was fun ... but it's over now. Mike Evans' return to the lineup combined with Jalen McMillan's breakout has really hurt Otton's fantasy stock. He has averaged just 6.6 fantasy PPG since Week 10. His high mark in that five-game span: 10 points. The targets have dried up, as he has four or fewer in three of his last four games. The Cowboys have been low-key stingy to tight ends, giving up the eighth-fewest yards to the position. Go with an option that has more upside right now.
I liked Ferguson as a breakout candidate in the preseason, but that was when I thought he'd be playing with Dak Prescott. It simply is not happening with Cooper Rush at the controls. Ferguson has averaged 4.3 fantasy points in his last four games. His high mark during that stretch is just 6.2 points. Tampa Bay's defense has struggled against tight ends this season, though, which may make you consider streaming him. But this has the makings of a trap.
The volume just isn't there to justify starting Calcaterra. The Eagles simply have too many options ahead of him in the target pecking order. And it's not like he's heading into a favorable matchup, either; the Commanders have allowed the seventh-fewest yards to tight ends this season -- and the third-fewest since Week 11. Starting the Eagles TE really is hoping for a touchdown. Even if he scores, the ceiling is around 10-or-so points -- but the potential floor is very low. I would stream elsewhere this week.
