When it comes to tight ends, they are literally diamonds in the rough. If you miss out on drafting like the first five tight ends, then it might be a rough time for guaranteed points every week. Luckily, I am here to help you on those my friends. The Start’ Em Sit’ Em column is always here for yinz. Now let’s look at who to start and who to sit this week for the tight end position.
Starts
Start of the Week;
Dallas Goedert vs Atlanta Falcons
Despite Zach Ertz still being there in Philly, Goedert was able to take the starting reigns away from him and rightfully so. This kid has become great in the Eagles offense, and should be a great start against the Atlanta Falcons this week. The same thing applies here as what I said about Smith. The passing options are limited in Philly, so expect Goedert to get a lot of targets and even a touchdown in this one.
Logan Thomas vs Los Angeles Chargers
Thomas did well in making a name for himself in the Washington pass game. He should have a great opportunity against the Chargers who let up a lot of points and touchdowns last season. He was a prime option for quarterbacks in the past, and Ryan Fitzpatrick should be no different. Get this guy in your lineup cause he is going to eat in this one.
Jonnu Smith vs Miami Dolphins
Despite an early injury, Smith has done making himself known as a great passing option for Mac Jones and the Patriots organization. It also helps that Hunter Henry has not been practicing with the team as much so this gives Jonnu a great opportunity against the Dolphins. It also helps that the receiver game is lacking so Jonnu should be a great start for week one.
Mike Gesicki vs New England Patriots
Gesicki should be labeled as a great tight end this season despite the receiver depth that was added in Fuller and Waddle. Tua loves throwing to his tight ends and that is a fact. Mike should be a great option against a Patriots team despite them getting a great amount of players back on defense. Start him this week.
Robert Tonyan vs New Orleans Saints
Tonyan was a big hit last year in the tight end department specifically cause Aaron Rodgers normally doesn’t throw to his tight ends a lot. Yet he scored a massive amount of touchdowns last season, and he should be another great option this week when the Packers face off against the Saints. He should be able to get into the endzone at least once in this one.
Sleepers;
Tyler Higbee vs Chicago Bears
Austin Hooper vs Kansas City Chiefs
Tyler Conklin vs Cincinnati Bengals
Sits
Sit of the Week;
Evan Engram vs Denver Broncos
This won’t be too much of a surprise given Engram might not play against the Broncos, but even if he does it is not a favorable matchup whatsoever. I would give the same speech for newly signed Kyle Rudolph. The Broncos are good at their defense this year, and honestly there are a lot of talents to spread the ball around to in the Giants offense.
Noah Fant vs New York Giants
We move to the opponents of the Giants in the Denver Broncos. Noah Fant is a tight end that is being drafted high, and honestly I am not sure it is the right move. There are a lot of weapons to feed in Denver including Williams, Gordon, Sutton, Jeudy, and Hamler. Fant is also dealing with an injury so while some might this would be a good move to start him in week one just please don’t because it is not a good one.
Jared Cook vs Washington Football Team
While it is true that Herbert loves to pass to his tight ends a lot, I would stay away from Jared Cook this week. He faces the Washington Football Team, and they are not the nicest against the position. Whether it is yards, touchdowns, or points, Washington is a good team in terms of defending against tight ends. It might suck, but just trust me on this one here.
Cole Kmet vs Los Angeles Rams
Cole Kmet is a sneaky tight that people are drafting late, and I am all for it…just not this week. The Rams are an elite defensive unit. Their defense has proven to be a formidable one against opposing tight ends. I see a bright future for this kid, but the quarterback play also comes into effect. I would just wait until next week to make him a starter as this one could get ugly fast.
Eric Ebron vs Buffalo Bills
Let’s face it people. You know it, and I know it. Ebron is not the future in Pittsburgh. He was signed as a way to get into the endzone because the Steelers didn’t have a run game. Now that they have Najee Harris, that has changed. Also, they spent a second round pick on rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth. That means Ebron’s time in Pittsburgh is coming to an end. If you are putting him in your starting lineup this week against Buffalo you are only hurting yourself.
Busts;
Gerald Everett vs Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Firsker vs Arizona Cardinals
Dalton Schultz vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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