As Week 14 of the fantasy football season kicks off, it’s time to fine-tune those lineups for your best chance at success. The “Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em” segment offers crucial advice on the tight ends who are either likely to exceed expectations or fall short based on their weekly matchups. With six teams on a bye this week (Broncos, Colts, Commanders, Patriots, Ravens, and Texans), fantasy managers will need to make strategic choices, especially at tight end.
Jonnu Smith of the Dolphins is the “Start of the Week.” Over the last three weeks, Smith has been an elite fantasy option, scoring 21-plus points in every game and totaling 30 targets, with a first-read rate higher than Tyreek Hill’s. Despite facing a tough Jets defense that has limited tight ends, Smith’s current form makes him a must-start. Also worth starting this week are Will Dissly (vs. Chargers), Cade Otton (vs. Raiders), and Pat Freiermuth (vs. Browns). Dissly, though quiet last week has a favorable matchup against a Chiefs defense that allows the most receiving yards to tight ends. Otton, despite two rough weeks, faces the Raiders, a team that has allowed several tight ends to rack up big points recently. Freiermuth has been steady, scoring 9.9 or more fantasy points in three of his last four games, and he’s up against a Browns defense that has struggled to defend tight ends.
On the other hand, there are some tight ends to avoid in Week 14. Kyle Pitts, the “Sit of the Week,” has been struggling with low production, failing to score more than 3.4 points in his last few games. With the Falcons facing the Vikings, who have allowed just two touchdowns to tight ends, Pitts should remain on the bench. Tucker Kraft, despite recent success, faces a tough Lions defense that’s kept tight ends under control. Cole Kmet’s matchup against the 49ers is daunting, as they have allowed the fourth-fewest points to tight ends, making Kmet a risky start. Finally, Mike Gesicki’s performance against the Cowboys is expected to be underwhelming, given Dallas’ stingy defense that has limited tight end production.
Week 14 promises exciting matchups and the right decisions on tight ends could make or break your fantasy week.
