The tight end position is often a fantasy wasteland, and early 2024 has proven to be that way again.
Despite the lack of options, fantasy players received some good news last Sunday. Dallas Cowboys starter Jake Ferguson returned from a sprained MCL suffered in the team’s Week 1 game and led the team with six catches for 95 yards against a Ravens defense.
Now, the bad news. Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku was out with a sprained ankle, and Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram sat again after being injured during warmups in Week 2. 49ers stud George Kittle sat Sunday during the week after feeling a strained hamstring during second-half practice. Kyle Shanahan said the team expects Kittle to return to practice this week.
Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, a popular sleeper who leads the position, entered the NFL’s concussion protocol in Week 3. We’ll track the injury report later in the week and determine if either of these options are available for this position.
Coming into the season, the tight end position was deeper than ever. Some teams that invested in the position early in the draft were disappointed. Travis Kelce, Sam LaPorta, and Mark Andrews have all gotten off to starts, and suddenly fantasy teams have even more difficult starting decisions for tight ends. Kelce had a rare slump for a starter in 2024, with the Lions’ second-year tight end leaving the game with an ankle injury in Week 3.
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Week 4 brings another opportunity for teams to make a statement. Here’s a breakdown of who should start and who should sit at tight end in Week 4 of the fantasy football season.
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Fantasy Football Starters: Week 4 TE
Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills will play the Baltimore Ravens on the road in Week 4 on Sunday Night Football. The Ravens’ defense was disappointing, especially in pass defense down the middle of the field.
Baltimore is allowing the second-most receptions and yards to opposing tight ends. Dalton Kincaid hasn’t accomplished much yet, but he’s sure to do so. His volume increased every week. The Ravens offense will have to catch up to Josh Allen and the Bills, and Buffalo will be forced to pitch more than it has in the winning streak.
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are off to a 3-0 start to the season, and Pat Freiermuth is on a roll this Sunday. Justin Fields is expected to remain the starting quarterback. Fields targets “Moose” at least four times in each game.
The Steelers will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. Gus Bradley’s defense is an attractive matchup for tight ends with its heavy zone looks. The Colts are allowing a league-best 75.7 plays per game (the Falcons are second-most at 68.7). The Steeler tight end should continue to receive reliable volume and has proven to be the team’s second-best pass catcher behind George Pickens.
Fantasy Football Rankings: Fantasy Football Week 4: Trade Charts and Remaining Season Rankings
Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
Some fantasy football owners are looking to give up on Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, but we say wait a minute: The addition of Kirk Cousins under center. So, fantasy football owners were expecting Pitts to make a leap forward. He currently ranks 10th overall among scoring tight ends through the first three weeks, and would have been ranked even higher had he not fallen on the goal line with a 50-yard reception against the Chiefs on Sunday night. Dew.
It should also be noted that Cousins targeted Pitts in the end zone during the final play of the game, but this was an error on the referee’s defensive pass interference call. Atlanta will go up against the Saints, who allowed Dallas Goedert multiple splash plays and the third-most yards at the position.
Fantasy Football Sit ’em: Week 4 TE
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
The Patriots’ offense isn’t considered explosive, but that may not matter for fantasy value. The veteran became a favorite target of Jacoby Brissett. Until the Patriots release third overall pick Drake Maye, Henry is expected to be a hot addition among tight ends.
Henry faces a difficult matchup against a 49ers defense that struggles on the perimeter and is slow at tight ends. Fred Warner patrols the middle of the field and obliterates opposing tight ends. He was a great option, but Henry was unavailable this week against San Francisco, allowing just six receptions and 39 yards to tight ends through three weeks.
Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams will play the Chicago Bears on the road in Week 4. In the Rams’ first full game without Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, Parkinson completed three of five targets for 21 yards. The Rams’ tight end played every snap, but was underutilized.
The Bears’ pass defense is strong, ranking ninth overall against the position. Chicago has a very fast defense headlined by Tremaine Edmunds.
Fantasy Football Starter, Sit ‘Em, Week 4
Want more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports covers:
→ Kickers Are Human Too: Here are some of the most clutch kickers to have on your Week 4 fantasy team.
→The wide receiver position has disappeared this season. In Week 4, protect yourself with Start M Sit M’s advice for wideouts.
→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and sit in Week 4.
→ A good running back changes everything. A bad running back can cost you a ton of points. Here’s who will start and who will sit in Week 4.
→ A good defense can block fantasy opponent attacks. Here are some D/ST options to start and sit week 4.