Start 'Em, Sit 'Em tight ends for Week 1 fantasy football Tom Viera, USA TODAYSeptember 4, 2025 at 4:50 AM 0 It's time to start making those pressing fantasy football lineup decisions.
- - Start 'Em, Sit 'Em tight ends for Week 1 fantasy football
Tom Viera, USA TODAYSeptember 4, 2025 at 4:50 AM
0
It's time to start making those pressing fantasy football lineup decisions.
The tight end position is often a fantasy wasteland, but it's Week 1 of a new season and there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic in 2025.
Not every fantasy manager was able to land one of the top three TEs – Brock Bowers, Trey McBride or George Kittle – in drafts, and some face the weekly conundrum of who to start or sit. However, there could be a rare opportunity for depth at the position.
Some of the older and more well-known tight ends like Travis Kelce, David Njoku and Mark Andrews should be weekly staples. Pair those stars the influx of youth at the position, fantasy managers may have the luxury of options at the position.
Still, based on history, it's more likely that there will end up being a dearth of options at tight end worth rostering and starting. Some teams end up scouring the waiver wire for weekly streamers at the position.
Week 1 brings a breadth of opportunity for your fantasy football team. Here is a breakdown of who you should start and who you should sit at tight end in Week 1.
Fantasy football start 'em: Week 1 TEsDavid Njoku, Cleveland Browns vs. Bengals
If you're questioning whether to start Njoku, this is your sign to stop. Njoku should be a set-and-forget option while Joe Flacco is the starting quarterback in Cleveland.
The duo connected in five games in 2023, leading to 30 receptions for 390 yards and four touchdowns for Njoku. Their first matchup in 2025 is the Cincinnati Bengals and their paper-thin defense.
Cincinnati allowed the most receptions to opposing tight ends in 2024 and ranked in the bottom three in touchdowns and yards allowed. Start Njoku with confidence.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots vs. Raiders
The Patriots offense hasn't been explosive since Tom Brady walked out the door, but those fireworks could make a return in 2025. In the 10 games played with Drake Maye in 2024, Henry led New England in targets, receiving yards, receptions and end zone targets.
The return of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who coached Henry in 2021 in New England, could provide an even bigger boost. That season under McDaniels, Henry posted career-highs in red zone targets (17) and touchdowns (9). There's little target competition outside of 31-year-old Stefon Diggs who is coming off an ACL tear. Start Henry against the shaky Raiders defense.
Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cowboys
The Cowboys allowed the second-most points last season, and the defensive personnel has only worsened this offseason. Dallas just traded away superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons and they also lost starters Eric Kendricks, DeMarcus Lawrence, Chauncey Golston and Jourdan Lewis this offseason. Pair those departures with the injury to top linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and this unit should be one opposing offenses attack all season long.
The Eagles host the Cowboys on opening night and are 7.5-point favorites. Philadelphia should soar to a convincing win. There are plenty of weapons for the defending champs but Goedert is the most overlooked of them all – and is one of the top streaming options in Week 1.
Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts vs. Dolphins
Among rookie tight ends, Warren is the most likely to have a top-10 finish at the position. He was the top-rated first-round rookie in the preseason, according to Pro Football Focus. The 14th overall pick in the 2025 draft has little target competition in Indianapolis. He should excel in Shane Steichen's RPO-heavy offense, where he can create after the catch.
Miami's defensive line is the unit's strength, but the secondary could be among the worst in the NFL in 2025. Warren should make an immediate impact.
Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 1 TEsEvan Engram, Denver Broncos vs. Titans
Engram is coming off his worst season and a torn labrum which required surgery. He joined the Broncos in free agency, and some are excited about his potential in Sean Payton's offense. But Payton – who has been a head coach for 18 NFL seasons – has only had a tight end finish inside the top 10 in PPR five times.
The soon-to-be 31-year-old has relied heavily on volume more than explosiveness and touchdowns. He has failed to find the end zone more than four times in a season since 2017. He'll play second fiddle to Courtland Sutton, and the Broncos' Week 1 opponent is the Titans, whose defense could end up being the most improved unit in the NFL in 2025.
Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears vs. Vikings
The Chicago Bears face the Minnesota Vikings on "Monday Night Football" to close out Week 1. Loveland is a terrific prospect in a Bears offense that is expected to improve, especially under new head coach Ben Johnson.
However, Loveland's issue is that there are plenty of mouths feed in Chicago's re-loaded offense. The presence of wide receivers DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, along with veteran tight end Cole Kmet will likely keep the rookie from Michigan in deep TE2 range all season. It's unlikely Loveland will make a significant mark in such a crowded skill position group early in his career.
Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'ems, Week 1
Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:
→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 1.
→ A good running back makes all the difference. A bad running back can cost you a lot of points. Here's who to start and who to sit in Week 1.
→ Kickers are people, too. Here are the most clutch kickers to start, and some to sit, for Week 1.
→ Defense (and special teams) can win you championships – including your fantasy league's. Here are some of the best D/ST units to start and sit in Week 1.
→ The wide receiver position is one of the deepest each season. Set yourself up for success in Week 1 with start 'em, sit 'em advice for wideouts.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 1: 6 TEs to start or sit
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