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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 Christian McCaffrey. 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.
Start ‘Em
We’re baaaaaaaaaaaaaack! I have been talking up Pitts since he entered the league as the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft, but this is the year he breaks out! He has a new play-caller (Zac Robinson) and a new quarterback (Kirk Cousins) — that’s huge, as the previous occupiers of these roles in Atlanta held him back. Two years ago, 59 percent of his targets were uncatchable — the highest rate in the NFL. Last year, his QBs were bottom two in catchable target rate, while Cousins ranked No. 2. Now, Pitts apparently has been dealing with a bit of a hamstring issue, but Falcons coach Raheem Morris wasn’t worried about it on Wednesday. Better days are coming for Pitts, and if you are a fellow believer, you know to keep starting him weekly.
Did you know that Dallas’ starting tight end has finished second in targets on the team behind only CeeDee Lamb in three consecutive seasons (Dalton Schultz in 2021 and ’22, Ferguson in ’23). Plus, the Cowboys began to throw more down the stretch last year — and there is a good chance they throw even more this season. If you are still not sold, Ferguson’s 23 red-zone targets led all tight ends last year. And then he went off in Dallas’ lone playoff game, hauling in 10 balls for 93 yards and three touchdowns. He is a potential breakout in the making as Dak Prescott‘s No. 2 target. Even in a tough matchup on paper, I am firmly starting Ferguson in Week 1.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.
Sorry, I got my Friday night lights confused. The Eagles play in Brazil on Friday night, and let’s be honest: You know you’re going to be watching. So why not have a little fantasy action in the game?! Goedert has been dealing with an oblique injury, but that appears to be trending in the right direction. The Eagles tight end is coming off a down year, but Philadelphia’s new offense under Kellen Moore should throw more, especially downfield.
This one might seem like a deep cut … because it is! But it may not be for long, as Conklin is a nice TE sleeper entering the season. Coming off of a career year with 621 yards receiving, he plays on a Jets team that’s thin at receiver behind Garrett Wilson. Conklin could be the top target across the middle for Aaron Rodgers, who has elevated tight ends throughout his career. I know the Niners are a tough matchup on paper, but if Rodgers has to get rid of the ball quickly, it could mean a lot of volume going Conklin’s way.
Sit ‘Em
Njoku is a great tight end, but he might not be a great fit with Deshaun Watson. Since 2022, Njoku has averaged 8.8 fantasy points per game with Watson, compared to 12.9 PPG with all other QBs. That ballooned up to 18.2 last season with Joe Flacco. In fact, 43 percent of his 2023 points came in five games with Flacco. He led all tight ends with 10 end-zone targets, but only one of those came from Watson. Given the uncertain connection here, paired with the fact that the Cowboys are a tough defense that allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy PPG to TEs last season, I would play it safe if you can avoid starting Njoku this week.
Bowers is going to be a stud in this league, no doubt about it. But that does not mean he is going to be a stud in his first NFL game. It isn’t just the simple fact that he is a rookie — Bowers has been dealing with a foot injury that’s held him out of practice the last couple of weeks. We have not seen him since Week 1 of the preseason. Pair that with the fact that the Raiders will likely be a run-heavy offense, with a target vacuum in Davante Adams hogging much of the passing volume, and I would take a wait-and-see approach with Bowers.
I like Schultz as a real-life player — a lot. But I dislike his situation for fantasy football purposes. The Texans have a crowded wide receiver room with Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. Those three are expected to see the bulk of the passing-game volume, which leaves Schultz, Joe Mixon and the others fighting for scraps. Schultz could carve out a consistent weekly role despite the target competition, but as of now, I would put him fourth in the pecking order — at best. Until we see him get consistent volume, I’d go in another direction.
Kmet is in a similar position to that of Dalton Schultz. He is suddenly in a very crowded passing offense, with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen all ahead of him in the target pecking order. To make matters worse, Kmet split preseason reps with Gerald Everett, who has a significant history with new Bears OC Shane Waldron. You can certainly find a better option to start in Week 1.
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