Fantasy football managers know that every lineup decision can make or break a week, and choosing the right players to start or sit is where championships are won. With the 2025 NFL season underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly positional start and sit guide is built to give you an edge.
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Tight Ends to Start
Kyle Pitts ATL
Kyle Pitts continues to tease fantasy football managers with flashes of his elite potential. Despite skepticism earlier this season, Pitts has been quietly producing solid numbers, showing improved involvement in the Falcons’ passing attack. Against the 49ers, Pitts tied for the team lead with 10 targets and hauled in seven passes for 62 yards, a strong showing against one of the league’s toughest defenses. His alignment versatility has been key, leading the Falcons in snaps from the slot, which helps him exploit mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Atlanta’s offensive scheme continues to funnel meaningful opportunities his way, particularly in the intermediate passing game, where Pitts thrives.
For Week 8, Pitts enters an appealing fantasy start against the Miami Dolphins. Miami has surrendered the fifth-most receiving yards and the 11th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends, often struggling to contain athletic players over the middle. Pitts currently ranks as the TE12 in fantasy points per game and is averaging 47.5 receiving yards per game. His usage supports steady TE1 production over the course of the season. Given the matchup and his recent momentum, Pitts deserves to be started confidently in all formats this week.
Cade Otton TB
Cade Otton has emerged as one of the most reliable streaming tight ends in fantasy football over the past month. With both Mike Evans (collarbone) and Chris Godwin (leg) sidelined, Otton projects as the Buccaneers’ second option behind Emeka Egbuka. Since Week 5, he’s posted three straight double-digit PPR point outings. His recent uptick in usage has been fueled by injuries to Tampa Bay’s top receivers, leading to an 18.9% target share and an impressive 65.7 yards per game in that stretch. Otton’s efficiency stands out as well, recording 2.14 yards per route run, receiving more valuable targets down the field.
Against single-high coverage, which New Orleans deploys at one of the league’s highest rates, Otton has been particularly effective, averaging 2.74 yards per route run over the past three weeks, which is enticing this week. The Saints have given up the 10th-most fantasy points to tight ends and have consistently struggled in the red zone against the position. With a history of success against New Orleans, including touchdowns in three of his last four meetings, Otton is positioned for another top-10 finish and should be started with confidence.
Mason Taylor NYJ
Mason Taylor has been an up-and-down fantasy football option this season, showing flashes of promise but battling inconsistency tied to quarterback play. Since Week 4, he’s posted two strong outings and two duds, though the underlying metrics remain encouraging. Taylor has maintained a 19.4% target share with 41.3 receiving yards per game and a solid 20.6% first-read rate, strong numbers for a young tight end in an evolving offense. His red zone involvement has also been steady, recording two targets inside the 20 over his last four contests. Regardless of whether Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor starts in Week 8, Mason Taylor has proven to be a trusted option when his team moves the chains through play action and quick-hitting schemes.
This week’s matchup makes Taylor one of the more appealing fantasy football start candidates at tight end. Cincinnati’s defense has been shredded by tight ends, allowing the most yards, most touchdowns, and most fantasy points per game to the position. The Bengals have given up nine touchdowns to tight ends this season, including seven over just the last three games. Taylor’s consistent target share since Week 3 positions him for high-volume opportunities in a favorable game script. If you’ve been streaming the position, this is the perfect week to start Mason Taylor with confidence against the NFL’s most generous defense to tight ends.
Tight Ends to Sit
Hunter Henry NE
Hunter Henry’s production has been trending in the wrong direction, making him a risky start in Week 8. Over the last four weeks, he’s seen just 14 total targets and has failed to reach 50 receiving yards in any contest. Despite maintaining a 16.7% target share on the season, Henry’s role in the Patriots’ offense has become unpredictable in tougher matchups. The passing game remains ever-changing with the emergence of Stefon Diggs over the past few weeks and different players stepping up every week. While he continues to see occasional red zone usage, seven targets inside the 20 this year, his recent lack of involvement makes it tough to trust him in fantasy lineups.
The Week 8 matchup against Cleveland is one that fantasy football managers should avoid. The Browns rank among the league’s toughest defenses against tight ends, allowing the ninth-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points and 12th-fewest receiving yards to the position. Even though he has been a fringe TE1 this season, the low floor combined with a tough opponent makes him a clear sit candidate. Unless you’re desperate at the position, it’s wise to bench Henry this week and explore better matchups elsewhere.
Zach Ertz WAS
Zach Ertz has been an active contributor to Washington’s passing game, recording nine catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns across his last two contests. However, the quarterback situation significantly affects his fantasy football outlook. With Jayden Daniels sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Marcus Mariota is expected to start, a downgrade that historically limits Ertz’s production. In Mariota’s two starts earlier this year, Ertz managed only five receptions for 59 yards and no touchdowns. While his route participation remains solid and he’s seen five red zone targets on the season, his average depth of target remains shallow, limiting big-play potential.
This week’s matchup with Kansas City makes Ertz a firm sit. The Chiefs have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends, giving up just one touchdown all season to the position. They’ve also held opposing tight ends to minimal yardage, ranking top-five in both yards and receptions allowed. Mariota’s conservative passing tendencies further cap Ertz’s ceiling, especially if Washington’s top receivers return and reclaim target priority. With limited scoring upside and a brutal defensive matchup, Ertz should remain on fantasy benches in Week 8 outside of deep or desperate formats.
Theo Johnson NYG
Theo Johnson’s recent surge has put him on the radar for fantasy football managers, ranking as the TE7 in points per game since Week 4. His usage metrics have been impressive, with a 73.3% route share and a 19.2% target share while averaging 35.8 yards per game. He’s also been heavily involved near the goal line, recording five red zone targets and scoring four touchdowns over his last four games. The chemistry he’s developed with Jaxson Dart has helped him become a reliable chain-mover and safety valve in pressure situations. However, while his recent performances look strong on paper, regression may be looming against stronger defensive opponents.
Week 8 presents a difficult matchup that makes Johnson a sit candidate. The Eagles have allowed the fourth-fewest overall to tight ends, excelling at shutting down interior routes. Johnson managed just 4.7 fantasy points in their first meeting this season and benefited from a fluky deflected touchdown last week. His production has been touchdown-dependent, and this Philadelphia defense is stingy near the goal line. While Johnson remains a player to monitor for future starts, fantasy managers should avoid starting him in Week 8 unless absolutely necessary.
