Week 15 has already started. We need to begin game-planning for our lineups. I will be here weekly with my starts/sits of the week at tight end. Tight ends are tricky since you’ll likely want to start the best six to eight tight ends no matter what. I will give some players right after that elite tier that you can play and a few sleepers lower in the rankings. Tight end sits will be strictly based on matchups and may impact some of the elite players at the position.
Be sure to follow our other start/sit articles and authors; they contain great advice to help you each week.
Changing the Call (QB): Mike Hicks
The Cutback (RB): Jake Oliver
Slant Pattern (WR): Tristan Cook
12 Formation (TE): Steven Pintado
Flex on ‘Em (FLEX): Evan Brown
IDP Start/Sit (IDP): Jon Glosser
Recapping Last Week
Sometimes, we have bad weeks, and Week 14 was not great for the tight ends. We went 0-5 in starts and sits. Chig Okonkwo, Brevin Jordan, and Kylen Granson failed to live up to their favorable matchup in Week 14. Cole Kmet finished as he was ranked, so he was worth the TE11 play. Kyle Pitts was a surprise as he finished as TE6 last week.
Start ‘Em
Darren Waller, Giants – TE37
Darren Waller looks like he will return to the field in Week 15. He hasn’t played since week eight of the season. At that point, Tommy DeVito was making his first appearance on the field. Waller was the only consistent fantasy option outside of Saquon Barkley, who was start-worthy. He was averaging five receptions for 48 yards per game. The Saints allow the fifth most fantasy points per game to the tight end position. They have allowed five receiving touchdowns in the last five weeks. They also have given up two 130 receiving yards in those five games. The Giants still haven’t found a consistent passing option since Waller has been out. If he plays, he should slide right back into the target leader role for the team. Keep your eyes on the injury report for Waller in Week 15.
Logan Thomas, Rams – TE16
For Logan Thomas, he has been a little quieter in fantasy after playing well in the first nine games. He has had some decent outings, with 40 yards in two of the last four games. He hasn’t scored since week eight of the season. He saw only one target the last time he was on the field. Thomas plays the Rams, allowing the third most fantasy points per game to tight ends. They have allowed a tight end of over 40 yards in four of the last five games. They have also given up three receiving touchdowns. I expect this game to have a higher score so that Thomas will have his chances. Brian Robinson will be out, so Thomas could see some short area dump-off passes for his benefit. Thomas can get closer to six targets and have a chance to have a great game in Week 15.
Tucker Kraft, Packers – TE15
Tucker Kraft was a nice surprise in week 14. He finished that game with four receptions for 64 yards. The Packers are hurting at receiver, who has some recent injuries. Kraft can see a few more targets in a favorable matchup—the Bucs rank in the bottom ten in the league against fantasy tight ends. We’ve seen decent production to the opposing tight ends that play the Bucs. It’s not elite, but Kraft has the talent to do even more. In the last five weeks, the Bucs have allowed lower-tier tight ends to see some production. Kraft should be able to see another six-target game, as I think Jordan Love will be on fire this week. The backfield is a mess and injured, so look for the Packers to lean on the pass. Kraft is a nice sleeper in Week 15.
Sit ‘Em
Cole Kmet, Bears – TE12
Cole Kmet managed not to be a sit in Week 14, but I’m running it back again with him as a sit. Kmet managed to do well against an average Lions defense, producing five receptions for 66 yards. This week, Kmet has to play the Browns. The Browns rank in the top ten per game against fantasy tight ends. Despite a fantastic match from Evan Engram in Week 14, the Browns have been great. In the prior games to Week 14, they allowed only one tight end over 30 yards from Week 6. Kmet has been more consistent lately, but the Bears pass attack can sometimes fail. Kmet may be a start for many this week, but beware that he finishes lower than his ranking suggests.
Hunter Henry, Patriots – TE19
Hunter Henry surprised many last week with his two touchdown games. You can forget that you saw that and sit Henry in Week 15. Henry has been nonexistent besides four games where he scored a touchdown. Since week three, he has only had two of those games. The Patriots will have Demario Douglas and a few other receivers in Week 15. Henry could disappear again for this offense. They play the Chiefs, who allow the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends. Since week six, they have kept all opposing tight ends under 40 yards. Buying into Henry’s Week 14 game will not help you in the first round of the fantasy playoffs.
Kyle Pitts, Falcons – TE10
Kyle Pitts made me look bad, calling him a sit in Week 14. He managed to produce 57 yards and a touchdown. This matchup in Week 15 will be harder as the Panthers rank in the top 10 against tight ends. Since week six, they have not allowed a tight end over 45 yards. They gave up two touchdowns, but it’s rare for them to allow points to the tight end position. Last time at home, Kyle Pitts scored six points against them. The Falcons passing offense has been terrible on the road. Pitts averages 37.5 receiving yards on the road with zero touchdowns. Pitts should likely be left off starting lineups in Week 15.
