We are a week away from the dreadful but exciting fantasy playoffs and it is important to keep the tight end position in mind. People will be playing for bragging rights while others will be trying to win some hard-earned cash. Tight ends continue to surprise all fantasy owners as it seems nobody can completely figure out why there is no consistency with most tight ends this season.
That means that having a pulse on who to start or sit will most likely come down to matchups which means doing your research is a necessity because having a tight end that does good to great can send you to the fantasy playoffs.
Tight Ends Start’em: Week 12
Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith
While star receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are having major down years, this has been a career season for Jonnu Smith who is in his first year in Miami. Smith has produced three consecutive 20-plus-point fantasy games to get him inside the overall tight end top 5 fantasy producers for 2024.
Not only is Smith finding the end zone but his target share has been incredible. Just last week, Smith had 10 catches on 11 targets for over 100 yards with a score. With teams seemingly not giving up the home run balls to Hill or Waddle, they are allowing middle-of-the-field checkdowns which have been going to Smith. Until we see any sign of this level of play dipping off, Smith needs to start in fantasy this week.
Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson
While Jake Ferguson will be coming off an injury, the Cowboys are hosting the Bengals on Monday Night Football. The Bengals have the worst defense in the sport and the most sure thing for this weekend is that Dallas should be able to put up tons of points against a defense that gave up 40 points to Pittsburgh last week. With Ceedee Lamb being banged up, that will give more opportunities for Ferguson to make plays and have a major impact on the game.
Tight Ends Sit’em: Week 12
Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson
The Vikings are the most surprising 10-2 team in the NFL in 2024 and most of that has been without their starting tight end. The former Iowa Hawkeye has been banged up or just out for this entire season which has made him invisible to many football fans. This past week, Hockenson did have 6 targets but only had 3 catches for 28 yards. With a week 14 matchup with Atlanta, many people expect a shootout but the Falcons actually have a pretty good defense so continue to stay away from this tight end.
Jaguars TE Evan Engram
The Jaguars are in a decline as everyone sees. Not only is the season over but now a serious season-ending injury for Trevor Lawrence gives way for Mac Jones to start at quarterback to end the 2024 season. Even with that, Engram still gets his target share. The problem though is that Engram doesn’t get in the end zone. Even when he gets his production, his ceiling isn’t high enough to start because of the no-touchdown factor. The Jags are facing Tennessee this week and that defense which had been stout is probably ready for a rebound game after getting embarrassed in Washington.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, it is go time for us fantasy owners. We work all year to put together a team to at least get into the dance. If we are playing against strangers or friends, if we are trying to get some bragging rights or money, this is the type of year that gets fantasy players excited for football. So much is on the line and it feels like you will have some level of nerves for every play you choose to start in your lineup.
Have the most belief you can and while this position is difficult to do that for, don’t overly stress. Most fantasy players might have a mediocre week at tight end but getting that edge probably will get you to your ultimate destination.
