The Washington Commanders will host the New York Giants in Week 1. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding TE Zach Ertz.
Is Zach Ertz Playing in Week 1?
Ertz is not listed on the injury report this week, so barring any setbacks, he will play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Washington Commanders’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Zach Ertz in Week 1?
As someone also in their mid-30s, I’d love for this season for me to be what 2024 was for Zach Ertz. The veteran TE stayed on the field (17 missed games over the two years prior), averaged a career high 1.95 PPR points per target, and didn’t show signs of fatigue (TD scored against the Lions in the Divisional Round and 11 grabs against the Eagles with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line).
Ertz caught all five of his targets against the Giants last season (two games, 47 routes run), an underwhelming level of involvement, but at least he was efficient in Year 1 of the Jayden Daniels era. The Giants ranked fifth in blitz rate in 2024, a scheme I expect to sustain, and that introduces a PPR merchant sort of afternoon into the range of outcomes for a savvy player like Ertz. If the mission is to kill your opponent, death by 1,000 paper cuts is still a means to that end.
It is important to note that, although he was surprisingly productive a season ago, it certainly didn’t look that way out of the gates for Ertz (under 40 receiving yards in four of his first five and held scoreless until the back-half of October).
We are talking about a tight end in a tier that stretches down some 8-12 names regarding “fringe TE1” status. In a perfect world, your matchup doesn’t hinge on a player like this, but in the scope of this range at the position, I’ll take the floor of Ertz over less proven options or those with unclear roles.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em article.
Zach Ertz’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 1
Ertz is projected to score 8.9 points in PPR formats. This includes 3.8 receptions for 34 yards and 0.3 touchdowns.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 1 Weather Impact: Washington Commanders vs New York Giants
Weather conditions should be favorable for this outdoor matchup with temperatures at 76 degrees Fahrenheit and light winds of 7 mph.
