Fantasy football managers are facing some tough lineup decisions this week, especially at the tight end position. Injuries and byes are forcing many to dig deeper than usual for reliable options. A few emerging players have intriguing matchups that could turn things around. On the flip side, some familiar names might not live up to expectations based on current trends and team situations.
Start ‘Em: Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
When the Buffalo Bills last played, Dalton Kincaid did not join them. He played through an oblique strain in Week 5, but the injury prevented him from playing in Week 6. You have to think Buffalo’s Week 7 bye had something to do with it. Now, having had two full weeks to rest, Kincaid should be ready to go in Week 8.
The Bills still lack a clear top option in the passing game. Josh Allen spreads the ball around. Even with Kincaid not being a full-time player, he’s still commanding a target on 23.3% of his routes run, the eighth-highest rate in the league at his position.
Dalton Kincaid is a stud. Love his story and love his game. And this is awesome. https://t.co/l0XKLpQYAN
— Ryan Toone (@rctoone) October 21, 2025
The Carolina Panthers have struggled to defend the tight end, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Given all of the teams off this week, Kincaid represents a clear top-12 option.
Mason Taylor, New York Jets
Let’s try this one more time. Mason Taylor’s breakout performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 seems so long ago now. Since then, he’s managed a total of four receptions for 33 yards across two games.
Last week was especially disappointing in light of Garrett Wilson’s absence due to a knee injury. Taylor played all but four snaps in the game, yet earned a mere five targets, catching three for 31 yards.
There is a silver lining, though. All three of Taylor’s receptions against the Panthers came from Tyrod Taylor. The New York Jets are very likely making a change at quarterback. Tyrod is no savior, but he is better at getting the ball to his receivers than Justin Fields.
With Wilson expected to miss another game before returning after the team’s Week 9 bye, Taylor should be the primary option in the passing game. Against a Cincinnati Bengals defense allowing the most fantasy points per game to tight ends, by far, Taylor is once again in a smash spot. Hopefully, this time, he can deliver.
Sit ‘Em: Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders
It is difficult to advise sitting any fantasy-relevant tight end in a week as challenging as this one. Zach Ertz rebounded from his Week 5 goose egg in a big way, posting 16.3 and 12.7 fantasy points in his following two games.
You may not have a better option than Ertz this week, and that’s okay. But if you do, definitely consider sitting the veteran tight end. A lot is working against him and the Washington Commanders this week.
Jayden Daniels tweaked his hamstring against the Dallas Cowboys last week. We are very likely looking at Marcus Mariota making another start. In two games with Mariota under center, Ertz averaged 6.4 fantasy points per game. He’s been at an excellent 11.6 PPG otherwise.
Ertz benefited from being the last man standing in a decimated receiving corps. Noah Brown is on IR, but the Commanders could get Deebo Samuel Sr. or Terry McLaurin back this week, impacting Ertz’s target volume.
Finally, we have the matchup. The Kansas City Chiefs allow the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends. This is a bad spot for a non-explosive player who relies on volume and touchdowns to produce.
Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins
Stop me if you’ve heard this before. Darren Waller is injured. Shocking, I know.
Waller made it all of three games before getting hurt again. By the time you read this, he may already be ruled out. If so, take this as a recommendation to avoid any Miami Dolphins tight end this week.
TE Darren Waller. pic.twitter.com/Zmyb101QyU
— Romano (@Jeffor1) October 21, 2025
The Atlanta Falcons have one of the best defenses in the NFL overall. They are adamant against tight ends, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the position.
It will be a challenge for fantasy managers to field full, competitive lineups this week. Do the best you can. Just don’t consider any Dolphins tight ends.
