Fantasy football managers are always hunting for tight ends who can bring consistent production. Every week, a few names rise to the surface, forcing us to question whether they’re flukes or legitimate options.
This time is no different, as a couple of players have drawn attention with their recent performances. Let’s take a closer look at who might actually be worth a waiver claim heading into the next NFL slate.
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
Rostered: 49%
It’s time to acknowledge that Dalton Schultz is a weekly startable tight end in fantasy. He’s a volume merchant, but that’s all we can ask for. Schultz has now hit double-digit fantasy points in five of his last six games. And he’s done it without relying on touchdowns.
The veteran tight end has seen 8+ targets in four of his last five. He’s essentially been the second option in the passing game behind Nico Collins and is very much worth adding for the tight-end-needy.
Aggressiveness Rating: 3.0
A.J. Barner, Seattle Seahawks
Rostered: 9%
Whenever a free agent tight end has a big game, he has to be acknowledged. A.J. Barner caught 10 passes for 70 yards in the Seattle Seahawks’ narrow loss to the Los Angeles Rams. That warrants attention.
Barner had one other game this season with seven receptions. Otherwise, he’s maxed out at four targets in every other game.
This is a random one-off. It is not a sign of any increased role. This was a product of the game environment. Do not add Barner.
Aggressiveness Rating: 1.0
Evaluating Schultz and Barner for Week-Long Stability in Fantasy Football
Fantasy managers looking for stability at tight end rarely find it, but Schultz continues to separate himself from the weekly streamers. His consistency in target volume and ability to command looks behind Collins give him real staying power in Houston’s offense. Even if touchdowns fluctuate, his usage suggests a reliable floor that few tight ends can match. Those chasing steady production should treat him as more than a temporary fix.
Barner, on the other hand, should remain on the watch list rather than the roster. His breakout performance against the Rams was more situational than sustainable. Seattle’s passing offense doesn’t funnel enough targets his way to justify a pickup outside of the deepest formats. Fantasy managers have seen this story before with fill-in tight ends posting one big week only to vanish the next.
As the season moves deeper into the playoff push, prioritizing consistency over flash becomes critical. Schultz fits that mold perfectly, offering dependable returns and a defined role in an emerging offense. Barner simply does not. In a position group often defined by volatility, smart fantasy players will focus on the tight ends whose usage aligns with long-term opportunity rather than short-term noise.