The tight end position in fantasy football remains one of the most unpredictable and frustrating for managers to navigate week after week. While some players emerge as reliable targets in their offenses, others disappoint despite seemingly favorable matchups and opportunities.
This week’s performances highlight the volatile nature of the position, with some veterans capitalizing on increased target shares while promising rookies face setbacks that could delay their fantasy relevance. The contrast between breakout performances and underwhelming showings serves as a reminder that fantasy football success at tight end often comes down to timing, health, and offensive game plans that can change without warning.
Winners: Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys may not be winning football games or playing particularly well, but that doesn’t seem to matter to Jake Ferguson. If anything, it’s benefiting him. QB Dak Prescott has apparently decided that pushing the ball downfield is no longer something he’s interested in. As a result, it’s turned Ferguson into the ultimate PPR scam.
The veteran tight end caught 13 of 14 targets for an incredibly inefficient 82 yards. If there ever were an argument against full PPR, it’s Ferguson’s Week 3 stat line.
Even if WR CeeDee Lamb is alright, this is still a consolidated passing game that runs through Lamb, George Pickens, and Ferguson. 26 targets over the past two weeks — there’s nothing more that needs to be said.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
The only tight end to outscore Ferguson this week, Hunter Henry was Drake Maye’s “receiver” of choice in Week 3. Coming off a dreadful 1-for-9 outing, Henry rebounded massively, hauling in eight of 11 targets for 90 yards and two touchdowns.
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Henry’s overall TE1 performance doesn’t suddenly elevate him into must-start territory. He will still be inconsistent from week to week.
Nevertheless, with the New England Patriots lacking a clear top target, it’s encouraging to know this is in Henry’s range of outcomes. He will be volatile, but based on this level of upside, he’s worth rostering and occasionally starting.
Losers: Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears
This was the week. The Chicago Bears were 0-2, and it was time to get their rookies more involved. We saw that manifest with Luther Burden III ripping off 101 yards and a touchdown. It looked like Colston Loveland was on his way as well, grabbing a 31-yard reception in the first quarter. Then, he failed to catch another pass.
Loveland’s hip injury added to the pain for fantasy managers hoping this was the start of something. He exited in the second quarter and did not return.
With the potential for Loveland to miss Week 4, combined with the Bears’ Week 5 bye, any ascension is unlikely to begin until Week 6. That is a long time to sit on a rookie tight end who simply may just be a 2026 thing.
Jonnu Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers
It was a challenge to find a second loser at the tight end position, so Jonnu Smith seems good enough. Interestingly, he actually saw a season-high 83% snap share. It just didn’t amount to anything.
Smith ran a mere 14 routes and earned only three targets. He did catch all of them for 23 yards, but what is that doing for fantasy managers? He’s now posted receiving totals of 15, 27, and 23. The only situation in which he will be worth putting in lineups is if he scores. Good luck predicting that.
