Nfl Fantasy 2025 Start ’em, Sit ’em: Tight Ends for Week 8

Starting Options for Tight Ends in Week 8

The NFL Fantasy landscape sees a variety of tight end matchups this week, with several players offering strong value to managers looking to maximize their teams. Let’s dive into the key starting options:

Dallas Goedert: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants

Despite a less productive Week 7 for Dallas Goedert, he remains an attractive start due to his high fantasy ceiling and recent performances. Prior to that week, Goedert had accumulated five touchdowns in Weeks 3-6, showcasing his potential as a reliable weekly performer. His previous meeting with the Giants in Week 6 yielded nine catches, 110 yards, and a touchdown. The Eagles will look to rely on their tight end against the struggling New York Giants, making Goedert a solid choice for this week.

Dalton Kincaid: Buffalo Bills vs. Carolina Panthers

With Dalton Kincaid questionable due to an oblique injury, he still presents a favorable matchup given his recent form and the Panthers’ defensive struggles against tight ends. Kincaid has maintained a 24% target rate, tied with Khalil Shakir for the highest on the team, and has posted at least seven points in three games this season. The Panthers have allowed the fourth-most yards and sixth-most fantasy PPG to tight ends, making them an enticing option for managers looking for consistent production.

Harold Fannin Jr.: Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots

The Browns’ recent reliance on Harold Fannin Jr., especially with David Njoku questionable due to injury, makes him a key player this week. Fannin saw five of the team’s 18 pass attempts in their rain-soaked win over Miami and now leads the team in catches and receiving yards. The Patriots have allowed the eighth-most yards to tight ends, providing an opportunity for Fannin to build on his recent productivity.

Kyle Pitts: Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins

While Kyle Pitts has faced criticism after last week’s analysis, he remains a valuable option this week due to his high target rates and favorable matchup against the Dolphins’ weak tight end defense. Despite facing the 49ers in Week 7, Pitts received 10 targets, tied for most on the team, leading to seven catches and 62 yards. The Dolphins have allowed the fifth-most yards to tight ends this season, making him a worthwhile consideration despite his recent struggles.

Players to Sit This Week

Not all tight ends offer favorable matchups or reliable production for Week 8. Here are players who should be sidelined due to their unfavorable situations:

Zach Ertz: Washington Commanders vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The inclusion of Zach Ertz on the bench is driven by his poor matchup against the Chiefs, who have allowed just three touchdowns and 129 yards per game to tight ends in 2025. With Marcus Mariota expected to start at quarterback this week, Ertz’s production could be further limited. The combination of a tough matchup and potential reduced usage makes Ertz a non-starter.

Hunter Henry: New England Patriots vs. Cleveland Browns

Hunter Henry’s volume has been on the decline over recent weeks, making him a less attractive option for Week 8. With just 14 targets since Week 4 and averages of fewer than 50 receiving yards per game in that span, Henry faces an uncertain role this week. Managers should consider benching him if there are other options available.

Theo Johnson: New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Despite Theo Johnson’s recent performance with a 23% first-read share from Jaxson Dart, his start is questionable due to the Eagles’ strong defensive showing against tight ends in Week 6. Johnson posted only 4.7 fantasy points and two catches for 27 yards, highlighting the challenges he faces this week. Given the Eagles’ recent form and the volume of targets typically distributed among tight ends, Johnson’s value may be overestimated.

Jonnu Smith: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers

With three Steelers tight ends catching touchdowns in a single game last week, Jonnu Smith’s fantasy prospects have diminished significantly. The distribution of targets makes it too difficult to trust any of the tight ends for Week 8 purposes. Even in favorable matchups like this one against the Packers, managers should avoid starting Smith due to the unpredictable nature of his role and the depth within Pittsburgh’s offensive lineup.

Conclusion

The tight end position offers a mix of opportunities and challenges for fantasy football managers in Week 8. Starting options include Dallas Goedert, Dalton Kincaid, Harold Fannin Jr., and Kyle Pitts, while players like Zach Ertz, Hunter Henry, Theo Johnson, and Jonnu Smith should be considered for the bench. This week’s matchups and recent performances will determine which tight ends provide the best value to managers seeking a competitive edge in their fantasy leagues.