Week 7 of the NFL season has arrived! The fantasy tight end landscape is in a state of constant flux, so it’s time to take a deeper dive into that position.
Let’s break down my Week 7 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football TE picks.
Start ‘Em: Kyle Pitts (Falcons) at Panthers
After a three-week stretch in which Pitts managed to only score a combined 12.9 points, many were quick to declare him no longer fantasy relevant. The 24-year-old quieted those doubters by dropping double-digit points in back-to-back outings, showcasing his big-play ability in each contest.
Pitts’ bump in production correlates with Kirk Cousins snapping out of his slump to start the year. Funny how that works, right? This week, the Falcons take on a Seahawks defense that allows the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. I expect Pitts to keep riding this positive momentum and be heavily involved once again.
Sit ‘Em: Pat Freiermuth (Steelers) vs. Jets
Freiermuth’s steady floor provided a comfortable option amidst an incredibly ugly fantasy tight end landscape at the beginning of the year. However, over the last few weeks others at his position have broken out, while the 25-year-old’s production has plateaued.
Freiermuth has eclipsed the double-digit points mark just once in six games. He racked up a measly combined 12.8 against the Cowboys and Raiders, only seeing six targets. With Russell Wilson now under center for the Steelers, his tight end could carve out a larger role in the passing game. I just don’t expect that to happen this week in their first regular season game together, especially against an incredibly tough Jets defense.
Check out my full Week 7 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Evan Engram (Jaguars) vs. Patriots
Engram returned to action in style after a four-week absence, hauling in all 10 of his targets for 102 yards against the Bears. Fortunately for the talented tight end, his production does not hinge on Jacksonville’s success as a team. In fact, the Jaguars’ inability to run the ball consistently helps his fantasy prospects.
Trevor Lawrence and company will “host” a Patriots defense that is in disarray in London this week, opening the door for Engram to keep his positive momentum rolling. His high target share immediately thrusts him back into TE1 territory.
Sit ‘Em: Sam LaPorta (Lions) at Vikings
The good news? LaPorta hauled in an impressive 52-yard touchdown against the Cowboys.
The bad news? Not only was that his only catch, it was his only target of a game in which Detroit put up 47 points. We’ve officially entered panic territory with the 23-year-old. After finishing last season as TE1, LaPorta has failed to score double-digit points in four of his five outings.
It’s not like he and Jared Goff aren’t on the same page, Goff just isn’t looking his way. The versatile tight end has seen only 15 targets through five games. Until he carves out a larger role in this high-octane passing attack, LaPorta should be left on your bench.
Fantasy Advice Twitter Takeover
On Sunday from 11-1 ET, Jeff Pratt will be taking over the DraftKings Network X account to answer all of your start/sit questions. Don’t miss out!
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 7 fantasy football tight end picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice next week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
