Introduction
Tight ends (TEs) are pivotal in fantasy football due to their dual role as pass-catchers and red-zone threats. In PPR leagues, elite TEs like Sam LaPorta or George Kittle can single-handedly swing matchups with high-volume receptions and touchdowns. However, the position is notoriously top-heavy, making strategic streaming or securing a reliable starter critical for success.
Fantasy Football TE Overview
Standard vs. PPR Scoring:
- Standard: TDs and yardage dominate (e.g., Mark Andrews’ 2023 TD-heavy role).
- PPR: Reception volume elevates players like Jake Ferguson (6+ catches in three straight games).
Strategic Value:
Only 5–7 TEs consistently deliver weekly starter value, creating a steep drop-off after the top tier.
Best Fantasy Tight Ends for Week 6
- Jake Ferguson (DAL vs. DET): Leads TEs in reliability with 6+ receptions in three straight games. Faces a Lions defense allowing the 8th-most fantasy points to TEs.
- George Kittle (SF at SEA): Thriving without Christian McCaffrey; averaging 15.2 PPR points per game. Seahawks rank 12th in TE fantasy points allowed.
- Trey McBride (ARI at GB): A “poor man’s Ferguson” with steady targets. Packers allow the 10th-most yards to TEs.
- Brock Bowers (LV vs. PIT): High-risk, high-reward play. Posted two top-3 TE performances this season despite the Raiders’ shaky offense.
- Sam LaPorta (DET at DAL): Returning from a Week 5 bye; ankle injury likely behind him. Cowboys allow the 7th-most receptions to TEs.
PPR TE Rankings for Week 6
| Rank | Player | Team | Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jake Ferguson | DAL | vs. DET | Target hog; Lions vulnerable to TEs. |
| 2 | George Kittle | SF | at SEA | McCaffrey’s absence boosts his role. |
| 3 | Trey McBride | ARI | at GB | Consistent mid-range PPR floor. |
| 4 | Brock Bowers | LV | vs. PIT | Boom-or-bust; Steelers allow 6.8 YAC. |
| 5 | Sam LaPorta | DET | at DAL | Post-bye bounce-back candidate. |
| 6 | Tucker Kraft | GB | vs. ARI | TE5 by PPR avg; Cardinals weak vs. TEs. |
| 7 | Dallas Goedert | PHI | vs. CLE | Low ceiling but safe 5-7 targets. |
| 8 | Evan Engram | JAC | at CHI | Bears allow 4th-most TE receptions. |
| 9 | Kyle Pitts | ATL | at CAR | Panthers’ defense ranks 28th vs. TEs. |
| 10 | Dalton Kincaid | BUF | at NYJ | Jets allow 3rd-fewest TE points; risky. |
Injury Updates for Week 6
- Sam LaPorta (DET, Ankle Injury): Expected to play after a Week 5 bye. Ankle injury likely behind him, making him a strong option for Week 6.
- Brock Bowers (LV, Shoulder Injury): Monitor practice reports as Bowers is a high-risk play with lingering shoulder issues.
- Dalton Kincaid (BUF, Concussion Protocol): Kincaid has been in and out of concussion protocol. If active, he’s a risky but intriguing play.
Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 6
- Tucker Kraft (GB): The Packers’ tight end is averaging TE5 PPR numbers and faces a weak Arizona defense. Kraft is a strong waiver wire candidate for Week 6.
- Cade Otton (TB): Otton has been quietly consistent and could be a solid streamer if you’re desperate for tight end help.
Start/Sit Advice for Week 6
- Start Jake Ferguson (DAL): With 6+ catches in three straight games and a favorable matchup against Detroit, Ferguson is a must-start in PPR formats.
- Sit Dalton Kincaid (BUF): Facing the Jets’ elite defense is a risky situation for Kincaid, even if he plays. Only consider him if you’re desperate.
- Start Sam LaPorta (DET): Fresh off a bye, LaPorta has a great chance to bounce back and could take advantage of a Cowboys defense that’s weak against TEs.
Overall Fantasy Player Rankings (Tight Ends Focus)
- Travis Kelce is no longer a consensus 1st-round pick but remains a mid-to-late 2nd-round value due to reduced TD dependency.
- Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers are rising into the top 30 overall players, reflecting their dual-threat roles.
- Mark Andrews has fallen outside the top 50 after inconsistent usage (4/55 in Week 5).
2024 Season Outlook
Breakouts:
- Brock Bowers (LV) and Tucker Kraft (GB) are outperforming draft expectations.
Surprises:
- Jake Ferguson (DAL) has emerged as the TE1 in PPR formats.
Disappointments:
- Mark Andrews (BAL) and Dalton Kincaid (BUF) due to injuries and drops.
Trending Up:
- Sam LaPorta (DET) and Kyle Pitts (ATL) are poised for second-half surges.
Conclusion
Securing a top-tier TE like Ferguson or Kittle can anchor your lineup, but streaming options like Tucker Kraft or Cade Otton (TB) based on matchups is viable for managers without elite options. Prioritize TEs facing defenses in the bottom 10 for receptions allowed (e.g., Bears, Panthers).