Looking towards Week 5 of the NFL fantasy football season, we will look into the matchups to discern the positive or negative impact a given matchup will have on tight ends. Below is the Week 5 start ’em sit ’em tight ends based on their matchups.
Week 5 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Tight Ends
Must Start: Kyle Pitts — Atlanta Falcons (vs. New York Jets)
Pitts has not lived up to the sky-high expectations put on him. Last week against the Washington Football Team he had four receptions on nine targets for 50 yards, which was his highest target total on the season. This week against the Jets is a must-succeed matchup for Pitts. If he is unsuccessful with Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage out, he may be a wash in his rookie year. Expect a high dosage of targets in this game.
Must Start: Dawson Knox — Buffalo Bills (at Kansas City Chiefs)
Knox is the TE6 on the season in half PPR and has been one of the biggest surprises of the season. This week he is facing the Chiefs in what should be a high-scoring game. The Chiefs defense has also been far from desirable, so it would not be surprising if he found his way into the end zone again. Last week against the Texans he had five receptions on eight targets for 37 yards and two touchdowns. Continue to ride the hot streak with Knox.
Must Start: Mike Gesicki — Miami Dolphins (at Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Gesicki’s value has increased over the last few weeks, as he started seeing solid volume. In the first two weeks of the season Gesicki only received eight total targets. In the last two weeks he had 18 total targets. It is clear that Jacoby Brissett is a big reason behind his success. This week Gesicki faces a Buccaneers defense that has allowed the most yards passing per game in the NFL. While the Dolphins will be down in this game, that will help Gesicki get more work down the stretch.
Must Sit: Evan Engram — New York Giants (at Dallas Cowboys)
With so many injuries to the Giants pass catchers, it was no surprise that Engram had solid volume last week. Both Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton are out yet again this week against the Cowboys, but he will need to see way more volume to be valuable, as he had just 4.5 yards per target last week. Until he increases his efficiency, Engram is not worthy of a start.
Must Sit: Jonnu Smith — New England Patriots (at Houston Texans)
The tight end situation in New England is still very confusing. With that said, this matchup with Houston is still going to have people playing Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry. Henry appears to be the leader in the clubhouse between the two, as he has more targets. Both tight ends scored a touchdown last week, but Henry had more receptions. This game may be a blowout, but it could also be a game in which New England runs a lot to ground out a win. If that is the case, and they are not looking to run up the score, then Smith will likely not find the end zone.
Must Sit: C.J. Uzomah – Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Green Bay Packers)
Uzomah is coming off an explosive week 5 against the Jaguars, with five receptions on six targets for 95 yards and two touchdowns. With Tee Higgins out, Tyler Boyd and Uzomah saw a higher target share. This week the expectation is that Higgins will return, which makes Uzomah a sit.
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