“Commence or Bench provides a comprehensive analysis of favorable and unfavorable matchups in fantasy football, focusing on a PPR scoring system. This segment won’t delve into top-tier NFL players such as Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey, or Justin Jefferson. Instead, I’ll scrutinize players that might surpass or fall short of expectations at every position, addressing your queries. For your ultimate fantasy lineup choices, consult my regularly updated weekly player rankings throughout the 2023 NFL season.”
Wild Card Start ’Em, Sit ’Em: QUARTERBACKS | RUNNING BACKS | WIDE RECEIVERS | TIGHT ENDS | KICKERS & TEAM DEFENSES
Wild Card Start ’Em: Tight Ends
Player to Start
Dallas Goedert against Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Monday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN): Goedert has consistently delivered with 14 or more points in each of his last two full games (limited to 23 snaps last week). I am optimistic about his performance this week against the Buccaneers, given their defense’s track record of allowing 10 or more points to tight ends on eight occasions. Among them, five tight ends scored more than 17 points, and three surpassed 22 points in 2023.
Players to Start
David Njoku against Houston Texans (Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC): Njoku, ranking among the league’s top fantasy tight ends, has elevated his performance, particularly since Joe Flacco assumed control of the offense. With consistent involvement (at least eight targets in four consecutive games), he is poised to make an impact against the Texans, who surrendered the sixth-highest fantasy points to opposing tight ends during the regular season.
DFS Bargains (DraftKings)
Dallas Goedert against Buccaneers ($4,800)
Jake Ferguson vs. Green Bay Packers ($4,700)
Wild Card Sit ’Em: Tight Ends
Player to Sit
Dalton Schultz against Cleveland Browns (Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC): Schultz concluded the regular season with subpar performances, scoring in single digits in four of his last five games. This trend is anticipated to persist against the Browns, boasting the league’s most formidable defense against tight ends. Notably, only four tight ends managed to score double-digit points against them, with just two exceeding 14.1 points.
Players to Sit
Pat Freiermuth against Buffalo Bills (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Freiermuth is coming off a subpar season, and his fantasy numbers have not justified a starting position. This week, facing the tough Bills defense in potentially frigid conditions at Orchard Park, the outlook remains unfavorable. Buffalo has allowed only one tight end to surpass 12 points in a game this season.
