NFL Fantasy 2025: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em – Tight Ends for Week 5

Alright fantasy football fanatics, let’s dive into the tight end landscape for Week 5 of the 2025 season. You’ve got lineup headaches, and hopefully, I’ve got the aspirin. We’re here to help you make those tough calls – the ones that can win you your week or send you spiraling into a pit of despair.

Forget the obvious choices. You don’t need me to tell you that Travis Kelce is a must-start. We’re digging deeper, exploring those borderline players who could be sneaky difference-makers. So, buckle up, and let’s get to it!

(Important Note: All stats are pulled straight from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats, and the NFL Research department.)

START ‘EM!

1. Tyler Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers:

Seriously, are we still having this conversation? If Tyler Warren isn’t in your starting lineup, what are you even doing? This guy’s been a fantasy stud, racking up double-digit points in three of four games. While you can’t always count on him rumbling into the end zone for a rushing TD, he’s been a receiving machine, hitting the 70-yard mark three times. The target share is solid, and it’s only going to climb from here. We haven’t even seen his full potential yet. Warren is a non-negotiable, lock-him-in-and-forget-about-it kind of start.

2. Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys:

Quick question: Who’s got more fantasy points than Jake Ferguson this season? Answer: Nobody! The dude’s been Dak Prescott’s go-to guy week after week, consistently delivering big numbers. We’re talking at least 16 fantasy points in three straight games. The usage and production are just too juicy to ignore. Until something drastic changes, Ferguson is a must-start. Plus, the Jets have been getting roasted by tight ends, giving up a pair of touchdowns to Darren Waller just last week. Coincidence? I think not!

3. Hunter Henry, New England Patriots:

Even in a game where the Patriots’ offense was flatter than a pancake and Henry only saw two targets, he still managed to sneak into the top 10 among tight ends. The guy snagged a TD against the Panthers and nearly had another, getting tackled at the 1-yard line. He’s hit double-digit fantasy points in three games this season. Expect him to be Drake Maye’s favorite target in the red zone, especially in a game where the Patriots might be playing catch-up.

4. Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills:

The volume wasn’t huge for Kincaid last week, but he still found the end zone, saving his fantasy day. He’s consistently topped seven fantasy points in every game and has even hit 14 or more twice. That’s a solid floor with some serious upside in the tight end world. This week, he’s up against the Patriots, who’ve been generous to tight ends, allowing the seventh-most receiving yards. Kincaid remains a viable option.

5. Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders:

Ertz gets a major boost if Jayden Daniels is back under center, but even if he’s not, I still think he’s worth a look. The Chargers have struggled against slot receivers this season, and Ertz leads the Commanders in targets, catches, and yards from the slot. In what could be a high-scoring affair, and with four teams on bye, Ertz is definitely in the mix.

6. Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins:

He’s back, baby! In his first game in nearly two years, Waller didn’t just score one touchdown, he scored two! He wasn’t on the field a ton, but when he was, he was getting targeted – especially in the end zone. With Tyreek Hill out for the season, those targets are going to be up for grabs, and I expect Waller to become the go-to red-zone threat. His snaps and routes should increase as he gets back in the groove. After dropping 17 fantasy points and finishing as TE4 last week, Waller is a solid play for those streaming tight ends or needing a bye-week fill-in. Plus, the Panthers have been getting torched by tight ends, giving up the second-most receiving yards.

SIT ‘EM!

1. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings:

Outside of one explosive half, Hockenson has been pretty quiet this fantasy season. With Jordan Addison back in the lineup last week, Hockenson was only fourth on the team in targets. This week, he’s got a tough matchup against the Browns, who’ve allowed the fourth-fewest receiving yards to tight ends. The Browns also bring the heat on the QB, and protecting the quarterback has been a struggle for the Vikings. This one feels like a defensive slugfest.

2. Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles:

I almost put Goedert in the "start ’em" section, but the more I looked at his season and this matchup, the worse I felt. He caught two touchdowns last week, but those were his first red-zone targets of the season. He’s been heavily reliant on touchdowns, and his floor is super low if he doesn’t find the end zone. This week, he’s up against a tough Broncos defense, and there’s a good chance we see the Eagles force-feed A.J. Brown to get him going. Goedert is too boom-or-bust to trust this week.

3. David Njoku & Harrison Bryant, Cleveland Browns:

The Browns’ two-tight-end system is a fantasy wasteland. Neither player cracked five fantasy points last week. They’ve only had one double-digit fantasy game between them (Fannin in Week 1). They’re cannibalizing each other’s targets, making them unusable in fantasy. Plus, the Vikings are middle-of-the-pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to tight ends. Stay away!

4. Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Otton just isn’t seeing enough targets to be fantasy relevant. Even with Mike Evans out last week, Chris Godwin stepped into the role of target hog. Otton has seen four or fewer targets in every game this season. He’s a recognizable name, so some managers might be tempted to stream him. Don’t do it!

5. Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens:

In his return to action, Likely played 47% of the snaps, ran 20 routes, and didn’t get a single target. There’s a ton of competition for targets in Baltimore, and Mark Andrews’ resurgence doesn’t bode well for Likely’s fantasy chances. Plus, the Texans have allowed the fifth-fewest receiving yards and only one touchdown to tight ends. Stream elsewhere.

There you have it, folks! Your Week 5 tight end cheat sheet. Good luck with your lineups, and may the fantasy gods be ever in your favor!