Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) runs with the ball against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

As fantasy football week 4 approaches, the tight end position remains a challenge that separates the savvy from the uncertain. With injuries and inconsistent production plaguing the landscape, finding dependable options with both volume and red zone appeal is critical. This week, a handful of tight ends stand out as prime plays based on opportunity, matchup, and recent performance.

Meanwhile, several familiar names have stumbled due to competition for targets or questionable quarterback play, making them candidates to bench in favor of more promising options. Here’s a deeper look at five tight ends to start confidently and five tight ends fantasy managers should consider sitting in week 4.

Start Em:

Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals - McBride anchors this start list. He has quickly become a focal point in the Cardinals' offense, commanding target share while thriving in the red zone. With 17 receptions for 182 yards and one touchdown through the first three weeks, McBride has shown the ability to produce steady PPR value even with Kyler Murray’s evolving situation. The Seattle defense is opportunistic but not particularly savvy with tight ends, giving McBride a golden opportunity for a big week.

Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders - Continues his dominance as the Raiders’ primary receiving threat. His 18 targets and 179 yards over the first three games reflect his integral role in one of the league’s most aggressive passing offenses. Facing a Chicago Bears defense that has allowed one of the highest fantasy points per game to tight ends, Bowers is poised to deliver a top-tier tight end performance again.

Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys - Ranking among the top fantasy tight ends through three weeks. His reliable hands and favorable matchups, including a Week 4 showdown against Green Bay, make him a must-start, particularly with Dak Prescott’s willingness to target him consistently.

Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts - Warren stands out as an under-the-radar option with strong upside. Despite playing through a toe injury, Warren has accumulated 193 yards this season and is now set to face the Rams, a defense that has struggled to contain tight ends over recent seasons. His involvement in both the passing and blocking game adds to his floor and ceiling alike this week.

Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills - Kincaid is becoming a reliable weapon in Buffalo’s offense. As the Bills navigate a transitioning wide receiver corps, Kincaid’s target share has risen. With a matchup against the Saints, who have allowed multiple tight ends to thrive, Kincaid offers solid volume and touchdown upside that should not be overlooked.

Sit Em:

Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles

Goedert has suited up for two games this season and has done pretty well, posting 8 receptions for 77 yards, but he’s yet to deliver a fantasy-relevant outing. The problem isn’t his talent—it’s the crowded Eagles’ offense. A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley’s involvement in the passing game limits Goedert’s target share. Facing an undefeated Buccaneers team allowing the 6th-fewest fantasy points to tight ends (just 6.4 per game), the script doesn’t project much volume for him. Without red zone involvement, he’s a low-upside play.

Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars

On paper, Strange’s stat line looks encouraging with 13 receptions and steady yardage production, but the missing piece is touchdowns. He has yet to find the end zone, and that’s what caps his weekly ceiling. Unfortunately for Strange managers, a matchup with the 49ers defense, which hasn’t allowed a single tight end touchdown yet this season, isn’t going to change that trend. Strange is best left on the bench this week despite his modest volume.

Jonnu Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers

Smith has emerged as a nice piece in Pittsburgh, recording a few catches per game and even finding the end zone once. While he actually leads his team in receptions, this week doesn’t look great for his projections. The bigger problem for Week 4 is the matchup: the Vikings have tightened up against opposing tight ends, holding them to just 38 yards per game. With DK Metcalf and the other targets, Smith is likely to fade into the background in a contest that doesn’t favor his role.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 4: Tight End Edition

Reporting by Tyler Whitcomb, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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