Top 24 Tight End Rankings & Tiers For Week 5 | Fantasy Football 2026
STACKED extracted the fantasy-relevant player signal from this podcast and kept the full transcript here for context.
18 min
Duration
Estimated from transcript
Oct 9, 2026
Published
Fri, October 9, 2026
25
Player insights
24
Players mentioned
Topics
Brock BowersAJ BarnerBrenton StrangeCade OttonColston LovelandDalton KincaidDalton SchultzDK MetcalfGeorge KittleHarold FanninHunter HenryIsaiah LikelyJake FergusonJuwan Johnson
Player analysis
Player insights
AJ Barner
NegativeProjection21:49
AJ Barner's target volume has dropped significantly (from nine to three), and he is an avoid for Week 5 against the 49ers.
Insight pageBrenton Strange
NegativeProjection20:23
Brenton Strange is touchdown-dependent and the source recommends staying away, noting that his recent team-leading receiving performance is unlikely to repeat against a strong Philly defense.
Insight pageBrock Bowers
PositiveUsage2:12
Brock Bowers is functioning as a wide receiver rather than a traditional tight end, with in-line snap rates of only 17% and 7.5% over the last two weeks. The source views him as a 'movable chess piece' and the JSN of the Raiders offense.
Insight pagePositiveProjection25:47
Brock Bowers is a 'Catch More' target for over 75.5 yards. Despite a tough matchup against the Patriots, his usage as a wide receiver and recent yardage totals (116 and 86) make him a strong bet.
Insight pageCade Otton
NegativeProjection22:34
Cade Otton is not recommended as a start, despite the potential for a high-scoring game against the Cowboys.
Insight pageColston Loveland
PositiveBreakout12:39
Colston Loveland is a breakout candidate for Week 5 against a 'Swiss cheese' Packers defense. He is coming off a 9-target, 57-yard performance in Week 4.
Insight pageDalton Kincaid
PositiveProjection6:57
Despite recent volume concerns and a shaky floor, Kincaid is a high-upside play for Week 5 in a projected shootout against the Rams, especially with DJ Moore likely out.
Insight pageDalton Schultz
NegativeProjection23:32
Dalton Schultz has seen a significant decline in production since Week 2 and is best left on the bench.
Insight pageDK Metcalf
PositiveProjection27:09
DK Metcalf is a 'Catch More' target for over 49.5 yards against a weak Colts secondary that has struggled with deep balls.
Insight pageGeorge Kittle
PositiveProjection3:39
George Kittle is ranked as the TE3 and is considered a must-start every week regardless of matchup due to his high level of play and recent touchdown production.
Insight pageHarold Fannin
PositiveUsage10:30
Harold Fannin Jr. has recorded three straight double-digit fantasy performances and is commanding a valuable target share in the Browns' offense, making him a startable option.
Insight pageHunter Henry
NegativeProjection18:44
Hunter Henry is a floor-based play for desperate managers. With the Patriots' receiving corps beat up, he figures to be a significant part of the offense.
Insight pageIsaiah Likely
PositiveUsage5:50
Isaiah Likely is coming off a 12-target game and benefits from Jameis Winston's presence. He faces a Washington defense that allows the third-most fantasy points to tight ends.
Insight pageJake Ferguson
NegativeBust15:54
Jake Ferguson is a touchdown-dependent gamble who is currently the third option in the passing game. The source recommends leaving him on the bench due to poor team game script expectations.
Insight pageJuwan Johnson
PositiveValue8:26
Juwan Johnson is the TE3 on the season and has proven to be a reliable, must-start tight end in the Saints' pass-happy offense, outperforming preseason expectations.
Insight pageMalik Nabers
PositiveProjection28:23
Malik Nabers is a 'Catch More' target against Washington, which is the worst defense against wide receivers. The source expects him to have a strong stretch now that he is working with Jameis Winston.
Insight pageMark Andrews
NegativeProjection14:05
Mark Andrews is a fringe TE1 start against Atlanta. If Lamar Jackson is out, the source suggests keeping him on the bench, though he could serve as a safety blanket for Huntley.
Insight pageMichael Wilson
PositiveProjection24:10
Michael Wilson is a target for the 'Catch More' prop, as he performs best when the Cardinals are playing from behind, and the Lions' defense is considered vulnerable.
Insight pageMike Gesicki
NegativeProjection19:55
Mike Gesicki is a touchdown-dependent player who has seen little production outside of scoring three touchdowns in four games. He is only relevant if Ja'Marr Chase misses time.
Insight pagePat Freiermuth
NegativeProjection21:33
Pat Freiermuth is a touchdown-dependent player whose role does not lend itself to consistent fantasy production.
Insight pageSam LaPorta
PositiveProjection4:11
Sam LaPorta is ranked as the TE2 for Week 5 following a strong performance against Carolina (13 targets, 8 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD). He is expected to benefit from a projected shootout against Arizona.
Insight pageTrey McBride
PositiveProjection0:57
Trey McBride is ranked as the overall TE1 for Week 5 due to a projected shootout against the Lions, a matchup the source considers highly favorable.
Insight pageTucker Kraft
PositiveProjection9:07
Tucker Kraft is a must-start in most formats due to his talent and upside, despite a recent drop in the end zone and a tough matchup against Chicago's pass defense.
Insight pageTyler Higbee
NegativeProjection17:21
Tyler Higbee is an 'icky' start with a low ceiling, though he benefits from a projected shootout against Buffalo. He is a desperation play if you need a modest floor.
Insight pageTyler Warren
NegativeRole5:11
Tyler Warren is a safe-floor start who remains a focal point of his offense, averaging at least five targets per game. While he hasn't provided 'big booms,' he is a reliable start against Pittsburgh.
Insight pageFull transcript
Episode Transcript
0:00Welcome into the lineup fantasy football show. I'm Mitch Anderson.
0:03I'm Justin Mello. And Mello, if you have any start set questions, trade questions or anything else we can answer to help
0:10you in your week five matchup and beyond, let us know down below and we'll answer every single comment.
0:15It is time for our top 24 tight ends here in week five of the fantasy football season.
0:21And this week for the last time, we try not to ask this too often, but our analytics say 96% of our viewers are not yet subscribed.
0:29If you enjoy the content and tune in regularly, we would love if you hit that subscribe button and join the community.
0:35It helps us so much. As always, the lineup is presented by Dabble Fantasy.
0:39Get $20 instantly when you download the Dabble app and sign up using the promo code LINEUP and play your first $10.
0:46Let's jump into things though, Mello. We've got our top 24 and then we'll wrap it up by breaking down our four favorite plays of the week.
0:54Let's start with the first tight ends for this week.
0:57It's Trey McBride taking on the Lions. Trey McBride or Brock Bowers should be the tight end one overall every single week.
1:03In this case, we're going to go with the one who's playing the Lions, which they're in a shootout every single week.
1:10We've talked about it on previous episodes. We think it's going to be another shootout here in this game.
1:16So we have to put Trey McBride as the tight end one.
1:19Yeah, I told you every week from now on, I'm putting Brock Bowers as my tight end one, but I actually will cede this one to you.
1:27I think Trey McBride is a tight end one just because the matchup is too good.
1:32But let's talk about that guy. Let's talk Brock Bowers.
1:35I love Brock Bowers this week against New England.
1:38We saw him go for 102 and five catches last year when he played them in week one before getting hurt, which
1:44please, oh my God, do not happen again. And he's basically been a wide receiver for this team so far this year.
1:51We look at the first game he was out there against New Orleans.
1:55He played 17% of the snaps in line as an actual tight end.
1:59Last week was 7.5%. So they're truly when you talk about a movable chess piece, that is what Brock Bowers is in this offense.
2:06He's taking over ever since his brief little meniscus trim.
2:09He is the JSN of this offense. He's Clint Kubiak's new JSN.
2:12He's the new JSN. Move him everywhere and throw him the ball a ton.
2:16Let's move on to another talented tight end though.
2:19George Kittle at CL as her tight end three.
2:22I think George Kittle has earned the right to be considered the tight end three every week, regardless of matchup.
2:28I think he's earned that right. He's just playing so well.
2:31Another big game last week. You saw the touchdown.
2:34He had the long touchdown late in that game.
2:36Seattle is great, particularly their defense. So it's not a beautiful matchup.
2:40But how could you ever even consider not starting Kittle?
2:43He's playing at such a high level. He's our tight end three.
2:47One thousand percent. Here's that other guy who's playing at a pretty high level.
2:51Sam Laborda just popped off against Carolina, the tight end two in week five.
2:55He should have the opportunity to build on his 13 targets that led to eight catches and 84 yards with a touchdown last week.
3:02Now he gets Arizona in this projected shootout that we just can't stop talking about.
3:07Yeah, definitely want pieces in that game. Moving on to our tight end five though.
3:11It's Tyler Warren. He's been mildly disappointing, but he's not going to be a good one.
3:16He's still one of the focal points of his offense like so few other tight ends are.
3:21So even if we aren't seeing the big booms, the upside remains there.
3:25And he does still have the safe floor. He's seen at least five targets per game and is weakly low on this
3:31season so far as 9.1 fantasy points. So an easy start against Pittsburgh.
3:35Yeah, it's so hard. I feel like he hasn't disappointed as much as he just hasn't lived up to what people thought.
3:42Like I think he was worth the price tag so far.
3:45You're just kind of like, all right, Tyler Warren.
3:48Nothing crazy, but somebody you absolutely have to start.
3:50100%. On to Isaiah likely taking on the Washington Commanders.
3:53Currently the tight end five on the year. A rising Jameis Winston lifts all boats mellow last week as likely a neighbors
4:00finally get going for the first time since Jackson Dart's injury.
4:03Likely wrapped up week four with 12 targets and seven catches for 66 yards.
4:07Washington allows the third most fancy points per game to the tight end position and likely should have an opportunity to eat here.
4:14Yeah, I love to see the volume he got last week.
4:17Number seven though is Dalton Kincaid where the volume has been trending in the wrong direction.
4:22They're playing the Rams in week five. I called Kincaid a bye on Monday's episode.
4:27So check that out if you haven't. But it boils down to this.
4:31He's coming off two tough matchups when you look at how good those defenses have been against opposing tight ends.
4:37It will get easier. He's staying on the field more than he has in years past.
4:41And while he's still risky week in and week out, and the floor is still shaky to put it nicely.
4:47I still love the upside, especially in this game.
4:50It's a potential shootout one of the highest point totals on the week along with that Arizona Detroit game.
4:56DJ Moore could be out looks like he probably will be.
4:59Kincaid could bounce back very easily this week and have a huge game.
5:03A hundred percent. Moving on to our next guy at number eight.
5:06I just want to put him in the S tier for a second, just saying he deserves to be there, but he'll kick off our beat here.
5:14Juwan Johnson. I'm obsessed with this guy tight end three on the season.
5:18He's so unbelievably reliable. I think what I love about him is that like him and Valey have been kind of these
5:25like cheap pieces of this like pass happy Saints offense that are just so fun to watch outside of the obvious Chris Olave explosion.
5:32He gets a tough draw this week with the Vikings, but tight end three through four weeks is not a fluke.
5:38He's proven he deserves a spot as a tight end one regardless of the matchup.
5:43Yeah, he's been great. He is definitely outperformed the expectations are tied at nine though is Tucker craft Packers are taking on
5:49the Bears craft found the end zone last week, which felt great.
5:53He also dropped an easy one in the end zone, which felt not so great, but Chicago's past events has been great.
5:59The last three weeks of that scary craft still has enough upside to make him a must start in most formats.
6:06There's very few tight ends with that kind of talent that kind of upside unless you have a better option like one of these first eight guys.
6:14We talked about you're starting tough Tucker craft. Yeah, that's exactly what it comes down to it's like sure if you have
6:20multiple fantastic tight ends on your roster start someone else over him, but more likely than not for the upside and what
6:27he gives you Tucker craft is the right start at number 10.
6:30Let's talk about Harold fan and junior who he strung together his third straight double digit performance in week four.
6:36We'll look to build upon it against the Jets 20 targets in the last three weeks.
6:41He's seeing plenty of volume, which we talked about this over the offseason like that was kind of the thing I was
6:48worried about because that was the exact recipe during his rookie breakout season was just so many targets such a valuable target share.
6:55I thought that wasn't going to be the case.
6:57It's looking like he's continuing to command this many targets in the Browns offense.
7:01So I'm starting to heat up and get more excited about Harold Fannin.
7:05Yeah, definitely a startable option without question as is TJ Hawkinson as our tight ends of Levin.
7:10They're playing the Saints this week. TJ Hawkinson had 13 receptions on Sunday.
7:14What in the world and he would have had a touchdown if he didn't just slide down to essentially end the game run out the clock.
7:22I mean, it was a huge day for TJ Hawkinson who Kyler Murray clearly likes the Saints past defense inspires no confidence either.
7:29So there are far worse options here and week five is just hard to bet on it happening again, especially if Justin
7:35Jefferson is back which we project him to be that's going to cut his target share down.
7:40We're so confident enough to make him a low end tight end one, but I would not get ahead of yourselves a little too much here.
7:48I don't anticipate another 13 catch game. Yeah, he's just we're getting into that range now where the tight end landscape drops
7:55off a ton, which is why we keep him up here at number 11 at number 12 Colson Loveland.
8:00Let's kick off the seat here. I'm going to let Colston Loveland out on parole from fantasy football jail because of good behavior.
8:07Melo yeah, that he's got a good boy. I can send him right back the way I did with Kyle Pitts and he better not screw me here.
8:16Nine targets six catches in 57 yards in week four.
8:19You got this Swiss cheese Packers defense coming up here in week five.
8:22I think this is a spot where we finally see Loveland's breakout first touchdown of the year kind of game.
8:28I think it's very possible here. So you're on thin ice pal.
8:32What type of cheese are they making Green Bay?
8:35Is it Swiss? Do they have a lot of variety in their cheeses?
8:39I don't even know. I have no idea. It seems like a Gouda type of state, but yeah, they probably make Swiss.
8:45Swiss Gouda, whatever. Moving on though, Mark Andrews and the Ravens taking on the Falcons.
8:50Mark Andrews is seeing really consistent volume, which is great to see if Lamar is active, which we're at this point, very confident he will not be.
8:58I think you can start Mark Andrew as a low end tight end one against the lackluster Atlanta defense.
9:03If Lamar is out Sunday night, which is what we're projecting, I think he probably should stay on your bench, but there are worse options.
9:11He can kind of play that safety blanket role for Huntley.
9:14So kind of on that fringe. Yeah, I'm fully with you at number 14 Kenyan Sadiq such an exciting week three and
9:21they got blanked last week for targets. Nothing came of it.
9:24So I think the challenge is going to be with Sadiq that like this is a young guy in like a not so consistent offense.
9:31And because of that, the consistency is just not going to be there for him.
9:36But the upside obviously is there. Cleveland Rex 10th in fancy points per game allowed to the position.
9:41So it's definitely a plus matchup. I just I wouldn't bank on a big Kenyan Sadiq game every week.
9:47Just know it's a possibility. Yeah, we're kind of in that range right now where it's high variability like very low floor but high ceiling.
9:54I think Jake Furson can be somebody that kind of fits that criteria as well.
9:59Mostly just because he feels super tight end or super touchdown dependent.
10:02It's a touchdown gamble every week, particularly when both CD and Pickens are on the field with him.
10:08And he's kind of that third piece in the passing game.
10:11It's definitely in his range of outcomes to catch a touchdown.
10:14I mean, he is three so far this season through four weeks.
10:18I just worry, especially in this game about the game script.
10:21It could be one where Tampa Bay falls behind.
10:24The Cowboys are running the ball. I mentioned last episode.
10:27I think you know, this is a Tampa Bay team.
10:30I think we'll have a top three pick in the draft top five pick in the draft.
10:35I really just don't think they're in a position to compete right now.
10:39So I'm probably leaving Jake Ferguson on the bench.
10:41Yeah, I'm with you. This is another guy I'm leaving on the bench and he's actually going to be the one that's
10:48going to kick off our D tier. That's Tyler Higbee, who I will say even with Puka back in the lineup and
10:54dominating like Higbee still made the most of Terrence Ferguson's absence.
10:58He had six targets led to five catches for 67 yards.
11:01He's not the most high ceiling option. He's got an okay floor.
11:05The thing that's helping him so much is that he's in this projected shootout with Buffalo.
11:09So I would try to avoid starting Tyler Higbee.
11:12But if you just need to like be able to walk away with, with a, like, I don't know, nine points.
11:18Like, I don't think Higbee's the worst start. Yeah.
11:21We're getting into the icky territory here. It's icky hours.
11:24We sure are. Let's stay icky. Hunter Henry. Patriots playing the Rams.
11:28Icky. Icky, icky. Starting Hunter Henry feels like you're just accepting seven points in your lineup.
11:32You're just like, sure, I'll just take my seven, but it could be worse.
11:36I mean, you could get zero. So if you want the floor, Hunter Henry's your guy.
11:41The Pats receiving core is really beat up right now.
11:44So Henry figures to be a big part of the offense on Sunday.
11:48It's unsexy for sure, but I'm okay with it.
11:51If you are desperate just for a few extra points in your lineup.
11:55Yeah. And Mello in the spirit of being icky, let's get Mike guess icky.
11:59In the, in the event that Jamar Chase does miss this game.
12:02This actually could get a lot more interesting. Um, cause sick.
12:06He's been a sneaky touchdown machine scored three touchdowns over their last four games outside of that though.
12:11We're not seeing a ton of production since week one.
12:14And so if you put them in your lineup, you're quite literally banking on him scoring a touchdown.
12:19Yeah. It's like some of these other guys we talked about.
12:23It's a touchdown bet. Somebody we've talked about in that light as well as Brenton strain.
12:27Who's our next tight end taking on the Colts.
12:30Although we say he's a little bit touchdown dependent, which is mostly true.
12:34But last week he led this team in receiving because sure.
12:37Why not? When you have all these other great receivers, Brenton strange is going to be the one to lead your team in receiving.
12:44I'm definitely not counting on it again, though. Philly has been great against opposing tight ends for all their other flaws.
12:51I'm probably just staying away from Brenton strange. Yeah.
12:53I'm also probably staying away from this guy, Pat Fryermuth taking on the Colts.
12:58Tight end 17 on the year and he's just a touchdown bet.
13:01Even last week with a touchdown, he finishes the tight end 18 on the week.
13:06His role just does not lend itself to fancy production.
13:09No, not at all. And similarly, AJ Barner, who's playing the 49ers, he went from nine targets two weeks ago to just three last week.
13:16He still has more upside with Darnold than he did with Locke, but I'm not betting on that upside in most weeks.
13:23Never mind against the 49ers. So somebody I'm avoiding probably.
13:26Yeah, I'm with you. Another guy I'm avoiding, which is just the general theme here as we get into the F tier, Rondae Gadzin.
13:33He had a decent outing last week, five catches, 36 yards.
13:36But like, I just if I don't want the premier pieces of this Los Angeles Chargers offense, I certainly don't want the ancillary ones in my lineup.
13:44So Gadzin's riding the bench until if slash when this L.A.
13:47team starts to remotely show some promise. Yeah, which they have not shown that promise so far and neither have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
13:54And we have Kate Otten as our tight end 23 at Dallas.
13:58The only reason I would remotely consider labeling on as an option is because he's playing the Cowboys, who are a weekly
14:05shootout team where we typically see a lot of points in those Cowboys games.
14:09But despite that, you can do better. Know your value.
14:12Never settle. Don't start Kate on. Let's wrap it up with Dalton Schultz.
14:16We'll always have week two of the 2026 NFL season for Dalton Schultz.
14:1914 targets leading to 12 catches and 140 yards.
14:22Since then, in the past two weeks, he's gotten five catches for 39 yards.
14:26He is best left on the bench. But before we get out of here, Melo, let's hit our Mount catch more for
14:33week five, where we name our four favorite plays of the week at wide receiver and tight end presented by Dabble.
14:39We are going to predict the four players who are going to beat their projected lines for receiving yards.
14:45Let's start out with your first guy. Well, I put Jacoby Brissett on my Mount pass more.
14:50I'm putting Michael Wilson on the catch more. Ooh, all of our eggs in one Cardinals nest.
14:55What could go wrong? Wilson is at his best when the Cardinals are playing catch up.
15:00The Lions are sixth in yards, fifth in points.
15:02They should be able to carve through this Arizona defense like a knife through hot butter.
15:07And even better. Hot knife through butter? It sounded weird.
15:10And I couldn't figure out what I said wrong.
15:13Honestly, either. I mean, a knife through hot butter would go by faster.
15:17Yeah, I wasn't wrong. I just didn't conform to how people normally say it.
15:21Right. But even better than hot knives and butter is the fact that the Lions defense couldn't stop a nosebleed.
15:27Ted Roe McMillan exposed that last week. To be honest, offenses have just been exposing that all season.
15:32Michael Wilson could be in for a big day.
15:35Also, that phrase kills me because like I can never really stop a nosebleed either.
15:39Once it starts, I'm like, I'm out of. Once it's flowing.
15:43Yeah. It's just good luck, buddy. Yeah. On to our next guy, though.
15:47Let's talk a tight end. Let's talk my guy, Brock Bowers over 75 and a half.
15:51Again, not exactly a plus matchup against the Patriots who have been the single best defense against tight ends this year.
15:58But Brock Bowers is not a normal tight end.
16:00I discussed this earlier. He played 17% of his snaps in line against New Orleans in his first week back.
16:06Seven and a half last week against Kansas City.
16:09He is a wide receiver for all intents and purposes.
16:12Last year, he had 102 yards before getting hurt against the Patriots.
16:15This year, 116 against New Orleans. 86 against Kansas City.
16:18Lock him in for over 75 and a half here.
16:21Yeah, we don't have to make life hard. Just bet on Brock Bowers.
16:25It's that easy. It's a good strategy. I'll take another receiver though.
16:29I'll take DK Metcalf over 49 and a half yards.
16:32I mentioned it on the receiver episode earlier in the week.
16:35This really is a perfect matchup. Indy secondary has not been very good.
16:39We just saw them allow a couple of really big chunk plays to the commanders with their third string quarterback.
16:45Sauce Gardner is getting burned left and right. The sauce is expired at this point, Mitch.
16:50I think we need to take it out of the fridge and throw it away.
16:54And all it takes is one or two deep balls to DK Metcalf.
16:58We saw it happen last week and all of a sudden he's hitting on this line.
17:03100%. Let's wrap it up with Malik Nabors. I said it earlier, but Washington is the single worst defense against wide receivers.
17:09We're finally seeing this New York Giants team kind of start to figure out the offense.
17:14I will say this burned us last week with Josh Downs going up against Washington, but I'm going back to the well with Nabors.
17:21I'm trusting he's had enough time now working with Jameis to get on the same page.
17:26I'm feeling confident you're going to get a very strong stretch from Malik Nabors coming up here.
17:31But that was our week five Mount Catchmore. If you want to tail any of those picks with one click, you can
17:38follow us on the Dabble app at lineupmitch and you can sign up using the promo code lineup to get $20 instantly when you play your first 10.
17:46But Mello, leave us any comments down below if you have any start stick questions or trade questions.
17:51Before we get out of here, did we miss anything?
17:54Let's get some wins in week five. That's about it.
17:57Let's go get some W's. We will catch you guys Monday with another trades episode.
18:02We'll see you then.
