Week 4 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings and Tiers: Darren Waller TE10? In this economy?

A.J. Barner has 12 double-digit targets with two end zone targets and one receiving touchdown, making him less of a pure touchdown regression candidate compared to peers with zero end zone looks. He saw increased target volume in week three with five catches on nine targets for 69 yards after minimal usage in weeks one and two; however, the Seahawks are unlikely to be in comeback mode against the Chargers, limiting his scoring ceiling this week.

Skowronek basically plays fullback and functions as a tight end in the Steelers offense; scored a touchdown last week, indicating he's part of the red zone attack.

Breece Hall is expected to be out of the picture, which removes him from underneath target opportunities that he was previously soaking up.

Brevin Spann-Ford has looked good in recent action, hit-sticking Kyle Hamilton with some nice plays, reminiscent of when Jake Ferguson looked better than Dalton Schultz. He is emerging as a potential depth chart threat on the Cowboys tight end room.

Ranked TE1 through week 4 with 10 catches, 13 targets, 116 yards, and 1 TD. Ian Hartitz notes Clint Kubiak is deploying Bowers all over the field like this year's JSN. Bowers is performing at an elite level in yards per route run and targets per route run metrics, ranking in the top tier where he should have been from the start of the season.

Cade Otton has 17 double-digit targets but zero receiving touchdowns on the season, placing him among nine tight ends due for positive touchdown regression. Ian Hartitz makes a humorous observation that Otton, at 27 years old, appears to be the oldest tight end in NFL history, sarcastically suggesting age-related decline or durability concerns.

Commanders tight end Okonkwo is only 7% rostered and offers potential as a fill-in option with favorable week-five and week-six matchups against the Giants and 49ers. The Commanders' pass-heavy offense and inability to run the ball should generate consistent target volume; Jayden Daniels' limited practice participation suggests Okonkwo could be available on waivers.

Christian Watson is a top-13 wide receiver in PPR points right now, benefiting from the absence of other receiving options in the Packers offense. Jayden Reed is done for the year with a neck injury (IR), Marshawn Lloyd is living in the doghouse with diminished role, and Robert Kraft is dealing with knee issues, leaving Watson as a primary target.

Parkinson is likely out this week with a shoulder injury, opening up targets in the Rams tight end room.

Cole Kmet and Loveland are mere inches away from scoring touchdowns against the Jets, nearly finishing as tight end 12. Ian Hartitz expresses frustration about being a 'Cole Kmet and Loveland truther' at this point, ranking Kmet tight end 19. Earlier, Kmet exploited the Lions' weak tight end defense, posting 105 yards and a touchdown; the Lions have allowed six tight end touchdowns through September with both starting safeties on IR.

Loveland is positioned in the bottom left of Hartitz's per-route efficiency chart (25+ routes, 8+ targets qualifier), indicating underperformance in yards and targets per route run relative to other tight ends. Hartitz notes Loveland had fewer than 3 yards last week and on the first drive. Loveland is struggling significantly in efficiency metrics; even if he had scored a near-touchdown catch last week, he would have finished as tight end 12 for the week, illustrating how far behind he is in production. Loveland has been performing worse than Tyler Warren, with both among the only tight ends with 8+ targets averaging under 5 yards per target. Loveland and Cole Kmet are mere inches away from scoring touchdowns against the Jets, nearly finishing as tight end 12, but Hartitz expresses frustration about being a 'Cole Kmet and Loveland truther' at this point; ranked tight end 19.

Ranked TE4 vs. Patriots. Despite a dud last week, Kincaid posted a 68–69% route rate, a significant jump from his 63% peak last year and 51% full-season average. On a per-route basis, he ranks among the league's most efficient receivers (not just TEs), averaging more yards per route than only Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Drake London. With DJ Moore out, Kincaid should see reduced coverage from Christian Gonzalez and is positioned for a bounce-back performance. Kincaid is delivering truly special yards per route run efficiency, ranking among the elite tight ends in the league on this metric. Kincaid posted 95 yards and a touchdown against the Lions' weak tight end defense, which has allowed six tight end touchdowns through September with both starting safeties on IR.

Dalton Schultz leads all tight ends with 25 double-digit targets but zero receiving touchdowns on the season, making him a prime candidate for positive touchdown regression. He has a revenge game against the Cowboys, which would be a good time to finally punch one across the end zone. Schultz has a ton of targets and is ranked tight end 6 overall; he benefited from Nico Collins being out, though Collins was limited on Wednesday with a hamstring and should be back.

Washington combined with Pat Freiermuth for over 100 receiving yards against the Bengals, indicating solid target volume in the Steelers tight end room. His performance dipped last week, but Ian Hartitz noted the tight end room as a whole still produced well, suggesting the matchup-specific decline was not indicative of broader role concerns.

Darren Waller is ranked TE10 but Ian Hartitz believes he should rank higher. His route rate has been low (42%, 56%, 57% to start the year) but should improve now that Jaylen Coker is sidelined with a quad injury. Waller looks like the second pass-game option for the Saints, making more sense than Bryson Tremayne or John Metchie; Hartitz feels TE10 doesn't feel high enough given his role. With Coker out and the Lions' weak tight end defense (allowing six tight end touchdowns through September with both starting safeties on IR), Hartitz would consider elevating Waller into the top eight tight ends.

Njoku ranks among the most efficient tight ends on a per-route basis (25+ routes, 8+ targets qualifier), but is currently on IR. He posted strong efficiency metrics in his first 41 snaps of the season before the injury, demonstrating elite per-route run performance.

Ranked TE3 vs. Broncos. Despite turning 33 in a few weeks and tearing his Achilles this calendar year, Kittle has posted 3 TDs over the past two weeks and looks sharp in his recovery. Hartitz sees no noticeable difference between Kittle's recent form and his week 15–16 performance last year pre-injury, crediting modern science and Kittle's elite competitiveness. Kittle is popping off as one of the single best tight ends in the league in both yards and targets per route run.

Greg Dulcich has 12 double-digit targets but zero receiving touchdowns on the season, placing him among nine tight ends due for positive touchdown regression. He is playing significant snaps and made a nice downfield catch in week three; he faces the Bengals in week five, a favorable matchup. Ian Hartitz ranks him as the best tight-end fill-in option for week five over Chigoziem Okonkwo. However, Hartitz wanted to move Dulcich up in rankings but held back due to upcoming Vikings matchup in week four, suggesting defensive concern limits upside this week.

Gunner Helm has 11 double-digit targets with only one end zone target and zero receiving touchdowns on the season, placing him among nine tight ends due for positive touchdown regression.

Hayden Hurst has been phased out relative to past years in terms of underneath target opportunities. Last year, he had 13 screen targets, tied for the fourth most, but this year he has only one, while Kayshon Boutte has six. This represents a significant reduction in his primary usage pattern.

Hunter Henry has 10 double-digit targets but zero receiving touchdowns on the season, placing him among nine tight ends due for positive touchdown regression. However, he produced only five yards on two targets despite being the only Patriots receiver to catch a touchdown pass this season with Eli Ricks sidelined; his limited target volume and overall production remain concerning.

Irv Smith Jr. ran 74% of Herbert's dropbacks against the Titans, demonstrating strong route rate and usage. However, he hasn't looked amazing in recent performance, breaking only one tackle and recording two drops, which is problematic for scoring fantasy points. The upcoming matchup against the Seahawks is unfavorable, and Charlie Kolar's potential return limits his long-term window. If Sadiq Shaheed's situation deteriorates and Jaylen Coker is sidelined, Smith Jr. could see increased tight end role opportunity on the Saints.

Isaiah Likely finally has a full-time role but doesn't have a quarterback, creating a difficult situation. Ranked tight end 18.

Jake Ferguson has caught three touchdowns in his last two games and is being used on the field all the time by the Cowboys offense, which is a plus unit. Ranked tight end 13, though uncertainty exists about whether he's the best tight end on the roster with Brevin Spann-Ford also performing well.

Jaylen Coker is likely sidelined with a quad injury in the near term, which opens up more route opportunities for Darren Waller and other tight ends on the Saints roster.

Jayden Reed is done for the year with a neck injury and placed on IR, removing a key receiving option from the Packers offense.

Johnson is ranked TE7 facing the Falcons on Monday Night Football. Despite Noah Fant stealing three touchdowns this season, Johnson is tied for third in PPR points. The Saints are top seven in dropback rate over expected and moving at a pace as fast as anyone, possibly second only to Green Bay. The Falcons defense has allowed the fourth most total passing yards this season, making this a favorable matchup. Johnson posted 54 yards and a touchdown against the Lions' weak tight end defense, which has allowed six tight end touchdowns through September with both starting safeties on IR.

Pitts has only two catches for 20 yards through three games, failing to produce despite end-of-season momentum from last year. With Drake London as the primary target and Bijan Robinson receiving minimal targets (two in week three), Pitts remains unable to generate meaningful fantasy production.

Jackson has thrown 40 touchdowns this season, providing context for Mark Andrews' potential 10-touchdown season upside despite Andrews being shut out of red zone opportunities so far.

Mark Andrews has 18 double-digit targets but zero receiving touchdowns on the season, placing him among nine tight ends due for positive touchdown regression. However, despite Lamar Jackson's 40-touchdown capability, Andrews has been shut out of red zone opportunities; six different Ravens have targets inside the 10-yard line this season, but Andrews is not one of them, raising concerns about his touchdown upside. He was limited last week with a hand injury but should be a red zone scoring option for the Ravens against the Titans; ranked tight end 20.

Marshawn Lloyd is living in the doghouse, indicating diminished offensive role and playing time in the Packers' offense.

Mason Taylor's return from injury would impact the tight end landscape, potentially reducing opportunities for Sadiq Khan and Darren Waller depending on his role and snap count. If Sadiq Shaheed's situation deteriorates and Jaylen Coker is sidelined, Mason Taylor could see increased tight end role opportunity on the Saints.

Matthew Golden is a top-13 wide receiver in PPR points right now, benefiting from the absence of other receiving options in the Packers offense. Jayden Reed is done for the year with a neck injury (IR), Marshawn Lloyd is living in the doghouse with diminished role, and Robert Kraft is dealing with knee issues, leaving Golden as a primary target.

Mayer scored a touchdown immediately after being benched, illustrating the unpredictable nature of fantasy football and the risk of sitting players prematurely based on role concerns.

Gesicki could be on the verge of getting a full-time role with the Bengals after Andre Yoshi Vas went to IR and Colby Youngster got hurt; he boomed in week one, has posted 56-57% route rates, looks good as a pass catcher, and Burrow loves him (calls him 'Big Mike'). Ranked tight end 16 and playing in the week's highest game total, making him a potential waiver wire pickup.

Nico Collins was limited on Wednesday with a hamstring injury but sounds like he should be back, which will impact Dalton Schultz's target share.

Freiermuth busted last week despite the Bengals' weak tight end defense; however, he and Darnell Washington combined for over 100 receiving yards, and Rogers missed him on a broken play that could have gone for 25-plus yards or a 60-yard touchdown if Freiermuth breaks a tackle. The room as a whole still produced well, suggesting opportunity remains despite the individual bust.

Nacua is back from injury, which impacts Tyler Higbee's target share and role in the Rams offense.

LaPorta is ranked TE6 facing the Panthers on Sunday night football. Detroit is the third highest scoring offense in the NFL behind only the Bills and 49ers. LaPorta is third in targets for Detroit behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Gibbs, but all three are within two to three targets of each other. Against a banged up Panthers defense missing Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, LaPorta should have enough to produce.

Ian Hartitz expressed durability concern about Hockenson, sarcastically noting he may be 'the oldest 29-year-old tight end in NFL history,' implying age-related decline or injury risk despite his stated age.

Ferguson is likely out this week with an ankle injury, opening up targets in the Rams tight end room.

Tommy Tremble has 11 double-digit targets but zero receiving touchdowns on the season, placing him among nine tight ends due for positive touchdown regression.

Ranked TE5 vs. Raiders. Despite minimal target volume last week (2 catches, 1 called back on penalty), Kelce posted a top-12 performance with a 45-yard catch-and-run on Mahomes' first dropback and an 11-yard TD on the final play. Kelce leads the NFL in yards after catch with 30 yards, ahead of Bijan Robinson in second place. Raiders are one of only four defenses allowing 20+ PPR points per game to the position. Kelce is singled out for particular praise among the elite tight ends in yards and targets per route run efficiency.

Ranked TE2 (or TE1 depending on preference). Since week 1 of last season, McBride has 11 games with double-digit targets—no other tight end has more than three. Hartitz notes the Cardinals should have positive game script vs. Giants, though he doesn't expect Jacoby Brissett to throw 50+ times, which won't materially impact McBride's target volume. McBride is singled out for particular praise among the elite tight ends in yards and targets per route run efficiency.

Tucker Kraft is available on waiver wires and should be picked up. With Jayden Reed out for the season (neck IR), Marshawn Lloyd in the doghouse, and no other pass-catching options in the Packers offense, Kraft has consolidated target share; he just received eight targets, his fourth-highest mark of his career. He ran a route on 73% of dropbacks (down from 84% the prior week). The Packers' situation is cleaning up with a top-two pass rate, and Kraft has a favorable matchup against the Buccaneers defense, which regularly funnels production through the air and ranks second to last in pressure rate. Hartitz believes Kraft is one really good week away from everyone saying, 'Oh, yeah, remember we were worried about Tucker Kraft?' suggesting imminent positive regression and a good chance to acquire him at value.

Tyler Higbee's role is being constrained by the return of Puka Nacua, which limits his upside. Ranked tight end 14, he posted eight catches for 62 yards and a touchdown last week despite Nacua returning and other injuries, but faces a tough matchup against the Eagles, who are top five in metrics against tight ends, making him a desperation option.

Warren is ranked TE9, which feels high given his poor efficiency. Despite two touchdowns, Warren has only 18 catches for 89 yards this season (under 5 yards per catch) through three games, with only one catch of 10+ yards downfield and minimal usage in the wildcat/gadget role despite his Penn State background. Ian Hartitz suspects it's a rough stretch rather than permanent decline but expresses uncertainty about whether to sell Warren or acknowledge he's producing okay despite being really bad. Warren and Colston Loveland are among the only tight ends with 8+ targets averaging under 5 yards per target.

Ertz posted a 42% route rate in his first game back from injury, indicating limited but solid early involvement in the offense upon return.