Start 'Em, Sit 'Em tight ends: Week 3 fantasy football

We have witnessed a litany of injuries throughout the first two weeks of the NFL season, which has resulted in a massive shift in fantasy football rankings heading into Week 3. However, there is some good news: While the tight end position is often a fantasy wasteland, the injury bug has not affected tight ends as hard as the wide receiver and running back positions.

Dallas Cowboys starter Jake Ferguson suffered an MCL sprain in the team's Week 1 game, while Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku suffered an ankle sprain that held him out in Week 2. On Sunday morning, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram was injured during warmups and missed the game. Having a backup plan in place is crucial.

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However, there is never an extensive list of tight ends worth rostering on your fantasy team. Some teams who invested in the position early in their drafts have been disappointed. Travis Kelce and Sam LaPorta are off to slow starts, and suddenly, fantasy teams have even more difficult start-sit decisions for their tight ends or those scouring the waiver wire for weekly streamers at the position.

Week 3 brings a new opportunity for your team to make a statement. Here is a breakdown of who you should start and who you should sit at tight end in Week 3 of the fantasy football season.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 3 TEs

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots

The Patriots offense isn't considered explosive, but sometimes that doesn't matter for fantasy value. The veteran Henry has quickly become Jacoby Brissett's favorite target. Until the Patriots unleash No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye, we can expect the veteran duo to continue to link up.

Henry gets a matchup against a New York Jets defense that was terrific last season, but Brissett funnels his throws to tight ends. Henry was targeted 12 times in Week 2. This should allow him to maintain his early season status as a top-12 fantasy TE.

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have managed a 2-0 start to the season and have scored just one touchdown. So why is Pat Freiermuth in a good spot this Sunday? Justin Fields is expected to remain the starting quarterback. Fields has targeted "Muth" four times in each game.

The Steelers will play in their home opener in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jim Harbaugh's defense has struggled to slow tight ends through the first two weeks. The Steelers tight end should continue to get reliable volume and has proven to be the team's second-best pass catcher behind George Pickens.

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Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

Some fantasy football owners are ready to give up on Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, but I say hold on. Plenty of optimism entered 2024 surrounding Pitts with the addition of Kirk Cousins under center. He currently ranks as the seventh overall scoring tight end through the first two weeks and gets a terrific matchup on Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs defense has allowed the most receptions and yards to opposing tight ends this season. Pitts finished fifth in targets on the Falcons in Week 2, but I expect the script to flip in Week 3.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 3 TEs

Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers

Sitting Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft should be easy to comprehend. Still, some of you play in leagues where you must play two tight-ends or have had to experience the fantasy wasteland of the position.

Kraft has played most of the snaps, but the Packers passing game has taken a significant hit with Jordan Love injured. Malik Willis has not shown he is a capable passer in the NFL, and the Titans defense could end up being the most improved unit in the NFL in 2024.

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears will be matched with the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3. Typically a Gus Bradley-coached defense is an enticing matchup for tight ends, but the Bears offense displayed many red flags in Week 2. Chicago's offensive line struggled to keep Caleb Williams upright, and as a result, we can expect Cole Kmet and teammate Gerald Everett to assist the offensive line with blocking off the ends.

If Keenan Allen is active, the Bears' outstanding wide receiver trio will likely eat up the majority of targets.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 3: 5 TEs to start or sit