Start 'Em, Sit 'Em tight ends: Week 14 fantasy football

It's back for the final edition in 2024, "Byemageddon." In Week 14, the last time during the NFL season, six teams are on a bye week.

The Ravens, Broncos, Texans, Colts, Patriots and Commanders are on a bye, meaning fantasy owners of veteran tight ends like Mark Andrews, Hunter Henry and Zach Ertz will have to look elsewhere for production.

There have been a handful of terrific breakouts at the position like Brock Bowers and Trey McBride, but there are still difficult decisions to be made in Week 14. Depending on your league format, the fantasy football playoffs could start this week or this is your final week to get into the playoff bracket.

Whether you're in the dance, battling to get in, or clawing to stay out of the dreaded last place and pay the consequences, playing the right tight end could be the difference when the season wraps up. Here is a breakdown of who you should start and who you should sit at tight end in Week 14 of the fantasy football season.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 14 TEs

Cade Otton, Buccaneers (vs. Raiders)

Some fantasy owners are panicking about Cade Otton, who has struggled since the bye in Week 11, but you must pump the brakes. Tampa Bay blew out the Giants and dominated on the ground in Week 13. Then, on Sunday against Carolina, Otton finished second in targets behind only Mike Evans. Yes, Evans will dominate the looks from Baker Mayfield, but Otton also had a highly valuable end zone target that was broken up against the Panthers.

Since Evans returned from injury, Otton's usage (89% route rate, 16% target rate and share) is easily startable. The Bucs will host the Raiders on Sunday, who are allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. He's still a top-10 option at the position, and he will reward you for playing him in Week 14.

Jake Ferguson, Cowboys (vs Bengals)

With six teams on a bye, the options at tight end call for some desperation dart throws. Jake Ferguson wouldn't typically be considered a "desperation" start, but coming off two straight absences after suffering a concussion, you may be hesitant. However, you can set it and forget it this week with "Big Ferg."

If Ferguson returns this week, he will be in a great spot: the Bengals have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. Pat Freiermuth just posted season-highs last week against the Cincinnati D, which is ranked 30th in pass defense entering Week 14. If you're relying on Ferguson, you may also want to have Luke Schoonmaker in your back pocket, especially in the small chance that Ferguson will sit another week.

Will Dissly, Chargers (vs. Chiefs)

Dissly is another veteran tight end who has been more than serviceable at times in 2024. He finished with a season-best four receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals in Week 11 and followed it up with a solid line against the Ravens. Last week, on the road in Atlanta, the Chargers' offense struggled outside of Ladd McConkey. However, the rookie wide receiver injured his knee late in the game, and he could be limited on Sunday night.

Dissly gets to dish out more pain this week against a struggling Chiefs defense secondary. Dissly has received at least six targets in four of the last seven games, and he shouldn't disappear on Sunday night. Kansas City has allowed the most yards to tight ends, and the Chargers offense will likely throw the ball to keep pace with Mahomes and Kansas City on the road. Don't doubt Dissly.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 14 TEs

Cole Kmet, Bears vs. 49ers

Cole Kmet was a recommended sit for your lineups in Week 13, and he is here again in Week 14. The veteran was coming off one of his best games of the season in Week 12 and posted a dud against Detroit on Thanksgiving. The Bears trio of receivers will likely continue to do most of the damage through the air. Look for D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze to be featured. The Niners have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Linebacker Fred Warner patrols the middle field, making life difficult for tight ends against San Fran. With so many mouths to feed in Chicago, you can't count on Kmet.

Tucker Kraft, Packers (vs. Lions)

The Packers hit the road against the Lions in a massive Week 14 NFC North clash on "Thursday Night Football." Kraft has been a tough nut to crack week-to-week because he mostly relies on scoring touchdowns. Detroit's defense has held opposing tight ends in check, allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to the position.

No team has allowed fewer receptions, yards or touchdowns to tight ends. It may seem crazy to bench the current 10th-overall tight end, but he has exceeded three receptions in just four of 12 games. Romeo Doubs is expected back, adding another target option in the Green Bay offense.

Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'ems, Week 14

Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:

→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 14.

→ A good running back makes all the difference. A bad running back can cost you a lot of points. Here's who to start and who to sit in Week 14.

→ Kickers are people, too. Here are the most clutch kickers to start, and some to sit, for Week 14.

→ The wide receiver position has been decimated this season. Protect yourself in Week 14 with start 'em, sit 'em advice for wideouts.

→ A good defense can shut down your fantasy opponent's offense. Here are some D/ST options to start and sit for Week 14.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 14: 5 TEs to start or sit