Start 'Em, Sit 'Em tight ends: Week 17 fantasy football

We have made it to fantasy football championship week. Congratulations if you've survived and advanced to battle for the title in Week 17. Maybe you lost, but you still have a chance at third place and bragging rights.

Every week, the NFL reminds us that variance should be expected. The likely MVP Josh Allen struggled, as did the Week 16 consensus TE1 Trey McBride.

The Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers is the most popular tight end on playoff teams. George Kittle is next, and he delivered a massive game that could have vaulted some into the championship. However, you may not roster one of these must-starts, making your tight end position a difficult lineup decision in Week 17 with a title on the line.

Whether competing for a shot at the title or clawing to avoid a possible loser's bracket punishment, inserting the best tight end into your lineup this week could pay dividends. Here is a breakdown of who you should start and who you should sit at tight end in Week 17 of the fantasy football season.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 17 TEs

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (vs. Chiefs)

Listing Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth here also serves as a gentle nudge to set your lineups early. The Steelers host the Chiefs on Christmas Day this Wednesday.

Pittsburgh is eager to bounce back after its tough loss in Week 16 on the road against the Ravens. Since Russell Wilson took over under center, Freiermuth has posted four top-10 weeks and two outside the top 30. This week, he gets a glorious matchup against a struggling Chiefs secondary.

Kansas City has allowed the third-most receptions and most yards to tight ends, and the Steelers offense will likely throw the ball to keep pace with Mahomes and Kansas City. George Pickens could return according to Mike Tomlin, allowing Freiermuth more space to operate. "Muth" chants will echo throughout Paycor Stadium on Christmas.

Cade Otton, Buccaneers (vs. Panthers)

Some fantasy owners who roster Cade Otton may have panicked with his lull before getting injured in Week 15. He sat out the Week 16 loss against the Cowboys, but if he returns this week, he is a smash start. Tampa Bay faced Carolina in Week 13, and 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 Panthers on Sunday, who are allowing the second-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 the fantasy championships.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings (vs. Packers)

The Vikings will meet the Green Bay Packers in Week 17 in a matchup that could have playoff-seeding implications. Minnesota returned their star tight end in Week 9 since he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in December 2023. If you roster Hockenson, you should start him this week. The 27-year-old had a career-best season before his injury in 2023. Despite reports suggesting he would be a full-go upon his return, Josh Oliver out-snapped him a few weeks.

However, Hockenson's workload has increased weekly, and he played a season-high 70% of snaps against Seattle last week. The matchup against Green Bay is too good to ignore. The Packers are tied with the ninth-most fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends. Fantasy owners likely drafted or picked up Hockenson off waivers, hoping to get a top-10 player at the position; he will deliver on that in the fantasy championship.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 17 TEs

Jake Ferguson, Cowboys (at Eagles)

If Dak Prescott were healthy, Jake Ferguson wouldn't typically be considered a sit, but he is in a bad spot against the Eagles this Sunday. He's played three straight after missing with a concussion but finished with double-digit fantasy points for the first time since Cooper Rush took over under center last week. Dallas will be up against it on the road versus the Eagles who have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. The Eagles have allowed the third-fewest passing yards per game overall.

Sam LaPorta, Lions (at 49ers)

This sit may seem crazy but sometimes with a championship on the line you have to be willing to do daring things. Sam LaPorta can be left on the bench this week against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers host the Lions in a NFC Championship game rematch from a season ago. The 49ers have been eliminated from playoff contention but they will play with pride against this opponent. Sam LaPorta may have posted strong numbers two weeks ago against Buffalo and last Sunday against Chicago, but the offensive environment was special in those matchups – the Niners defense plays much better at home.

The Niners defense has held opposing tight ends in check, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. With linebacker Fred Warner patrolling the field and Dre Greenlaw back in the lineup, tight ends typically struggle against San Fran. This matchup causes hesitation. Even if LaPorta lines up in the slot Deommodore Lenoir has been a top-three defender from that position this season. It may be difficult, but find another option this week.

Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'ems, Week 17

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 17.

→ 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 17.

→ Kickers are people, too. Here are the most clutch kickers to start, and some to sit, for Week 17.

→ The wide receiver position has been decimated this season. Protect yourself in Week 17 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 17.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 17: 5 TEs to start or sit