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Start/Sit: Tight Ends (Week 18)

December 31, 2025

START

Hunter Henry vs Dolphins

Henry remains a viable Week 18 start thanks to his role rather than Matchup. While the Dolphins’ defense is aggressive on the outside, they’ve allowed TE’s to find soft spots underneath, especially in the red-zone. Henry continues to be one of the most trusted targets near the goal line, and in a game where New England may need to sustain drives rather than on big plays, his volume and TD upside make him a solid start.

Dalton Schultz vs Colts

Schultz is peaking at the right time, and Week 18 lines up nicely. The Colts have been vulnerable to Tight Ends all season, Particularly those who can exploit zone coverage and soft underneath defenders. Schultz’s chemistry with his QB has been improving weekly, and his usage in high leverage situations gives him a solid floor. In a game with potential playoff implications, Schultz should see meaningful targets, making him a confident start.

George Kittle or Jake Tonges vs Seahawks

Kittle draws a favorable matchup against Seattle, a defense that has struggled to contain TE’s who can win after the catch. The Seahawks often allow chunk plays over the middle, which plays directly into Kittle’s strengths, In a meaningful Week 18 matchup. Kittle’s usage, physicality, and red-zone role make him a high-end start. If Kittle were to sit, Tonges would step into a role with potential Touchdown opportunity, keeping his spot fantasy-relevant.

SIT

Michael Mayer vs Chiefs

Mayer’s Week 18 matchup against Kansas City is another reason he belongs on the bench. The Chiefs are disciplined defensively and do an excellent job limiting TE production, particularly against younger players still developing consistency. Mayer’s target share has been volatile, and with the chiefs likely forcing his offense to throw outside, his path to fantasy relevance is narrow. He’s a sit in a tough matchup.

Brenton Strange vs Titans

Strange has shown promise but remains a risky play heading into Week 18. The Titans are disciplined against TE’s and limit big plays over the middle, forcing offenses to win on the outside. Strange’s snap share and red-zone usage haven’t been reliable enough to justify a start, especially where it certainly matters.

Colby Parkinson vs Cardinals

Parkinson’s size gives him a theoretical upside, but the Cardinals have been surprisingly effective against TE’s, particularly in the red-zone. Parkinson’s involvement is highly game-script dependent, and he often disappears when the offense spreads targets around. Without consistent volume or designed looks, he’s too risky to trust in Week 18 lineups.

Chris, Author

A once–wannabe pro football player whose career was cut short by injuries, Chris stayed in the game by trading pads for perspective. A diehard Lions fan and aspiring journalist, he brings grit, edge, and honesty to every breakdown. When he’s not talking ball, he’s baking or rapping for fun because the grind doesn’t stop, it just changes.