The tight end position remains a fantasy football wasteland, and the first month of the 2026 NFL season has done little to change that narrative.
Even managers who thought they had found a reliable option are facing difficult decisions from week to week. Tyler Warren, for example, has become part of the weekly seesaw at a position where consistency remains hard to find. The circle of trust is incredibly small – and somehow seems to shrink with each passing week.
Brock Bowers, George Kittle and Trey McBride remain the tight ends fantasy managers can confidently slot into their lineups. Beyond that trio, though, plenty of question marks remain. For most managers, identifying the right tight end to start each week has become a frustrating exercise
in matchup hunting, volume chasing and hoping for a touchdown.
Those decisions become even tougher in Week 5, with the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs on a bye, removing more options from the player pool.
But a new week means a new opportunity. Whether you're debating a fringe starter, considering a waiver-wire option or simply trying to avoid a dud, we're here to help you make the right call. Let's dive into the Week 5 tight end start 'em, sit 'em decisions.
WEEK 5 RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DST
Fantasy football start 'em: Week 5 TEs
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys vs. Buccaneers ("Thursday Night Football")
Ferguson’s two-touchdown performance in Week 2 is likely his ceiling but the matchup with Tampa Bay on Thursday night could be his best chance to match it. Ferguson is the clear third- or fourth-option in Dallas’ passing game behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. The good news is he's a favorite red-zone choice for Dak Prescott.
That lack of volume becomes problematic in some matchups, and he is quite touchdown-dependent. Ferguson’s current target share makes him a risky start most weeks but the Cowboys should roll at home in this one and have plenty of scoring chances. Dallas has the third-highest implied team total of the week at 28 points, suggesting they should score multiple touchdowns. The Buccaneers have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game (14.7) to opposing tight ends through the first month. You can fire up Ferguson this week.
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals at Dolphins
The 31-year-old is off to a solid start in 2026, currently at TE12 through four games. He now faces a strong Week 5 matchup against the Miami Dolphins in a game the Bengals could be without Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) and Tee Higgins (adductor).
The Dolphins defense has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Michael Mayer and George Kittle finished as TE7 in their respective weeks facing Miami; Travis Kelce at TE11 and TJ Hockenson just torched them to a TE1 finish. Gesicki is among the top streaming options in Week 5. The biggest factor to watch is Chase and Higgins' health. If they can't play or are limited against the Dolphins, Gesicki would be a lineup lock.
Kenyon Sadiq, New York Jets vs Browns
Sadiq was the runaway No. 1 TE in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was the only player at his position selected in the first round in April. He's an outstanding 6-foot-3, 245-pound athlete who can be a vertical threat - as shown by his combine performance (set the TE record with a 4.39 40-yard dash, tied the TE record for vertical at 43.5 inches). He showed that off for the first time in Week 3 in Detroit, where he caught seven of eight targets for 105 yards and a touchdown.
The Jets were an excellent landing spot for the 21-year-old with open target competition behind Garrett Wilson. Mason Taylor remains out with a thumb injury and Adonai Mitchell's status is up in the air. The Jets offense was anemic in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears, but a home matchup Sunday with the Browns offers a nice bounce-back opportunity.
Isaiah Likely, New York Giants vs Commanders
"Big Blue" hits the road against the Commanders on Sunday and Likely should continue to be a go-to target for Jameis Winston. Likely had a team-high 10 targets in Week 2 after Jaxson Dart left with an injury. In Week 3, the weather played a significant role as the Giants attempted just 22 passes to 33 rushing attempts. Likely then finished with a team-high 12 targets in Week 4.
Washington is decimated with injuries and has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2026. Likely is overlooked right now after Dart's injury but don't doubt his role in the offense. Start him with confidence.
Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 5 TEs
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints vs Vikings
Juwan Johnson has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers this season, but Week 5 looks like a tough spot to chase another big performance. The Saints face a Vikings defense that has been one of the league’s toughest units through the first month. Minnesota ranks sixth in fantasy points allowed per game to tight ends entering Week 5.
Johnson has shown a reliable floor, with at least 53 receiving yards in every game this season and seven-plus targets in three of four contests. Still, his recent production shouldn't overshadow the matchup. Brian Flores has his defense playing at a terrific level. Johnson will have boom weeks, particularly before rookie Jordyn Tyson makes his debut; this just won't be one of them. Keep Johnson on the bench if you have a safer option.
Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens at Falcons ("Sunday Night Football")
The Ravens vet is a tough sell in Week 5, especially if Lamar Jackson misses Sunday night’s matchup against Atlanta. Jackson is dealing with an ankle injury and currently has only an “outside chance” to play; if he sits, Tyler “Snoop” Huntley is expected to make the start. That would be a significant downgrade for Andrews, who has already averaged just 37.3 receiving yards per game this season.
The matchup itself isn't appealing, either. Atlanta has been playing terrific defense, allowing the third-lowest dropback success rate in the NFL entering Week 5. The Falcons also have an impressive group of safeties, led by veteran Jessie Bates, making life difficult for opposing pass-catchers over the middle. While Atlanta's raw fantasy numbers against tight ends aren't elite, the combination of a strong secondary and a potentially limited Ravens passing attack makes Andrews a risky play. He's a sit for Week 5.
Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'ems, Week 5
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 5.
→ A good running back makes all the difference. A bad running back can cost you. Here's who to start and who to sit in Week 5.
→ The wide receiver position is one of the deepest each season. Set yourself up for success in Week 5 with start 'em, sit 'em advice for wideouts.
→ Defense (and special teams) can win you championships – including your fantasy league's. Here are some of the best D/ST units to start and sit in Week 5.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em tight ends for Week 5 fantasy football
