The Week 5 Explosion
To understand the hype, you have to look at Freiermuth's performance in the Week 5 win against the Indianapolis Colts. He hauled in five of his seven targets for 44 yards and, most importantly, two touchdowns. Those seven targets were a season-high and ranked
second on the team for the week, signaling a potential shift in usage. The performance vaulted him to a top-four finish among tight ends for the week, single-handedly winning matchups for fantasy managers who took a chance on him. After a quiet 2025 season and a modest start to 2026, this outburst was a loud reminder of the talent that made him a fantasy-relevant name in the first place.
The Case for Sustained Production
There are legitimate reasons to believe this isn't a fluke. The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver corps is currently banged up, with Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson dealing with injuries. This has condensed the target tree, forcing quarterback Aaron Rodgers to lean more on his reliable tight end, especially in the red zone. Furthermore, Freiermuth's upcoming schedule is incredibly favorable. Over the next few weeks, he faces defenses like the Buccaneers, Saints, and Browns, all of whom have been generous to opposing tight ends this season. Tampa Bay, his Week 6 opponent, has given up the sixth-most fantasy points to the position. With injuries creating opportunity and a soft schedule ahead, the stage is set for Freiermuth to be a consistent contributor.
The Reasons for Caution
However, it's not all clear skies. Before his Week 5 eruption, Freiermuth's production was highly touchdown-dependent. He has yet to top 50 receiving yards in any game this season. While he now has four touchdowns in five games, relying on scoring plays is a risky fantasy strategy. Another concern is his playing time. The Steelers still use Darnell Washington frequently, particularly on early downs, which can cap Freiermuth's snap count and overall opportunities. His big game against the Colts came on a day where his target rate spiked, but his overall time on the field didn't dramatically change. If the team's receivers get healthy, Freiermuth could easily revert to the 4-5 target per game player he was in the first four weeks, making him a frustrating, boom-or-bust starter.
The Verdict: Buy or Sell?
So, what's the final call for fantasy managers? Freiermuth should be viewed as a high-end TE2 with legitimate TE1 upside, especially during this stretch of favorable matchups. The combination of receiver injuries and a friendly schedule is too good to ignore. He's a 'must-add' if available on your league's waiver wire. While the yardage floor is admittedly low, his established role in the red zone with a veteran quarterback provides a solid weekly chance to score. He is more than just a streamer; he is a viable fantasy starter for at least the next month. You shouldn't trade away a proven star to acquire him, but if you've been struggling with tight end inconsistency, Freiermuth offers a potential solution with a clear path to fantasy relevance. Consider him a strong 'hold' if he's already on your roster and a priority addition if he's not.
