Tight end is where fantasy optimism goes to negotiate with reality. One touchdown can rescue an afternoon; four harmless catches can leave your lineup stranded. Week 4 demands more than chasing familiar names. The trick is finding where opportunity meets defensive weakness, without confusing a favorable matchup with a guaranteed breakout.
Here is who to start and sit in Week 4:
Week 4 Start ‘Em
Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints — Pitts is a calculated gamble, not a suddenly safe starter. Last week, he managed one reception for five yards on two targets, although he ran routes on 76% of Atlanta’s dropbacks. The routes provide opportunity; the missing targets remain the concern. New Orleans gives that opportunity room to become production. The Saints have surrendered 25 catches and 250 yards on 33 tight end targets, giving up averages of 8.3 receptions and 83.3 yards allowed per game to the position. Pitts previously led Atlanta with six catches and nine targets against New Orleans in last season’s finale.
Darren Waller, Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions — Waller offers something fantasy managers desperately need, recent involvement. He caught five of eight targets for 51 yards last week, leading Carolina in targets despite playing only 51% of its offensive snaps. That suggests his receiving role matters more than his overall playing time. Detroit supplies the invitation. The Lions have given p 29 receptions, 351 yards and six touchdowns to tight ends through three games. That translates to 117 yards and two scores per game across the position. Waller also collected five catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns over the opening two weeks, start him as a Week 4 TE1.
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals — Strange’s season totals are modest with seven receptions, 72 yards and one touchdown on 10 targets. However, five of those targets arrived last week, when he caught three passes for 32 yards. That increased involvement makes him worth considering before the matchup enters the conversation. Cincinnati has allowed 23 receptions and 299 yards to tight ends through three weeks, averaging 99.7 yards per game. That makes Strange the perfect streamer in Week 4.
Article Continues BelowWeek 4 Sit ‘Em
Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots — Kincaid could be looking at back-to-back down performances heading into Week 4. He came back down to earth in Week 3 against Los Angeles, catching 2 passes for 38 yards on 3 targets. The matchup against New England is a tough one, as they have allowed only 10 receptions for 84 yards and no touchdowns through the first three weeks of the season. Consider a better alternative if you have one going into this week.
Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets — Loveland has five catches for 34 yards on nine targets, despite catching all four targets last week. That rebound remains small. The Jets have allowed 109 tight end yards and zero touchdowns through three games. Bench Loveland until his usage produces more dependable weekly volume.
Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans — Andrews ranks 19th among tight ends in PPR scoring entering Week 4. Tennessee has surrendered just 48 receiving yards and no receiving touchdowns to the position in your table. Sit him for a viable alternative this week.