As Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy managers are weighing which tight ends to start and which to bench, including 2024 breakout star, Brock Bowers. Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em evaluates matchups using PPR scoring and highlights players who could exceed or fail expectations. This week, injuries, volume, and matchup nuances are particularly critical at the tight end position.
Brock Bowers: A Cautionary Tale
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Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers remains a top-tier option in theory, but caution is warranted. Insider Field Yates noted the complexity of Bowers’ situation:
“It’s not so much that it’s hard to figure out where Brock Bowers deserves to be in the tight end hierarchy. It’s more that we are already wondering whether Brock Bowers being drafted at a premium was a mistake… If he’s not healthy, it’s going to be a problem.”
Bowers has battled a knee injury sustained in Week 1 and has posted modest totals in Weeks 2 and 3. Despite the challenges, he remains on the field for nearly every snap, ensuring opportunity, though his production has yet to match draft-day expectations.
Week 4 Matchup: Las Vegas faces the Chicago Bears, who rank 27th in passing yards allowed per game (247.7). While Bowers could capitalize on a favorable defense, fantasy football managers should temper expectations due to lingering health concerns.
Must-Start Tight Ends
Jake Ferguson vs. Packers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
Ferguson has emerged as a PPR powerhouse, catching 13 passes for 82 yards and 21.2 points in Week 3. With CeeDee Lamb sidelined, Dak Prescott is relying on Ferguson as his primary safety valve. The Packers have allowed the third-most yards to tight ends, making Ferguson a clear must-start.
Hunter Henry vs. Panthers (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
Henry has become a favorite target for Drake Maye, scoring 29 fantasy points in Week 3. Carolina’s defense has been vulnerable to tight ends, ranking eighth in points allowed. Expect Henry to see heavy volume both inside and outside, making him a TE1 option this week.
Dalton Kincaid vs. Saints (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Kincaid has scored 14-plus points in two of the first three games, with a 16% target share in Buffalo’s passing game. The Saints’ slot cornerback play sets up a favorable matchup, and Kincaid is poised to see significant opportunities.
Other Tight End Starts
- Travis Kelce vs. Ravens (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Historically productive against Baltimore, Kelce benefits from a matchup where the Ravens allow the seventh-most points to tight ends.
- T.J. Hockenson at Steelers (Dublin, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network)
- Tyler Warren at Rams (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
- Sam LaPorta vs. Browns (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Tight Ends to Sit
Mark Andrews at Chiefs (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox)
Despite a strong Week 3 showing, Kansas City’s defense has historically limited Andrews’ production. He remains a high-risk start.
Cade Otton vs. Eagles (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
Otton has been largely invisible this season, with just 5.5 points over three games. Streaming him against a tough Eagles defense is not recommended.
Dalton Schultz vs. Titans (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Schultz has failed to score double digits in all but one of his last 20 games. With the Titans’ defense holding him in check historically, he is a clear sit.
Other notable sits: Zach Ertz, Jonnu Smith, Chigoziem Okonkwo, Theo Johnson.
Week 4 Summary
While Bowers and Trey McBride remain high-drafted names, injuries and inconsistent production highlight the tight end position’s volatility. Ferguson, Henry, and Kincaid provide safe, high-volume alternatives, while Andrews, Otton, and Schultz carry risk. Fantasy football managers should emphasize matchups, target volume, and injury reports when finalizing their Week 4 lineups.
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