Fantasy Football Week 14 Tight End Start Decision: Tucker Kraft, T.J. Hockenson, Jonnu Smith, Sam LaPorta, Will Dissly and More

After looking at several starting fantasy quarterback and wide receiver options for week 14, we’ll now cover some tight ends.

Let’s discuss Sam LaPorta, Tucker Kraft, T.J. Hockenson, Cade Otton, David Njoku, Will Dissly, Jake Ferguson or Luke Schoonmaker, Evan Engram, Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth and George Kittle.

Looking for start/sit help? Be sure to check out the FantasySP Who Should I Start tool.

Season Stats

LaPorta has just 391 yards, but five touchdowns, on 31 receptions and 44 targets this season. He scored 16 fantasy points last week, but that was powered by two touchdown catches. LaPorta had only scored in double figures four times this season, and he’s caught a touchdown in each one of those games.

Kraft is up to 480 yards and six scores on 36 catches and 49 targets. He scored 14 fantasy points last week, and also was in double figures in week 12. Kraft didn’t score a fantasy point the week before that.

Hockenson has 254 yards and no touchdowns on 23 grabs and 31 targets across five games so far. He scored six fantasy points last week and has alternated good and underwhelming fantasy outings across his first few games back.

Otton has racked up 506 yards and four scores on 54 catches and 80 targets. He scored six fantasy points last week, and hasn’t gone over 10 points in any of the past three games. Otton had scored in double figures in the four games before that.

Njoku has 397 yards and four touchdowns on 49 receptions and 74 targets this season. He scored 26 fantasy points last week, with two touchdowns turning a good fantasy showing into a great one. Njoku has alternated double- and single-digit fantasy outings over the past five weeks.

Dissly is up to 399 yards and one touchdown on 41 catches and 53 targets. He didn’t score a fantasy point and only was targeted once last week. Dissly had scored eight or more fantasy points in the previous three contests.

Ferguson and Schoonmaker are listed together as Ferguson works his way back from a concussion. Ferguson has 369 yards and no scores on 43 grabs and 58 targets this season. He hasn’t played the past two games and only scored six fantasy points in his last two games played combined.

Schoonmaker has played well without Ferguson around, and is up to 200 yards and a touchdown on 22 receptions and 31 targets. He had eight fantasy points last week, 15 the week before that and 12 points in the week Ferguson got injured.

Engram has racked up 332 yards and a touchdown on 43 catches and 58 targets this season. He scored 11 fantasy points last week, and has scored at least eight in every game since returning from an early-season injury.

Smith has accumulated 648 yards and four scores on 58 grabs and 74 targets. He’s scored at least 20 fantasy points in three straight games, and hasn’t been below eight points in five straight outings.

Freiermuth has totaled 422 yards and four touchdowns on 41 receptions and 47 targets. He scored a touchdown last week and went for 19 fantasy points. Freiermuth has scored in double digits in three of the past four weeks.

Kittle has 649 yards and eight touchdowns on 50 receptions and 61 targets this season. He scored just two fantasy points last week, which was easily his lowest mark - he’s scored at least eight in every other contest. Kittle has eight games with 15 or more fantasy points.

Week 14 Matchups

LaPorta and Kraft square off on Thursday night. Green Bay allows opposing tight ends to score 14 fantasy points per week, while Detroit gives up a league-low seven points.

Njoku and Freiermuth are also part of the same game on Sunday. Cleveland only allows 10 points a week, while Pittsburgh gives up 12.

Hockenson takes on the Falcons, who surrender 10 fantasy points a week. Otton goes up against the Raiders, who give up 16 points a week.

Dissly is up against the Chiefs on Sunday night. Kansas City allows 17 points per game, tied for the most in the league.

Ferguson and Schoonmaker are in the Monday night game against the Bengals. Cincy gives up the most fantasy points (17) to opposing tight ends.

Engram takes on the Titans, who are allowing 10 points per game. Smith faces the Jets, who only allow 10 fantasy points per week. Kittle is going against the Bears, who surrender 12 fantasy points per week to the position.

Projections and Starting Recommendations

In the weekly projections, Kittle leads this group of tight ends with 13 PPR fantasy points. 

Smith and Njoku check in at 12 points, while Hockenson is at 11. LaPorta, Otton and Engram are all at 10 points. 

Dissly and Ferguson are projected for nine fantasy points each. Kraft and Freiermuth are at eight each, while Schoonmaker is at three.

I agree with the projections and have Kittle as my top fantasy tight end for this group of players. He’s performed too well this season to consider benching him after just one bad fantasy performance. I think he gets back on track in what should be a pass-first Niners’ offensive attack this week.

I’d go with Smith next. He’s been on a tear of late, and I’m not letting a bit tougher matchup sway my decision. I’m starting Smith until he cools off.

I’d then want Njoku. He only scored four fantasy points the last time these teams met, but that was in an adverse weather game. I think Njoku has a big-time fantasy showing in week 14.

I like Engram next, followed by Hockenson. I list them together because they are ultra-close in my book.

I give Engram the edge because he’s been the more consistent fantasy performer - in other words, I think he’s the safer play. Hockenson could erupt and outscore every tight end we’re talking about, but I still think Engram is the safer play this week.

Give me LaPorta next. Anytime I say to play him, it feels like a risky move. The matchup is solid enough that he could deliver without a touchdown catch, and that’s what I’m thinking he accomplishes on Thursday.

I’d go with Freiermuth next. His matchup is much tougher than most of the TEs I have to choose from, but he seems like the safest play. He scored 10 fantasy points against the Browns a couple weeks ago, and I like him to stay hot in week 14.

I’d then go with Dissly. It’s all about the matchup here, but it’s obviously risky after what he did last week. I think Dissly bounces back and enjoys a solid fantasy outing.

I’d then go with Otton. He was on a tear several weeks ago, but has cooled off considerably, which coincides a bit with Mike Evans returning. The matchup is favorable enough to give Otton a go, especially when so many other teams are on byes this week.

I’m taking Ferguson or Schoonmaker next. If Ferguson plays, both would be options because of the super favorable defensive matchup they have, but I’d give Ferguson the edge. If Ferguson misses week 14, I’d probably move Schoonmaker ahead of Otton and Dissly.

That leaves Kraft for the final spot. He scored eight fantasy points against the Lions in the team’s last meeting, and should factor in plenty on Thursday with Romeo Doubs out, but I’m trusting the season numbers and saying Kraft underwhelms this week. I wouldn’t mind playing him with so many TEs on their bye, but temper your expectations.