Who Should I Start? Darnell Washington or Brenton Strange

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Week 3 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
4.0 0.0 0.0 1.7 17.4 0.1

Darnell Washington News

Darnell Washington Struggling to Earn Pass-Catching Reps in Pittsburgh

Saturday, September 26, 6:38 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington had the most productive pass-catching season of his career in 2025, recording 31 catches for 364 yards and a touchdown on 43 targets across 16 games. However, the Steelers have a new playcaller in 2026 in head coach Mike McCarthy, and it appears that Washington's role in his team's passing game has shrunk. Across two games, the 25-year-old has recorded three catches for 25 yards on four targets. Washington has played at least 53% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps in both contests, but it's been Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth who has emerged as the clear top pass-catching option so far. Barring an injury to Freiermuth, Washington should remain off the radar of fantasy managers.

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Week 3 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
8.4 0.0 0.0 3.4 34.8 0.2

Brenton Strange News

Brenton Strange a Touchdown-Dependent TE2 in Week 3

Saturday, September 26, 8:51 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange has been quiet to start the year, and that could continue against the New England Patriots in Week 3. He has just four catches for 40 yards on five targets through two weeks, but did salvage his Week 1 with a touchdown. With all the target competition he has in Jacksonville, it's hard to imagine Strange becoming more of an option in the passing game anytime soon. Wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers have dealt with some minor injuries to start the season, but unless some passing options are fully ruled out, Strange should continue to be an afterthought for Trevor Lawrence. Barring any significant changes, Strange should be viewed as nothing more than a low-end TE2 against the Patriots.

Darnell Washington vs. Brenton Strange

Still trying to decide between Washington and Strange? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Darnell Washington is projected to score 4.0 points this week while Brenton Strange is projected to score 8.4 points.