Who Should I Start? Darnell Washington or Noah Gray

Monday, June 17, 2:40 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington struggled last year during spring workouts, and nothing has changed a full year later. Washington has proven himself as a solid blocking tight end, but he's not going to be a 30-catch guy based on what we've seen from him in his second offseason. Even in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's tight-end-friendly scheme, fantasy managers in deeper leagues shouldn't expect Washington to have much more offensive output than he had last year, when he went for seven catches on 10 targets for 61 yards and no touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (seven starts). The 22-year-old former third-round pick last year out of Georgia doesn't figure to be on the fantasy radar in redraft leagues in 2024 unless Pat Freiermuth misses time with an injury.

Sunday, November 17, 8:26 PM

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray caught four passes for 23 yards and two touchdowns in the 21-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Chiefs collected their first loss of the season, but it was to no fault of Gray. The Chiefs backup tight end was one of the team's most productive players in the passing game. Gray's two touchdowns in this game were his first and second scores of the year. Gray will look to find the endzone again in next week's contest against the Carolina Panthers, who rank 32nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season. Despite his big game, Gray is not involved enough to be considered a usable fantasy asset in any matchup. Fantasy managers should leave Gray on the waiver wire.