Who Should I Start? Darnell Washington or Theo Johnson

Saturday, November 15, 5:23 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers big-bodied tight end Darnell Washington caught his only touchdown of the season and the second of his career in the first matchup against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 16, but it came on just three catches (five targets) for two yards. Since then, the 6-foot-7, 264-pound unit has caught five passes for 58 yards and no touchdowns on seven targets as the team's TE3 behind Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. In nine total games in 2025 in his third year in the NFL, Washington has just 14 receptions for 142 yards and one touchdown on 21 targets. His size sets him apart when quarterback Aaron Rodgers is facing pressure and he just needs to throw the ball up to a big target, but otherwise, Washington just isn't seeing enough volume to be anything more than a TE3 in fantasy, even against a Bengals defense that has allowed the most half-PPR points per game to the TE position.

Saturday, November 15, 10:23 AM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson should earn increased opportunities in Week 11 with wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) sidelined. Johnson will likely serve as Jameis Winston's No. 2 target behind Wan'Dale Robinson on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. He occupied a similar role last week; as Slayton missed part of the game due to injury, Johnson stepped up with a 97 percent snap share, eight targets, seven catches, and 75 yards. He has emerged as the overall TE13 in PPR leagues during his second pro season, and he has a good chance at cracking the top-12 with his increased workload this week. Managers should feel very comfortable starting Johnson, especially against a Packers defense allowing the seventh-most receptions and ninth-most touchdowns to opposing tight ends in 2025.