Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or Noah Fant

Saturday, October 11, 6:28 AM

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller has been extremely productive since returning from his hip injury two weeks ago, and he'll be a solid starting option in Week 6 against the Chargers. Waller retired and did not play last year, and was sidelined by a hip issue for the first three weeks of 2025. He returned in Week 4 with two touchdowns and 27 yards against the Jets, and he built on that last week by hauling in all five of his targets for 78 yards and a third touchdown. His snap count doubled from 16 in Week 4 to 32 in Week 5, and he was a key contributor even at just a 58% snap share. If that number grows again this week, he should continue to progress and remain one of the focuses of the Dolphins' offense, which is now operating without Tyreek Hill (knee), leaving targets available from Tua Tagovailoa. Tua has looked Waller's way often and had great success, so Waller is the TE8 this week in RotoBaller's rankings and can be a very solid starter in standard-sized leagues.

Saturday, October 11, 2:13 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant had four catches (five targets) for 26 yards in the Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns. He also had a touchdown in that one. Unfortunately, the 27-year-old hasn't done anything meaningful since then, catching eight passes for 54 yards. In Fant's defense, the entire offense hasn't looked the best, and it didn't matter whether it was Joe Burrow (toe) or Jake Browning under center. With the recently acquired Joe Flacco getting the start versus the Packers, it's unknown how his presence will impact the offense. However, until the offense can turn things around, Fant shouldn't be anywhere near a fantasy lineup. That will still apply if Ja'Marr Chase (illness) ends up getting ruled out in Week 6.