Who Should I Start? Evan Engram or Pat Freiermuth

Saturday, October 4, 9:26 AM

Denver Broncos Evan Engram (back) saw a season-high seven targets in Week 4, but turning out a lackluster four catches for 29 yards makes him more valuable for real-life football than fantasy. He will look to be more productive against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The 31-year-old practiced in full on Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation for Week 5. While it's notable that he did look healthy and potentially fully recovered from a back issue, Engram will have to compete with a lot of competition in the receiving room. What's most notable is that Engram has been on the field for less than half of the offensive snaps so far this season. Until that number increases to the 70-90% mark we used to see in the successful years of his career, it will be difficult to trust him as more than a TE2 with touchdown dependency.

Friday, September 26, 9:13 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been quiet to start the season and will look to get back on track against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. While the Vikings have been middle-of-the-pack against opposing tight ends through three weeks, Freiermuth could see a boost in opportunities given Pittsburgh's injury report. Fellow tight end Jonnu Smith (hip) and running back Jaylen Warren (knee) are questionable to suit up after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Each has been a reliable short-area target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, so if either of them misses this international bout in Ireland, Freiermuth would likely absorb some of those looks. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation, but in a matchup that projects to be low-scoring, Freiermuth remains a risky play and is best considered a stash or backup option.