Who Should I Start? Evan Engram or Theo Johnson

Thursday, January 22, 9:24 PM

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram was a disappointment during the regular season in his first year with the Broncos, catching 50 of his 76 targets for 461 yards and only one touchdown in 16 games played. That continued in the Divisional Round overtime win over the Buffalo Bills last Saturday, as Engram caught just one of three targets for seven yards. The 31-year-old veteran just did not live up to the expectations that Denver's coaching staff placed on him during training camp. Perhaps Engram will be a favorite target for quarterback Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots in place of the injured Bo Nix (ankle), but it's probably unlikely. Engram went over 45 receiving yards just once during the regular season, and his lone TD on the year came way back on Oct. 5 in a win over the Eagles. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting a sudden breakout for Engram in the AFC Championship.

Friday, January 2, 3:59 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (illness) has officially been ruled out for the team's Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys due to an illness. The 24-year-old also missed New York's Week 17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders due to illness, so he's apparently dealing with a relatively serious ailment. The 3-13 Giants also have little reason to push Johnson before he's fully healthy, which could be a factor in his absence as well. Across 16 games played in 2025, Johnson recorded 45 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets. Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger saw a significant increase in playing time in Johnson's absence in Week 17, lining up for 97% of New York's offensive snaps. However, Bellinger hauled in just two receptions for 11 yards on three targets and remains difficult for fantasy managers to trust in Week 18.