Who Should I Start? Mike Gesicki or Theo Johnson

Saturday, October 4, 2:05 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has taken a major step back after his bounce-back campaign in 2024. Through four games, Gesicki has just six receptions for 46 yards and has been on the field for only 44% of Cincinnati's snaps, trailing Drew Sample (53%) and sharing time with Noah Fant (37%). His highest usage came in Week 4 at 62%, but that was primarily due to Fant missing the game with a concussion. With Fant set to return in Week 5, Gesicki's role should shrink again. The matchup isn't favorable either, as the Bengals face the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the tenth-fewest receptions to tight ends this season. Add in the Bengals' offensive line's struggles, and the Bengals' passing game remains limited without Joe Burrow. Gesicki doesn't hold enough volume or upside to be trusted in fantasy.

Tuesday, October 7, 10:26 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a risky, touchdown-dependent stream for the Thursday night matchup, despite his emergence as a key red-zone weapon. Johnson, the TE16 in fantasy with 7.08 fantasy points per game, has found the end zone three times this year, a figure made remarkable by the fact that rookie QB Jaxson Dart's only career touchdown passes have all gone to the tight end. This connection is vital, as Johnson operates with a high 75.4% snap share on his 15 receptions and 22 targets, but the Philadelphia Eagles present a brutal challenge. They rank as the 4th toughest fantasy defense against tight ends, allowing just 7.82 points against per game. Furthermore, the Eagles' elite 3rd-ranked red zone defense, which boasts a 42.9% Defense Red Zone TD Rate, significantly lowers the odds of Johnson continuing his unsustainable touchdown pace, making him a desperation play.