Who Should I Start? Pat Freiermuth or Connor Heyward

Saturday, October 11, 12:20 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been underwhelming in his fifth professional season and will look to turn things around against the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. With wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) sidelined this week, quarterback Aaron Rodgers could target his tight ends more frequently, but it's difficult to predict who will benefit most at the position. Though Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith were expected to be featured in the offense early on, it was Darnell Washington who led the group in snaps in Week 4. Given Cleveland's strong defensive front, the big-bodied Washington could be in line for more opportunities on Sunday, further limiting Freiermuth's fantasy output. Fantasy managers should steer clear of Pittsburgh's tight ends this week, leaving Freiermuth on the waiver wire in most formats.

Friday, November 3, 12:12 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Connor Heyward caught two of his three targets for 16 yards in the team's 20-16 win over the visiting Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Darnell Washington caught his only target for a seven-yard gain. Heyward caught a season-high five passes (six targets) for 24 yards in last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars with Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, but he couldn't keep up that elevated production in Week 9. Freiermuth will miss at least two more games, but fantasy managers just won't be able to trust Heyward for consistent production in one of the weaker offenses in the league. The 24-year-old has just 14 receptions for 105 yards and no touchdowns in eight games in 2023.