Who Should I Start? Pat Freiermuth or Connor Heyward

Saturday, September 13, 12:04 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth saw three targets last week and will look to build on his chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle was middle-of-the-road against opposing tight ends last season, but surrendered plenty of fantasy points to the position in its season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately for Freiermuth, new addition Jonnu Smith appears to have a more significant role in Pittsburgh's offense. Smith led the Steelers' tight end room in snaps, targets, and receptions in Week 1. Freiermuth has proven to be a productive player over his five-year career, so while he is sure to have some big games this season, it will be difficult to predict them so long as the team's weapons stay healthy. He should be rostered in dynasty formats, but Freiermuth can remain on waiver wires in most redraft leagues.

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.