Who Should I Start? Pat Freiermuth or Jake Ferguson

Friday, August 22, 12:08 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth hauled in both of his targets for six yards in a 19-10 exhibition victory over the Carolina Panthers. Freiermuth, who was held out of Pittsburgh's first two preseason contests, played with the first-team offense on Thursday night and was immediately a go-to option for quarterback Mason Rudolph. In addition to his two official opportunities, Freiermuth was targeted early in the first quarter on third down, but his defender was flagged for pass interference. While recently-acquired tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) isn't expected to miss any regular-season action, Freiermuth should still be a focal point of the Steelers' passing game that lacks depth at the wide receiver position. He's an intriguing late-round target with upside in most redraft fantasy leagues.

Sunday, August 17, 10:48 PM

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (back) did not play during the team's preseason contest against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. The 26-year-old was sidelined near the start of the month, and although he returned to the practice field roughly one week ago, it appears that he wasn't healthy enough to play in Dallas' second preseason game. As a result, the Cowboys gave more passing opportunities to tight ends John Stephens Jr. and Princeton Fant. However, in reality, Devyn Spann-Ford and Luke Schoonmaker would be first in line to replace Ferguson if he's unable to suit up in Week 1. He's still an intriguing fringe top-12 fantasy tight end with Dak Prescott back under center this year. Even last year, while catching passes from both Prescott and Cooper Rush, Ferguson caught 59 passes for 494 yards. He did not catch a touchdown, finishing 2024 with double-digit fantasy points in just three of his 14 games. However, positive touchdown regression could vault him back up into the top-12 or top-15 range this year.