Who Should I Start? Pat Freiermuth or Mason Taylor

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.

Tuesday, September 23, 3:52 PM

New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor saw his involvement tick up in Sunday's 29-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reeling in 4-of-6 targets for 18 yards. It didn't amount to much in the box score, but the LSU product tied running back Breece Hall for the second-most targets on the team, and continues to work clearly ahead of veteran TE Jeremy Ruckert, nearly doubling him up on snaps through three contests (141-74). Taylor's position is notorious for being a slow-developing one, so it isn't surprising to see him be a non-factor for fantasy early on. With that said, the six targets are the most he's seen, and he tripled his catch total in Week 3's effort. Whether he can continue his trajectory when starting quarterback Justin Fields (concussion) returns to play remains to be seen, but the 21-year-old is at least trending in the right direction. He'll try to keep it going against a vulnerable Miami Dolphins defense in Week 4.