Who Should I Start? Pat Freiermuth or Theo Johnson

Friday, November 21, 8:30 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth had just one reception last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that he has dominated throughout his career. His role in the offense remains incredibly unpredictable heading into a Week 12 bout with the Chicago Bears. The Steelers are seemingly taking a hot-hand approach at the tight end position, giving more snaps and opportunities to whichever player makes an early impact. Last week, that was Darnell Washington, who posted a career high in receiving yardage and could be featured more in the coming weeks. Even with the Bears offering a decent matchup for Freiermuth, fantasy managers can't reasonably depend on him in starting lineups on Sunday.

Saturday, November 15, 10:23 AM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson should earn increased opportunities in Week 11 with wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) sidelined. Johnson will likely serve as Jameis Winston's No. 2 target behind Wan'Dale Robinson on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. He occupied a similar role last week; as Slayton missed part of the game due to injury, Johnson stepped up with a 97 percent snap share, eight targets, seven catches, and 75 yards. He has emerged as the overall TE13 in PPR leagues during his second pro season, and he has a good chance at cracking the top-12 with his increased workload this week. Managers should feel very comfortable starting Johnson, especially against a Packers defense allowing the seventh-most receptions and ninth-most touchdowns to opposing tight ends in 2025.