Who Should I Start? Pat Freiermuth or Tucker Kraft
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 53.0 | 0.3 |
Pat Freiermuth News
Wednesday, March 4, 2:21 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth's fantasy value in both redraft and dynasty/keeper leagues should be higher going into the 2026 season with the news that the Steelers are releasing Jonnu Smith. In offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's run-first, two-tight-end system last year, Freiermuth regressed, catching 41 of 54 targets for 486 yards and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (eight starts). Darnell Washington (forearm) also cut into Freirmuth's production. New head coach Mike McCarthy should be much friendlier to Freiermuth for fantasy purposes next season, even if the team's quarterback situation is currently unsettled. Depending on what direction the Steelers go in at QB, Freiermuth will be a TE1 sleeper this fall. In dynasty/keeper leagues, he's a decent buy-low target. Freiermuth already has two seasons with seven touchdown catches, including his rookie year in 2021.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.3 | 44.0 | 0.3 |
Tucker Kraft News
Tuesday, March 3, 6:08 AM
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) is working his way back to full health after tearing his ACL during the 2025 NFL season. His road to recovery doesn't just concern the Packers, but dynasty fantasy football managers, too. Kraft was the overall TE1 in half-PPR leagues from Weeks 1 to 8, when he was healthy. Injuries can sometimes derail players' fantasy values, so his dynasty managers will hope that's not the case here. By all accounts, the 25-year-old is ahead of schedule and will be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season. That's encouraging for his fantasy outlook, and even if he doesn't immediately return to TE1 form, we expect him to be a top option. There have also been rumors of contract talks between Kraft and the Packers, which would ensure year-over-year consistency that offers plenty of value in dynasty formats. Dynasty managers should look to buy low on Kraft coming off his injury, as he should be a top-five fantasy tight end for many years to come.
Pat Freiermuth vs. Tucker Kraft
Still trying to decide between Freiermuth and Kraft? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Pat Freiermuth is projected to score 13.3 points this week while Tucker Kraft is projected to score 10.6 points.
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