Who Should I Start? Theo Johnson or Brenton Strange

Tuesday, October 7, 10:26 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a risky, touchdown-dependent stream for the Thursday night matchup, despite his emergence as a key red-zone weapon. Johnson, the TE16 in fantasy with 7.08 fantasy points per game, has found the end zone three times this year, a figure made remarkable by the fact that rookie QB Jaxson Dart's only career touchdown passes have all gone to the tight end. This connection is vital, as Johnson operates with a high 75.4% snap share on his 15 receptions and 22 targets, but the Philadelphia Eagles present a brutal challenge. They rank as the 4th toughest fantasy defense against tight ends, allowing just 7.82 points against per game. Furthermore, the Eagles' elite 3rd-ranked red zone defense, which boasts a 42.9% Defense Red Zone TD Rate, significantly lowers the odds of Johnson continuing his unsustainable touchdown pace, making him a desperation play.

Tuesday, October 7, 5:05 PM

The Jacksonville Jaguars placed tight end Brenton Strange (quadriceps) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Strange will now miss at least the next four games due to a quad injury that he picked up in Monday night's win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5. The 24-year-old is believed to have avoided a season-ending injury, and the team thinks he'll be able to return in around a month. He caught his only target on Monday night for a 22-yard gain before departing. Over his first five games in 2025, Strange has 20 catches on 24 targets for 204 yards and no touchdowns in his third year in the league. Surprisingly, he leads the Jags with 20 receptions. With Strange sidelined at least four games, Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long will both have bigger roles at TE. The earliest Strange will be eligible to return will be in Week 11 on Nov. 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers.