Who Should I Start? Theo Johnson or Brenton Strange

Friday, January 2, 3:59 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (illness) has officially been ruled out for the team's Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys due to an illness. The 24-year-old also missed New York's Week 17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders due to illness, so he's apparently dealing with a relatively serious ailment. The 3-13 Giants also have little reason to push Johnson before he's fully healthy, which could be a factor in his absence as well. Across 16 games played in 2025, Johnson recorded 45 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets. Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger saw a significant increase in playing time in Johnson's absence in Week 17, lining up for 97% of New York's offensive snaps. However, Bellinger hauled in just two receptions for 11 yards on three targets and remains difficult for fantasy managers to trust in Week 18.

Saturday, December 27, 12:20 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange has been inconsistent, but he has a chance to be serviceable against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. Strange hasn't been the most targeted, but since returning from injury in Week 12, he has had decent involvement in the Jaguars thriving offense. He did manage 93 yards in Week 12 and a touchdown each in Weeks 13 and 16, but his overall season numbers don't stand out in any way. However, in a plus matchup and a week with plenty of injured tight ends, Strange is certainly startable. Fantasy managers can do better, but can also do much worse than Strange, who might be an injury replacement for injured studs Brock Bowers (knee) and George Kittle (ankle) for numerous fantasy managers in their Week 17 fantasy championships.