Who Should I Start? Theo Johnson or Trey McBride

Saturday, December 20, 11:23 AM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson has established a consistent floor for production as the team's TE1. Johnson has recorded at least three receptions in 11 of 14 games this season and has served as one of the Giants' most explosive playmakers. The 24-year-old leads all tight ends with three games of at least three receptions and a yards per reception of 20 yards or more. His three highest yardage totals have come in the past five games, but he hasn't found the end zone since Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers. Johnson profiles as a TE2 for Sunday's matchup against a tough Minnesota Vikings defense that hasn't allowed a touchdown through the air in five straight weeks.

Saturday, December 20, 4:02 PM

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride remains a top fantasy option despite a difficult matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. On paper, it may appear that the odds are stacked against McBride. Not only is he facing a Falcons defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025, but he could also face additional competition if Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel, questionable) returns from his two-game absence. However, McBride has consistently established himself as matchup-proof this year, so he should feast despite facing Atlanta. Furthermore, he could still lead the team in targets and catches, even if Harrison does return to the mix. In total this year, the 26-year-old has 105 catches, 1,071 yards, and a career-high 10 touchdowns. He is on track to finish this year as the overall TE1 in PPR leagues after finishing 2024 as the TE2. McBride has especially benefited from the presence of quarterback Jacoby Brissett. In full-PPR leagues, he averaged 12.5 fantasy points per game with Kyler Murray (foot) as the starter, and a whopping 23.3 fantasy points per game with Brissett as the starter. We should expect more otherworldly, video-game numbers from McBride this week. He's the undisputed TE1 in this week's fantasy rankings and should be a must-start as the fantasy playoffs continue.