Who Should I Start? Trey McBride or Noah Gray

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.

Wednesday, November 26, 12:19 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs have ruled out tight end Noah Gray (concussion) for Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the hosting Dallas Cowboys, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gray will not have enough time to clear the league's concussion protocol on a short week. His next chance to play will come in Week 14 against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Dec. 7. Travis Kelce will continue to operate as one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' top options in the passing game, but with Gray out on Thursday, both Robert Tonyan and Jared Wiley will have a chance to see the field more. The 26-year-old Gray has not been on the fantasy football radar in most leagues in 2025, catching 16 of his 28 targets for 132 yards and no touchdowns in 11 games played.