Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or Chig Okonkwo

Wednesday, August 6, 11:35 AM

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz was described as a "cheat code" during Washington's practice session on Wednesday. The veteran tight end inked a one-year contract worth $6.25 million in the offseason to return to D.C. after a strong debut season. In 2024, Ertz emerged as the No.2 option in the passing attack as he brought in 66 passes for 654 yards and seven scores. Ertz was a force down the stretch, tallying six of his touchdowns over the final seven games. Even though the Commanders added a true WR2 in Deebo Samuel Sr. during the offseason, fantasy managers should still expect Ertz to produce in the offense. He should continue to be a reliable option in the middle of the field for Jayden Daniels. He should be viewed as a high-floor, low-end TE1 in all formats.

Saturday, August 2, 6:55 PM

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo "continues to look like he has an extra gear," according to team reporter JT Ruhnke. The 25-year-old has spent his entire career in Music City since being drafted by the team in 2022. He's appeared in all 17 regular-season games in each of his three seasons. While Okonkwo hasn't been consistently productive, he at least flashed some signs of promise by totaling 138 receptions for 1,457 yards and six touchdowns. He'll have plenty of competition for targets in 2025, with Tyler Lockett, Calvin Ridley, and Van Jefferson all looking for attention. The Titans will also presumably have rookie quarterback Cam Ward under center, although it's realistic to assume he might struggle on occasion. With so much anticipated volatility at the tight end position, Okonkwo could find himself in fantasy lineups this season. However, fantasy managers shouldn't expect consistent production from him on a week-to-week basis.