Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or Darnell Washington

Wednesday, October 22, 11:49 AM

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz has been a steady contributor this season, recording 23 catches for 229 yards and four touchdowns across seven games. Ertz's role has expanded over the last two weeks, as he's recorded nine catches for 80 yards and two scores on 13 targets. The Commanders are dealing with injuries to wide receivers Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel), Terry McLaurin (quad), and Noah Brown (groin, knee), which have aided Ertz's recent production. Washington will definitely be without Brown and could once again be without Samuel Sr. and McLaurin in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs, so Ertz could be set for another game with a featured role. It's worth noting that all four of Ertz's touchdown catches this season have come in games started by Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (hamstring), whose status for Week 8 is unclear. Still, Ertz profiles as a high-floor low-end starting tight end option for fantasy managers in Week 8.

Tuesday, October 21, 9:35 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington came through with his first touchdown of the season in Week 7 but was otherwise quiet with three receptions for just two yards in the loss. Though he did see five targets, Washington was out-snapped and outperformed by Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, both of whom had underwhelmed early in the year. In Week 8, Washington will face the Green Bay Packers, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. This matchup makes Washington an intriguing DFS dart throw or deep-league flier, but it remains difficult to predict how opportunities will be distributed among Pittsburgh's tight ends in Arthur Smith's offense, keeping him off the fantasy radar in most redraft formats.