Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or Darren Waller

Saturday, November 8, 5:41 PM

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz has had an underwhelming year in his 13th season in the league, catching 31 of his 44 targets for 291 yards and four touchdowns in nine games. Ertz has dropped more passes and had procedural penalties than you would expect from a veteran player, but it's been that kind of season for Washington. The 34-year-old tight end is still a capable threat in the red zone and on third downs, but he offers zero ability after the catch. Ertz has seen a slight drop off in production with Marcus Mariota as the starter compared to Jayden Daniels (elbow), who will miss an extended period of time. In Daniels' five starts, Ertz has recorded 22 catches for 216 yards and all four of his touchdowns on 30 targets, compared to nine catches, 75 yards, and no touchdowns on 13 targets in Mariota's three starts. Ertz is ranked as RotoBaller's TE14 in PPR leagues for Week 10 against the Lions.

Friday, October 24, 1:09 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller's pectoral injury is not season-ending, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Waller suffered a pectoral injury in the Week 7 loss to the Cleveland Browns and was placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, but he should be able to make it back this season. However, the 33-year-old veteran will need to miss at least four games and will not be eligible to return for Miami until Week 13. In the meantime, the team will have to make due with a combination of Julian Hill (ankle), Tanner Conner, and Greg Dulcich at the position in an offense that already lost star receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) for the year. Fantasy managers should be avoiding Miami's TE situation until Waller can return. Waller, who came out of retirement after not playing at all in 2024, got a late start in 2025 due to another injury, but he scored four touchdowns in his first three games before getting injured in Week 7.