Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or Theo Johnson

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.

Sunday, July 6, 12:22 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (foot) is hoping the work put in during the offseason will keep him healthy throughout the 2025 campaign. "The big thing for me this year is I want to play 17 games," said Johnson on the Giants Huddle podcast. "That's the number one priority. I've been taking my recovery and my health, what I'm putting in my body and everything, more serious than I ever have." The 24-year-old wasn't a consistent fantasy producer last season. However, he demonstrated some signs of growth and would total 29 catches for 331 yards and one touchdown before sustaining a season-ending foot injury in November. Johnson has more work to do to earn additional snaps, although it appears he has the edge over Greg Dulcich, Daniel Bellinger, among others, to enter Week 1 as the No. 1 tight end on the depth chart. Still, he has a way to go before establishing himself as a week-to-week fantasy starter.