Start 'Em, Sit 'Em tight ends: Week 4 fantasy football

The tight end position is often a fantasy wasteland, and it has proven to be again in the early stages of 2024.

Despite the lack of options, fantasy players received some good news last Sunday: Dallas Cowboys starter Jake Ferguson returned from an MCL sprain he suffered in the team's Week 1 game and led the team with 6 catches for 95 yards against the Ravens defense.

Now, the bad news: Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku remained out with an ankle sprain, and Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram sat again after he was injured during warmups in Week 2. 49ers stud George Kittle felt tightness in his hamstring during practice late in the week and sat on Sunday. Kyle Shanahan said the team is hopeful Kittle will return to practice this week.

A popular sleeper to lead the position, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride entered the NFL's concussion protocol in Week 3. Track the injury reports later in the week to determine if any of these options for the position will be available.

Entering the season, the tight end position appeared deeper than ever. Some teams who invested in the position early in their drafts have been disappointed. Travis Kelce, Sam LaPorta, and Mark Andrews are off to slow starts, and suddenly, fantasy teams have even more difficult start-sit decisions for their tight ends. Kelce has been uncharacteristically poor to start 2024, and the Lions second-year tight end suffered an ankle injury in Week 3, which knocked him out of the game.

Week 4 brings a new opportunity for your team to make a statement. Here is a breakdown of who you should start and who you should sit at tight end in Week 4 of the fantasy football season.

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Fantasy football start 'em: Week 4 TEs

Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills will meet the Baltimore Ravens on the road for "Sunday Night Football" in Week 4. The Ravens defense has been disappointing, particularly in pass defense in the middle of the field.

Baltimore has allowed the second-most receptions and yards to opposing tight ends. Dalton Kincaid hasn't delivered a big week yet, but they will come. His volume has increased each week. The Ravens offense should keep up with Josh Allen and the Bills, forcing Buffalo to throw more than they have in their back-to-back blowout wins.

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have managed a 3-0 start to the season, and Pat Freiermuth is in a good spot this Sunday. Justin Fields is expected to remain the starting quarterback. Fields has targeted "Muth" at least four times in each game.

The Steelers will play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. Gus Bradley's defense is an enticing matchup for tight ends with their heavy zone looks. The Colts have allowed a league-high 75.7 plays per game (second-most Falcons 68.7). The Steeler's tight end should continue to get reliable volume and has proven to be the team's second-best pass catcher behind George Pickens.

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Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

Some fantasy football owners are ready to give up on Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, but we say hold on: With the addition of Kirk Cousins under center, fantasy owners expected a leap for Pitts. He currently ranks as the 10th overall scoring tight end through the first three weeks and would be higher if he didn't go down at the goal line on Sunday night against the Chiefs after reeling in a 50-yard reception.

It should also be noted that Cousins targeted Pitts in the end zone during the final play of the game, which was a missed defensive pass interference call by the referees. Atlanta will battle the Saints, who allowed multiple splash plays to Dallas Goedert and allowed the third-most yards at the position.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 4 TEs

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots

The Patriots offense isn't considered explosive, but sometimes that doesn't matter for fantasy value. The veteran has become Jacoby Brissett's favorite target. Until the Patriots unleash No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye, we can expect Henry to be a hot name among tight ends.

Henry gets a difficult matchup against a 49ers defense that has struggled on the perimeter but has been terrific slowing down tight ends; Fred Warner patrols the middle of the field, making opposing tight ends disappear. He's been a great option, but Henry is a sit this week against San Francisco, who has allowed just 6 receptions and 39 yards to tight ends through three weeks.

Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams will meet the Chicago Bears on the road in Week 4. Parkinson reeled in three of five targets for 21 yards in the Rams' first full game without Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. While the Rams tight end played every snap, his utilization was poor.

The Bears' pass defense has been strong and ranks ninth overall against the position. Chicago has a very fast defense, headlined by Tremaine Edmunds.

Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'ems, Week 4

Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:

→ Kickers are people, too: Here are some of the most clutch kickers to have on your fantasy team in Week 4.

→ The wide receiver position has been decimated this season. Protect yourself in Week 4 with start 'em, sit 'em advice for wideouts.

→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 4.

→ A good running back makes all the difference. A bad running back can cost you a lot of points. Here's who to start and who to sit in Week 4.

→ A good defense can shut down your fantasy opponent's offense. Here are some D/ST options to start and sit for Week 4.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 4: 5 TEs to start or sit