Exploit tight end matchups in Week 2, fantasy managers advised
Fantasy analysts point to several favorable tight end matchups — and weak secondaries — that could reward streaming or lineup shifts this week
Fantasy managers should target tight ends among their Week 2 lineup moves after a slate of matchups and early-season performances revealed exploitable coverage holes, analysts said.
Several teams that struggled against tight ends last season or showed weakness in Week 1 present clear streaming opportunities, according to Howard Bender, head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. The Browns notably targeted tight ends heavily in their opener against the Bengals, while performances from lesser-known players like Tucker Kraft and Jake Tonges through one week have highlighted more immediate waiver options.
The Cleveland Browns threw at the Bengals' tight end coverage 15 times in Week 1, converting those looks into 10 catches for 100 yards, a trend that suggests Cincinnati remains vulnerable after finishing last in covering tight ends last season, Bender wrote. Jacksonville's Brenton Strange is one candidate who could benefit from similar matchups, particularly in leagues that emphasize tight end scoring.
San Francisco’s Jake Tonges and veteran George Kittle both found the end zone in Week 1 against Seattle, and Bender flagged the New Orleans Saints as another soft spot. The Saints were among the worst teams at covering tight ends last season and made no significant offseason additions to address that deficiency, making both Tonges and Kittle appealing options if available.
Matchups involving the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers also merit attention. Arthur Smith-run offenses historically funnel targets to tight ends, and Jonnu Smith saw six targets and caught a 3-yard touchdown against the New York Jets in Week 1. Atlanta’s usage patterns could continue to make their tight ends relevant if the coaching approach persists.
Kyle Pitts of the Falcons is another name to watch. He faces a Minnesota defense that showed vulnerability to tight ends at times last season, and Pitts could be more impactful if the Vikings are without starting safety Harrison Smith, a potential but not confirmed absence analysts noted heading into the week.
Tucker Kraft’s breakout performance Thursday — six catches for 124 yards and a touchdown — cast the Washington Commanders’ linebackers and safeties in a poor light, Bender said. Kraft exploited the middle of the field and led his team in targets; teammate Luke Musgrave also recorded two targets. That defensive weakness puts upcoming opponents’ tight ends on notice. New York Giants tight ends drew four targets in Week 1, and Brock Bowers of Georgia (projected to play in the NFL) could be a major beneficiary should the Commanders’ coverage issues persist.
The broader strategy remains straightforward for fantasy managers: when teams that struggled to cover tight ends last season show the same vulnerabilities early in the new year and fail to address them in the offseason, streaming or rostering less-heralded tight ends can produce an edge. Week 1 film and target charts are useful early indicators, especially at a position with few consistent game-breakers.
Bender urged managers to pay particular attention to Week 1 data and offseason roster moves when evaluating matchups, noting that there are "very few game breakers at the tight end position, but you can always grab a huge edge over your opponent if you can hit the right one." He wrote the analysis for the New York Post and publishes further fantasy advice at FantasyAlarm.com.
Managers should weigh opponent tendencies, individual target share and injury reports when deciding whether to start or stream a tight end. With several exploitable matchups already visible after the opening week, tight end streaming could be a decisive tactic in close fantasy matchups during Week 2 and beyond.
