Week 1 Tight End Rankings and Tiers: Juwan Johnson TE1 szn is upon us

Ian Hartitz ranks AJ Barner as TE23 but highlights him as a deep sleeper for goal-line usage. Barner was the most efficient short-yardage rusher in the NFL last season, converting 10 of 11 third and fourth-and-short attempts into first downs. Hartitz suggests he could be a breakout candidate if tight end touch passes are integrated at the goal line.

Ian Hartitz ranks Brenton Strange as TE20 for Week 1, viewing him as a low-upside play who serves as the fourth option in the passing game. He is suggested primarily as a deep-league or DFS streaming option, particularly for Wednesday Night Football showdowns.

Ian Hartitz ranks Brock Bowers as the TE1 for Week 1 against the Dolphins, citing his elite historical production as one of only two tight ends in the Super Bowl era to average 15+ PPR points per game in his first two seasons. Hartitz notes head coach Clint Kubak's high praise and expects Bowers to thrive in a wide-open passing game, potentially mirroring Jaxon Smith-Njigba's role.

Ian Hartitz ranks Charlie Kolar as TE25 and notes he is currently listed as the starter on the Chargers' depth chart heading into Week 1.

Ranked as TE17, Chigoziem Okonkwo faces a difficult Week 1 matchup against the Eagles, who were second in fantasy points allowed to tight ends last year. Ian Hartitz notes that the addition of Stefon Diggs complicates Okonkwo's target outlook.

Ian Hartitz ranks Cole Kmet as the TE2 for Week 1 against the Panthers, citing his high per-route efficiency and potential for increased volume if Rome Odunze remains sidelined. Kmet recorded 48 targets over the final four games of last season. Hartitz prefers Kmet over Trey McBride due to the Bears' higher implied team total (25 points) compared to the Cardinals' lower offensive projection (18.75 points).

Ranked as TE10, Dallas Goedert benefits from the departure of A.J. Brown, though Hartitz notes his high touchdown total last season was inflated by unconventional plays like jet sweeps and screens.

Ian Hartitz ranks Dalton Kincaid as the TE15 for Week 1 due to a tough matchup against the Texans and uncertainty regarding his snap share relative to Dawson Knox. Hartitz notes that if Kincaid were guaranteed an 80% route participation rate, he would rank him as a top-four tight end.

Ranked as TE21, Dalton Schultz faces a tough matchup against the Bills; Ian Hartitz notes that while Schultz could become a borderline TE1 later in the season, he does not expect that production in Week 1. Hartitz also questions if Schultz is a preferred start over younger options like Terrence Ferguson.

Ian Hartitz considers Darren Waller an enticing bench stash for very deep leagues; if his route rate is better than expected, he could rise up the rankings quickly.

Davis Allen is dealing with a quad injury that should be monitored for Week 1.

Ian Hartitz is currently dubious about Erick All's potential to rise to the top of the Bengals' tight end depth chart.

Ian Hartitz ranks George Kittle as the TE16 for Week 1, expressing significant caution due to his recovery from an Achilles injury and reports of rep management. Hartitz notes Kittle is a 32-year-old tight end facing a tough defensive matchup and advises starting Juwan Johnson over him, warning that Kittle's value will drop further if he is on a pitch count.

Ian Hartitz ranks Greg Dulcich as TE18 for Week 1. While acknowledging a favorable matchup against the Raiders, Hartitz expresses concern regarding the Broncos' tough early-season schedule and remains skeptical about Dulcich's ability to secure a full-time role given the team's low passing volume expectations.

Ian Hartitz notes that Gunner Helm appears to be splitting snaps with Daniel Bellinger.

Ranked as TE19, Hunter Henry is viewed by Ian Hartitz as a touchdown-dependent option against the Seahawks. Hartitz questions his value as a starter compared to younger options like Terrence Ferguson.

Ranked as TE9, Isaiah Likely is expected to mesh well with Jackson Dart due to his YAC ability and off-script playmaking. Hartitz expects a route rate over 80% despite some iffy preseason usage, though he notes rookie safety Caleb Downs could make the matchup difficult.

Ranked as TE12, Jake Ferguson is viewed as a 'boring' option with damning production splits when CeeDee Lamb is on the field. Despite dealing with soreness, Hartitz moved him up to TE19, suggesting he is a better start than other options in that tier.

Ian Hartitz predicts Brock Bowers will work in a role similar to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, noting that both players share the same coach in Clint Kubak.

Ian Hartitz ranks Juwan Johnson as the TE9 for Week 1, citing his 102-target volume from last year and strong performance in weeks 9-18 (11.5 PPR PPG) with Tyler Shuck. Hartitz notes a favorable Week 1 matchup against a Lions secondary missing starting safeties Brian Branch and Kirby Joseph. He is considered a preferred start over George Kittle and a viable streaming option if managers are concerned about the health or snap counts of other tight ends like Tucker Kraft.

Kenyan Sadiq is dealing with an abdomen injury that fantasy managers should monitor for Week 1.

Ian Hartitz highlights that Kyle Pitts averaged over 16 PPR points per game from weeks 12 through 18 last season when Kirk Cousins was under center, providing a positive outlook for tight ends in that offense.

Ian Hartitz ranks Kyle Pitts as TE5, noting that Tua Tagovailoa starting at QB is positive news. Pitts saw 7 targets on 13 preseason pass attempts and is frequently positioned near the line of scrimmage, which aligns with Tua's tendency to get the ball out quickly. Hartitz also highlights that Pitts averaged over 16 PPR points per game from weeks 12 through 18 last season when Kirk Cousins was under center.

Ian Hartitz acknowledges that Luther Burden will receive targets in the Bears' offense, though he emphasizes Cole Kmet's efficiency as a primary factor.

Ian Hartitz ranks Mark Andrews as the TE14 for Week 1 with room to rise, citing strong separation metrics (TE1 in ESPN's open score) and the absence of Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kohler as target competition.

Ian Hartitz identifies Michael Mayer as a bench stash, specifically noting his role as insurance for Brock Bowers and the Raiders' tendency to use two-tight-end formations.

Ian Hartitz compares Brock Bowers' early-career production to Rob Gronkowski, noting they are the only two tight ends in the Super Bowl era to average at least 15 PPR points per game during their first two seasons.

Ian Hartitz reports that Rome Odunze is dealing with an injury and is not on the practice field, putting him on the wrong side of questionable for Week 1.

Ian Hartitz ranks Sam LaPorta as TE6, citing his consistent top-tier finishes over his first three seasons and the high over/under environment of the Lions-Saints game. While LaPorta is dealing with a hip issue, Hartitz tentatively expects him to play and views the Detroit offense as an ideal environment for his role.

Ranked as TE22, T.J. Hockenson is not recommended for starting lineups by Ian Hartitz until he sees the player perform in a game, citing the crowded target environment in Minnesota.

Ian Hartitz ranks Terrence Ferguson as TE19, noting he could rise into the top 10 or top 6 if he achieves an 80% route participation rate. Hartitz suggests he is a viable start over veterans like Dalton Schultz or Hunter Henry.

Theo Johnson is dealing with a shoulder injury that should be monitored for Week 1.

Ranked as TE13, Travis Kelce faces uncertainty regarding Patrick Mahomes' early-season passing volume, though Hartitz notes Kelce has historically performed well against the Broncos.

Ian Hartitz ranks Trey McBride as the TE3 for Week 1. While acknowledging McBride's elite production (17.1 PPR points per game over the last two seasons), Hartitz prefers Cole Kmet due to the Bears' higher implied team total (25 points) compared to the Cardinals' lower offensive projection (18.75 points, ranked 30th).

Ranked as TE8, Tucker Kraft is past his knee injury rep management phase and has no pitch count concerns. Hartitz is confident enough to start him over Juwan Johnson for Week 1, though he remains one of the two tight ends Hartitz is watching for limited playing time.

Ian Hartitz ranks Tyler Warren as the TE4 for Week 1 and advises starting him in all league formats. Hartitz notes Warren could see up to 12 targets, citing his status as one of the few rookie tight ends to post top-12 PPR numbers in the last decade. Hartitz remains confident in Warren despite concerns about the Ravens' defense and potential Colts' offensive struggles throwing downfield.