Tight end is always a tricky position because “bad defenses” might do a decent job at limiting TEs (possibly because RBs or WRs are running all over them) and good defenses might be most vulnerable against them. We looked at last year’s fantasy points per game (FPPG) allowed to TEs, but obviously we can only take so much from last year. Arizona was historically bad, while Washington, the Raiders, Seahawks, and Titans were in a close race for second worst. The Browns, Bucs, Cowboys,Texans, and Jaguars rounded out the top 10. 

WEEK 1 STANDARD RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | D/ST | Kicker

Some bona fide studs are facing those 10 teams, starting with our top four – all of whom would likely be the top four regardless of opponent. Hayden Hurst (vs. Seahawks), Tyler Higbee (vs. Cowboys), and Jared Cook (vs. Buccaneers) all get slight bumps up, but, again, they were all likely to be started anyway. 

WEEK 1 PPR RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Two of the TEs facing a a top-five defense against TEs last year – Ravens, Vikings, Eagles, Jets, Panthers – were likely drafted a starters. We still have Darren Waller (@ Panthers) in the top 10 because he’s a targets machine, but Austin Hooper (@ Ravens) has dropped because of not only the matchup, but also questions about his role in a new offense. 

WEEK 1 DFS CASH LINEUPS:Yahoo | DraftKings | FanDuel

Unless you have a top guy (and sometimes even if you have a top guy), TE tends to be a boom-or-bust position. Given how little we know about players and teams heading into Week 1 this year, you can make a case for virtually anyone in our top 20 to be started this week, depending on your other options. Our advice is to play it safe if you have a top-10 guy, but if you’re one of the owners in your league who really waited at the position, go with your gut and hope for the best. It’s 2020 – what could go wrong?

WEEK 1 DFS TOURNAMENT LINEUPS:Yahoo | DraftKings | FanDuel

Note: We’ll continue to update our tight end rankings to throughout the week, so check back for updates.

Week 1 Fantasy TE Rankings (Standard)

These rankings are for non-PPR leagues