2025 NFL Tight End Rankings: Week 18

One more time for the 2025 season. The NFL season concludes this weekend, and I won’t beat a dead horse about playing fantasy football in Week 18. If you’re still out there, I have some ideas. But first…

The Week 17 double-digit PPR point scorers at TE:

A few names we’re not used to seeing, but Jake Tonges replacing George Kittle and Michael Mayer replacing Brock Bowers were good ideas. With Darren Waller going on IR and Quinn Ewers at QB, Greg Dulcich is showing the acumen he flashed a few years ago for Denver. Sadly, Harold Fannin got injured in Week 17 and will join David Njoku on the sideline in Week 18. Trey Lance will be the Chargers QB, so Oronde Gadsden may be startable again.

Here’s the list of TE targets for Week 17 in the red zone, sorted by targets, then fantasy points,  receptions, and receiving yards:

10 RZ TDs for TEs: very nice.

Now, the same for the season to date:

All stats are exclusive to usage from inside the 20-yard line. I expanded this back to 7+ targets, mainly to illustrate Darren Waller’s 2025 value. He was not only efficient, bringing in nearly 86% of his RZ targets, but all his RZ receptions resulted in TDs. That he did this in only 9 games is an accomplishment, even if it displays the damage inflicted on him. And if Geno Smith accomplished one thing with the Raiders, it was displaying how amazing Brock Bowers can be in the RZ. I also see a potential issue in drafting Trey McBride in the first two rounds next year, as with a 1-11 record, Jacoby Brissett is unlikely to be starting for Arizona next year, and McBride went Super Saiyan with Brissett wisely using Trey to full effect.

This is not the be-all and end-all, but a piece of the puzzle. There are no guarantees. And if you see this and say, “Why don’t they do this more?” remember there are other players on the field on both sides of the football. And tight ends do a lot of blocking.

This table shows how many PPR points per game defenses give up to TEs season to date, sorted by “FP/G.” The “TE Rank” column is the ranking from high to low, and the “FP/G” is PPR points per game (hereafter abbreviated to “PPR PPG”). I’ll use those below. If you’re someone who enjoys pointing out mistakes, congratulations! You’re my new editor!

The Week 18 schedule for TEs:

In the table, the “Team” is static; the rest of the columns are their opponent in a given week for Weeks 16-18, and the “Rk” is the opponent’s current ranking in PPR PPG allowed to TEs, which I explained in the table before this one. The teams are sorted from the one I view as having the most favorable schedule in Weeks 18 to the one I view as having the least favorable schedule.

If that’s confusing, reach out in the comments, and I’ll explain further.

Be sure to check out the latest tools on Razzball.com: Slot vs. Wide PPG Allowed | WR Slot vs. Wide| DEF Targets Allowed | Home vs. Away | Wins vs. Losses | TD Tool | RB Zone vs. Gap Rushing | DEF Zone vs. Gap Rushing |

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Week 18 stuff:

1. Quite a bit of what I displayed above may not apply to a week when several teams will not lose the war to win a battle; meaning, playing regular players in Week 18 is all risk and no reward for playoff teams if their seeding cannot be altered by the Week 18 game; or if there is a player dealing with an injury on a non-contender, it’s better to sit that player than risk his long-term health.
2. For Carolina, that is not an issue, as their Saturday game will determine whether they continue playing in the postseason. They’ve already lost TE Ja’Tavion Sanders to a broken ankle: I don’t recommend a Panthers TE, but if we must, Tommy Tremble is the guy. Just be aware he is currently PPR TE49 with a 33/24/211/1 line in 16 games.
3. The Panthers’ opponent, the Buccaneers, is in the same boat: win and in. Cade Otton is currently PPR TE27 with a 72/52/478/0 line. His best line since WRs Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan returned to the lineup is 4/4/34/0. That’s better than a zero, but not by a lot. If it’s a consolation, the weather should be lovely in Tampa.
4. The Seahawks are playing for the number one seed in the NFC. If I’m playing this week, I’m considering TE AJ Barner more than I would most weeks. He’s currently PPR TE13 (TE11, considering Bowers and Fannin won’t play) on the season. He’s not a volume play often with a 65/50/505/6 line in 16 games will attest, but with 13 RZ targets, there are fewer than 10 TEs playing Week 18 with more, and they occasionally use him on short-yardage sneaks.
5. The 49ers are likely to have George Kittle in the lineup Saturday as they vie for the NFC’s one seed. If Kittle plays, he’s in my lineup. He’s one of the handful of TEs that is critical to his team’s offensive success. And both of these defenses are top-10 in PPR PPG allowed to TEs. While rain showers are expected for the game, the wind should be modest.
6. With RBs Alvin Kamara and Devin Neal and WR Chris Olave out, TE Juwan Johnson becomes more important to the offense. While the Saints have nothing to play for, closing out the season with five straight wins, including one against each team in their division, would give them a reason for optimism heading into the offseason. Johnson has been top-10 in PPR points each of the last two weeks. The main concerns are QB Tyler Shough’s variable passing volume and if HC Kellen Moore has a role in the game plan for Taysom Hill. I’m going to risk it and play Johnson.
7. The Falcons are following a similar arc as the Saints, and HC Raheem Morris may be fighting to keep his job. Outside of the Week 17 game, TE Kyle Pitts has been on fire in December, but both he and WRs Drake London and Darnell Mooney are listed as questionable for the game with knee injuries. This is an indoor game, so keep an eye out for updates. Pitts is a must-start if he plays.
8. Cleveland is down to TEs Brenden Bates and Blake Whiteheart. Bates has 5 targets and Whiteheart has 14 targets for their careers. Bob Dylan called guys like these “complete unknowns” in a song. I know the Bengals allow the most PPR PPG to TEs, but I’m not hanging my championship hopes on the Browns.
9. The Bengals would like to close the season with a win. They’ll have a full contingent of offensive starters for the game, including four TEs. That’s an issue for defenses, but also for fantasy. Mike Gesicki and possibly Noah Fant will be in my Week 18 top 30, just not very high. Gesicki rarely plays 50% of snaps and tops out at 6 targets. Fant is playing fewer snaps and has not had double-digit PPR points since before the Week 9 bye.
10. Green Bay is one of those teams that cannot change its postseason position in Week 18. They’ve declared Clayton Tune the starting QB for the game. Luke Musgrave and Josh Whyle are the TEs on the active roster; I believe they’ll elevate Drake Dabney from the practice squad for the game. I’m proceeding as if the offensive starters won’t play much this week.
11. Minnesota is playing well down the stretch, and I think they won’t hesitate to add to their win total on Sunday. They’ll do it without TE T.J. Hockenson; they’ll keep him out with a shoulder injury. If I’m desperate, I could entertain playing Josh Oliver while being aware he hasn’t had more than 3 targets since Week 10…of 2024. I’m not chasing Ben Yurosek or Ben Sims.
12. Other than the RBs, I’ve heard nothing to indicate that the Cowboys won’t try to end their season with a win. TE Jake Ferguson was removed from the injury report. He’s more of a TD-or-bust option with the WRs healthy, but he’s starting for me this week even though the Giants have allowed the 9th fewest PPR PPG to TEs.
13. The Giants likely kicked away their shot at the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with their win in Las Vegas. They’ll also be without WR Wan’Dale Robinson and TE Theo Johnson in Week 18. I’m not crazy about Daniel Bellinger as an option: he doesn’t command volume, isn’t a RZ target, and the Cowboys aren’t helpless against TEs at 12th fewest PPR PPG allowed to the position.
14. I kicked sand at Titans TE Chig Okonkwo, and he kicked it back by finishing as TE5 in Week 16 and TE6 in Week 17 in PPR leagues. Coincidentally, those are his first 2025 games with more than 6 targets and he had his first 2 TDs on the season. With Gunnar Helm and WR Van Jefferson out and nothing to lose, I’d start Chig this week. How high I am on him will be revealed below.
15. The Jaguars still haven’t clinched their division and have an outside shot at the AFC’s one seed. TE Brenton Strange is inconsistent, but with a top-5 PPR TE ceiling, he’s in my lineup this week.
16. The Colts’ collapse is likely to be a major story of the offseason. The question for this week is how much they’d like to spoil the Texans’ party. They’ve already named Riley Leonard the starting QB for the game. Rookie TE Tyler Warren burst onto the fantasy scene before the Week 11 bye, but has not had a TE1 finish since. The opportunities are still there, but even when he and his QB connect, the yardage has cratered. Warren is still a better option than most this week, but my expectations are pretty low, especially against one of the league’s better defenses.
17. The Texans have a wide range of outcomes this week, including an AFC South Division Championship and a home playoff game. They’ve gone 11-2 since losing three games narrowly to teams that are either in the playoffs or still have a shot. Their offensive players are ready to go. The Colts have been better in PPR PPG allowed to TEs since their bye, but they allowed an 8/7/55/0 line to Dalton Schultz in Week 13 when they still had something to play for. Schultz will be a starter for me this week.
18. The Jets have nothing to play for but pride. Tyrod Taylor may be back, but why? TE Mason Taylor will be out, and I’m not pinning my hopes on the Jets, no slight to Jeremy Ruckert or Stone Smartt. Not to mention the Bills are allowing the fewest PPR PPG to TEs.
19. It’s hard to get a read on the Bills this week. HC Sean McDermott says they may rest the starters, but they want to win the game. Reading the tea leaves, if the Bills get a significant lead, they could pull some or all of the starters. I don’t want to start TE Dalton Kincaid, who is questionable due to a knee injury, and I’m ranking him as if he plays, but not much. Dawson Knox appears to be good to go, but he’s a TD-or-bust option, and he’s only had two games with a TD in 2025. I’m trying to avoid the Bills’ TEs this week.
20. I’d be surprised if Lions HC Dan Campbell takes his foot off the accelerator this week. I don’t expect Detroit to risk anybody with a significant injury, but the able bodies will be putting in full effort. That said, I don’t expect a lot out of TEs Shane Zylstra or Anthony Firkser.
21. The Bears, on the other hand, are playing for the NFC’s 2-seed. HC Ben Johnson having a chance to avenge the 52-21 beat down his former team handed the Bears in Week 2 will likely be a factor as well. TE Colston Loveland is a must-start in Week 18. I’m leaving Cole Kmet in the free agent pool.
22. The Chargers are starting Trey Lance at QB. And RB Omarion Hampton will be out. Other than that, it looks like the Chargers will at least play their starters for part of the game. TE Oronde Gadsden has had a couple of usable games lately, but he’s TD-dependent to me with their offensive line in the shape it is. He’s probably better than many of the remaining options, but I believe there are still plenty of options I’d start over him.
23. The Broncos are playing for the number one seed. If they win, it’s theirs. They only sit guys if this game gets out of hand late. I’m still not using TE Evan Engram. He hasn’t been getting snaps or volume. He does have 10 RZ targets on the season, but only 1 TD, and that was in Week 5. He’s PPR TE19 if I take out the guys ahead of him that won’t be playing in Week 18, but he’s averaging 6.4 PPR points per game, and he’s only been above that average twice since Week 9.
24. This may be Chiefs TE Travis Kelce’s final NFL game. He’s in my lineup against what’s left of the disastrous 2025 Raiders. The Chiefs’ WRs may be Marquise Brown, Juju Smith-Schuster, Jalen Royals, Jason Brownlee, and Jimmy Holliday. The QB will be Chris Oladokun. I’m a little surprised they’re favored.
25. But then, the Raiders QB will be Kenny Pickett, and they’re coming off a 24-point home loss to one of the worst teams in the NFL. I’m ranking TE Michael Mayer, but I’m not crazy about the matchup: the Chiefs’ offense is hanging by a thread, but the defense is mostly intact and allowing the 8th fewest PPR PPG to TEs.
26. It’s Arizona. It’s Trey McBride. There’s no question.
27. I get the impression that what the Rams do on Sunday depends on the outcome of the Seahawks-49ers game on Saturday night. HC Sean McVay said earlier that the starters will play, and TE Tyler Higbee should be activated from IR for the game. If I have Colby Parkinson, I’m not too concerned about Higbee’s first game back. Parkinson does have a low floor, but so do many TEs and he’s been TE12 or higher 6 of the last 8 weeks.
28. With news of TE Darren Waller’s season ending, Greg Dulcich comes into play for Week 18. The weather is going to be pretty chilly, but the forecast currently doesn’t call for much precipitation or wind. Another TE5 finish may be too much to hope for, but Dulcich has four straight weeks of solid yardage stats. And the Patriots are allowing the 12th most PPR PPG to TEs.
29. The Patriots are in a good position to nab the AFC’s first or second seed for the playoffs. They have a lot to play for, so unless they get a significant upper hand, I’m looking for their starters to play at least most of the game. The Dolphins are allowing the 3rd most PPR PPG to TEs, but Hunter Henry was oddly held to 1.90 PPR points in the Week 2 meeting in Miami. That was a high-scoring, competitive game, but Drake Maye only threw 23 passes. This is not a gimme.
30. I have seen few signs of life from the Commanders’ TEs since Zach Ertz’s season ended in Week 14. Ben Sinnott had a 4/3/29/0 line against Dallas with Josh Johnson under center, but I’ll need the rest of my lineup to step up if my TE has a ceiling of 6.90 PPR points. The Eagles will rest some starters, but that doesn’t mean they’ll roll over with a shot at the number two seed in the NFC on the line, and they allow the 2nd fewest PPR PPG to TEs.
31. One of the players the Eagles plan on sitting is TE Dallas Goedert. Grant Calcaterra has 10 targets in 14 games. Kylen Granson has 4 targets in 16 games. Cameron Latu is a special teamer. Next.
32. QB Lamar Jackson being back for the Ravens is a cause for hope for TEs Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. I’m just not sure how much hope. I could start either, but I’d be nervous. Andrews’ best finish since Week 12 is TE17. Likely was TE9 in Week 13 and TE10 in Week 14, then had no targets in either Week 15 or 16. If I had to start one, it would be Andrews, even though he was TE46 in the Week 14 game with the Steelers; he still had 5 targets.
33. We’ve had the conversation on the four-headed monster the Steelers employ at TE. It combined for a 5/3/21/0 receiving line with 1 carry for 2 yards in the Week 14 game. That’s not enough for one player, much less four.

These rankings are for Week 18 games ONLY. If you want to speak about them, hit me up in the COMMENTS.

These rankings are for base PPR leagues: 1 point per reception, 1 point for 10 yards rushing/receiving, 6 points per touchdown, and -2 points per fumble lost. No premiums or bonuses.

I’ll give player, player’s team, opponent this week, home or road game (H/R), day of game, time of game (early (E), late (L), or night (N)), opponent’s 2025 rank vs. tight ends, current projected team total per ESPNBET, PPR points per game (PPG), PPR scoring rank for the season (Sc Rk), and percent rostered per FantasyPros (Rost %).

The Top 30 TEs for Week 18

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