2022 Fantasy Football: Week 1 Tight End Rankings

We are days away from the start of the 2022 NFL season! As such, we need to start making some lineup decisions. But there’s no need to worry — I’ve got you covered with my Week 1 tight end rankings, complete with notes on some of the matchups. As you’re going over these, keep in mind that they’re based on half-PPR scoring.

The tight end position is often a headache for many fantasy managers. If you didn’t invest in one of the top-six options at the position, the talent pool dries up pretty quickly. If that’s the case, you’re ideally looking to exploit favorable matchups each week, and crossing your fingers for a touchdown or volume. Week 1 is no exception. Usage will get clearer as the weeks go on, but for now, we want to look for those favorable matchups. Let’s go!

Week 1 Tight End Notes

• UPDATE:  George Kittle has a groin injury and is questionable for Week 1.  Ross Dwelley would likely fill-in, but it’s best to keep in mind other options this week.
• T.J. Hockenson gets a cushy matchup this week against the Philadelphia Eagles and their leaky defense against tight ends. Hockenson missed four games last season but was still the second-most targeted player on the Lions. Expect high volume this week, as Jared Goff and company will likely be playing from behind.
• I’m high on Pat Freiermuth in Week 1. He faces the Cincinnati Bengals, who allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends last season. Freiermuth also has a favorable history against the Bengals, scoring a touchdown in each of his two meetings against them in 2021. The Steelers should be playing catch-up in this one, and Freiermuth will likely be a security blanket for Mitchell Trubisky. Sign me up for some Freiermuth this week!
• Gerald Everett could easily play himself into TE1 territory this week. The Raiders-Chargers game has one of the week’s highest projected totals, and the Raiders were a bottom-five team against tight ends last season. The upside is definitely there.
• Mike Gesiciki is a strong fade for me in Week 1. He faces the New England Patriots – the stingiest team against tight ends in 2021. Gesicki combined for two receptions, 22 receiving yards, and zero touchdowns in his two meetings against the Patriots last season. No, thank you.
• It’s unclear if either Robert Tonyan or Logan Thomas will start this week. Both players are recovering from ACL tears and should have significant roles this season. We just may not see it in Week 1.

Week 1 Tight End Rankings