Full Breakdown
Week 12 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings and Insights
11/22/2025, 3:20:10 AM
Overview of Tight End Performance
As the 2025 NFL season approaches its playoff phase, Week 12 presents critical decisions for fantasy football managers, particularly regarding tight ends. With four teams—Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Commanders—on bye, managers must navigate their options carefully. Notably, breakout tight end Tyler Warren and streaming candidate Juwan Johnson return from their byes, adding to the tight end landscape.
Key Tight End Rankings for Week 12
Leading the rankings for Week 12 are George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers), Trey McBride (Arizona Cardinals), and Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders). Kittle's performance has solidified him as a top option, especially with his recent touchdowns. McBride has emerged as a reliable target, while Bowers is expected to capitalize on favorable matchups.
Notable Start Recommendations
- Hunter Henry (New England Patriots): Facing the Cincinnati Bengals, who have allowed the most points to tight ends, Henry is a strong start. He has been heavily involved in the Patriots' offense, playing 94% of snaps last week.
- Noah Fant (Cincinnati Bengals): With Ja'Marr Chase suspended, Fant could see increased opportunities against the Patriots, making him a viable streaming option.
- Colston Loveland (Chicago Bears): Loveland is poised for a breakout against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have struggled defensively against tight ends.
Players to Sit
- Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans): Despite his consistent performance, Schultz faces a challenging matchup against the Buffalo Bills, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. His production may be limited, especially with backup quarterback Davis Mills at the helm.
- T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings): Hockenson has struggled to find chemistry with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, making him a risky start against the Green Bay Packers.
Official Statements & Responses
Dalton Schultz's recent performances have been noted, with him achieving at least five catches in seven of his last eight games. However, the Texans' matchup against the Bills poses a significant challenge, as the Bills have allowed only one touchdown to tight ends this season. Coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that Schultz remains a key part of the offense, despite the tough matchup.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts argue that Schultz's consistent target share makes him a must-start, regardless of the matchup. However, the prevailing sentiment is that the Bills' defense could significantly limit his effectiveness, leading to recommendations to bench him this week.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Schultz's overall production has been solid, there are discrepancies regarding his effectiveness against top defenses. Some sources emphasize his reliability, while others highlight the Bills' defensive prowess, suggesting a potential drop in his fantasy output.
What's Next
As the fantasy playoffs approach, managers will need to monitor player performances closely, especially those returning from injuries or facing tough matchups. The outcomes of Week 12 will significantly influence playoff positioning and strategies moving forward.
In summary, Week 12 presents both opportunities and challenges for fantasy football managers, particularly in the tight end position, where matchups and player health will be crucial in determining success.
