Championship week is here, and for fantasy football enthusiasts, the tight end position remains one of the most volatile and pivotal spots to navigate. Week 17 tight end rankings are more important than ever as coaches and managers make start-or-sit decisions for their championship matchups. The rankings are updated based on recent performances, matchups, injuries, and overall trends throughout the season.
First off, let’s take a look at the names at the top of the Week 17 tight end rankings. Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals stands out as one of the must-start players this week. Despite struggling last week, McBride has been consistently producing and has favorable matchups. He previously averaged over 60 receiving yards against the Los Angeles Rams, the matchup they will face this week. Many players are banking on him to make up for the lost opportunities from last week and join the ranks of elite producers this week.
Next on the list is Jake Ferguson from the Dallas Cowboys. With injuries affecting the receiving corps—particularly the absence of CeeDee Lamb—Ferguson is expected to receive more targets. Facing the Philadelphia Eagles, ranked against tight ends, Ferguson is still poised to capitalize on this increased role. The Cowboys are expected to come out aggressively, making Ferguson another must-start for championship week.
Chigoziem Okonkwo from the Tennessee Titans also finds himself among the higher ranks this week. Having led his team with targets as Mason Rudolph took over at quarterback, his performance recently shows promise. Okonkwo is recognized for his quick upsurge—bringing solid performances on relatively lower fantasy outputs earlier this season. Given Jackson's poor performance against tight ends, managers should feel confident starting Okonkwo this week.
Moving on to key injury news affecting tight ends, David Njoku has been ruled out for Week 17, creating more flexibility for other players taking over the tight end position. On the other hand, Juwan Johnson is off the injury report, stepping back onto the field to boost the tight end rankings this week.
Another player worth noting is Sam LaPorta from the Detroit Lions. LaPorta had been having trouble getting targeted earlier this season, but he started turning things around. He’s made steady progress over the last month, earning significant targets and likely ending up as the TE3 ranking by the end of the season. Facing off against the San Francisco 49ers, the task won't be easy, but LaPorta’s prowess makes him worthy of consideration.
The rankings are structured to help fantasy managers pinpoint the hottest players and those to avoid. Hunter Henry continues to struggle, evidenced by his inconsistent performances against challenging defensive matchups. Therefore, he remains more of a risky start rather than a potential game-winner.
The volatility of the tight end position means every start-sit decision could be the decisive factor between winning the championship and going home empty-handed. The final update on injuries has also become increasingly relevant. With multiple players coming back from injury and others being ruled out, it keeps fantasy managers on their toes until kickoff.
To summarize, the tight end rankings for Week 17 feature players who can significantly impact your fantasy championship matchup. Trey McBride, Jake Ferguson, and Chigoziem Okonkwo are highlighted as top picks to start, along with Sam LaPorta being cautiously viewed as another potential contributor. Keeping up with the injury reports will allow accurate positioning of these players on your fantasy roster and can be the keys to victory.
Finally, considering the remarkable changes and notable shifts of various tight ends this season, evaluations can lead to dramatic alterations and adjustments leading up to championship games. Pay attention to player matchups, utilize the latest data, and keep communication open with fellow fantasy managers—but most of all, trust your instincts as you navigate these last decisions of the season!
