ClutchPoints
Championship week strips fantasy football down to its most unforgiving truth. There are no safe decisions, only calculated ones. Nowhere is that more evident than at tight end. It’s a position where one red-zone target can swing an entire season. On the other end, one empty stat line can sink it. In Week 17, fantasy managers must balance recent production, matchup data, and injury volatility. Whether you’re riding a breakout option or clinging to a familiar name, the goal is the same: maximize floor without sacrificing upside.
Here’s how the tight end landscape shapes up for Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season.
Harold Fannin has gone from waiver-wire curiosity to championship-week difference-maker. In Week 16, he delivered again with four receptions for 34 yards and a receiving touchdown. He also added a rushing score. That marks four straight games with at least 11.3 PPR points, a level of consistency rarely found at this position.
The matchup only strengthens his case. Pittsburgh ranks third in most fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends. Three tight ends over the past five games have reached at least 12.5 PPR points against them. With David Njoku (knee) trending toward another absence, Fannin’s role remains secure and expansive. He’s being used creatively near the goal line and carries legitimate top-five upside in all formats this week.
George Kittle’s status is the most important tight end storyline of the week. He exited Monday night’s win over Indianapolis with an ankle injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that it’s too early to determine the severity. Despite missing part of the third quarter and all of the fourth, Kittle still piled up 115 yards and a touchdown on seven catches.
If Kittle is active, he remains an elite TE1. It’s as simple as that. Note that Chicago has struggled to contain tight ends who can win after the catch. Kittle’s usage when healthy is among the safest in fantasy football. If he’s ruled out, Jake Tonges becomes an intriguing pivot after showing chemistry with Brock Purdy in relief. Monitor practice reports closely, but don’t overthink it if Kittle suits up.
Dalton Schultz continues to be one of the steadiest tight end options in the league. In Week 16, he caught all five of his targets for 35 yards and a touchdown. He also accounted for CJ Stroud’s only passing score of the day. That marked his third touchdown of the season.
Schultz may not offer a massive ceiling. However, his weekly involvement gives fantasy football managers a dependable floor. The Chargers have been vulnerable to tight ends in scoring situations. That makes Schultz a strong TE1/TE2 play depending on league depth.
Darren Waller didn’t post eye-popping numbers in Week 16. Still, context matters. Working with Quinn Ewers for the first time, Waller managed three catches for 40 yards. More importantly,...
