As the 2026 NFL season heats up, tight end performance is shaping up to be vital for fantasy football enthusiasts. With Week 7 approaching, we take a closer look at which tight ends to start and which to consider benching.
Must-Starts for Week 7
This week features some solid tight ends who are primed for big games. Key players like Brock Bowers and George Kittle are automatic starts—you won’t find any debate there. But what about those who might be on the borderline? Take a look at Trey McBride, who might face some skepticism.
Trey McBride: Cardinals vs. Broncos
Despite the daunting challenge posed by the Broncos' robust defense, McBride remains a must-start tight end. The Cardinals may face a tough matchup, but McBride's ability to attract targets is crucial. He’s known for his reliability under pressure, making him a great option this week.
McBride emphasizes the importance of effort regardless of the score, saying, "One thing about me, I'm going to play to the end. I'm going to play until the game is over, and I'm going to do that every single week." His determination ensures that he’s not just a passive participant; he actively seeks to make plays, even against tough defenses.
Other Notable Starts
Two more players to keep an eye on are Tucker Kraft and Sam LaPorta, who both find themselves in favorable positions heading into this week.
Tucker Kraft: Packers vs. Lions
Kraft has yet to have that signature breakout performance this season, but with the Lions' defense showing vulnerability, this might be the week. Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur understands Kraft's potential and has praised his work ethic.
LaFleur stated, "I think Tuck's what we wanna be about... He does things the right way. You can't have enough guys like Tucker Kraft." Expect higher usage for Kraft in this division matchup, offering him a prime opportunity to shine.
Sam LaPorta: Lions vs. Packers
Conversely, LaPorta has established himself as a significant weapon for the Lions, recording impressive stats in recent matches. With 13 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns in the last two outings, he is in great form.
The Packers’ defense has its hands full trying to cover multiple threats with players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs also on the field. This scenario opens up opportunities for LaPorta, making him a strong start this week.
Players to Consider Sitting
While there are strong candidates to roster, some tight ends might be better off riding the bench this week.
Isaiah Likely: Giants vs. Texans
Isaiah Likely faces a challenging matchup against the Texans, who seem to have found their defensive stride. With potential inconsistencies at quarterback, Likely’s performance could be compromised. While he has made notable contributions recently with 17 catches for 193 yards and three touchdowns, the Texans' defense will likely focus on containing him.
As head coach John Harbaugh noted about their quarterback situation, "I thought he came in there and did a heck of a job given the circumstances." However, without a stable performance from the quarterback position, Likely could find it hard to reach his usual productivity.
In summary, Week 7 offers intriguing tight end matchups for fantasy managers. With players like McBride, Kraft, and LaPorta set to shine, and Likely stalling, it's time to strategize your lineup wisely.