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The Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Minnesota Vikings are all on bye in Week 6, leaving fantasy managers without several key tight ends. Mike Gesicki, Sam LaPorta, Greg Dulcich, and TJ Hockenson are all inactive, forcing many to look for streaming options. For those in need, three tight ends stand out as potential plug-and-play starters. All availability percentages are courtesy of Sleeper.
Darren Waller (71% Available)
Darren Waller of the Carolina Panthers is widely available and could be a solid streamer despite the expected return of Jalen Coker. Even with Coker in the lineup, Waller has averaged 4.3 targets and 3.3 receptions per game. He ranks third on the Panthers in red zone targets (4) and is 10th among tight ends in yards per reception (10.1). The Panthers' pass-catching depth is thin behind McMillan, Coker, and Waller, with Brycen Tremayne and John Metchie III next on the depth chart. Those two average just 18 routes run per game each, while Waller runs about 25 himself. Additionally, Waller's catch rate exceeds 80%, whereas Tremayne and Metchie are each below 65%.
Pat Freiermuth (63% Available)
Pat Freiermuth of the Pittsburgh Steelers is another strong streaming candidate. He is averaging 5.0 targets and 3.8 receptions per game, and with Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson out this week, Freiermuth should see an increased role. He is the No. 3 pass-catcher on the team, and some might argue he is the No. 2 option ahead of Germie Bernard. While tight ends are often touchdown-dependent, Freiermuth is expected to command a comfortable target share of over 20%, making him less reliant on scoring. He has five red zone targets this season, converting four into touchdowns, the most on the team.
Tyler Higbee (67% Available)
Tyler Higbee of the Los Angeles Rams has been heavily involved over his last three games, recording at least 6 targets in each and totaling 22 targets. Although Matthew Stafford has attempted at least 51 passes in each of those games, the volume is still notable over a three-game stretch. The Rams are arguably a top-3 offense in the NFL and pass at the fourth-highest rate (64%). If any offense can be trusted, it is Stafford and the Rams. Higbee is not just a volume play; he ranks 7th in PFF Tight End Receiving Grade, 9th in Average Depth of Target, and 12th in Passer Rating When Targeted. This week, the Rams face the Arizona Cardinals, who rank 29th in fantasy points allowed to tight ends.
Key Analysis
For fantasy managers scrambling to replace their bye-week tight ends, these three options offer varying paths to production. Waller provides consistent targets in a shallow offense, Freiermuth benefits from injuries to teammates, and Higbee combines volume with efficiency in a high-powered Rams offense. Each presents a viable streaming option for Week 6.