Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) practices before the game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Everyone likes to give love to their QB1, that running back who gets you two touchdowns a week, or a wide receiver who gets spammed targets weekly. But the real ones know that who you pick as your starting tight end can be the difference between a fantasy league championship and having to eat 45 waffles alone at your local diner because you finished in last.

Here's who you need to be starting and who you need to run away from in week six of the 2025 NFL season.

Start - Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

The masses are going to be swarming Rashee Rice this week. Coming off a suspension against a weak Raiders secondary, people are lining up to anoint Rice as the week seven hero, with Patrick Mahomes returning to his full powers.

I agree with half of that, but I am much more on the Kelce train this week. Rice will take time to readjust to the team in an actual game, and the Raiders will do everything they can to limit Mahomes from taking them over the top. Instead, watch for Kelce, who has gotten better each week, to be the real threat underneath and an easy open for Mahomes throughout the game.

Sit - Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

McBride is one of the few bright spots on an Arizona team going through another disappointing season, but I can't count on him this week. The Green Bay Packers, per Pro Football Focus, are the second-best team in the league right now with their secondary.

Kyler Murray is confirmed to play whenever he's ready, yet nothing is known for this week before the Cardinals go on a bye. Jacoby Brissett and McBride had a good connection in Indianapolis. Given how this season has gone, though, and the Packers' commanding win over the Bengals, I'm cautious about anyone wearing a red bird helmet right now.

Start - AJ Barner, Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have been amazing through the air these past few weeks under the control of Sam Darnold, and I expect them to have another strong week against the Texans. Houston's run defense and rush are among the best in football, yet opponents have found success attacking their secondary. Barner is coming off two impressive weeks and is becoming a safety blanket for Darnold in his first season as a Seahawk, so don't overthink things and expect chances in the red zone for PFF's current highest-graded receiving tight end.

Sit - Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears

I'm bullish on the Bears overall, but not completely sold on their 2025 first-round pick. I was always a Tyler Warren guy over Loveland in draft prep, and even though he has a ton of potential, I don't believe this is going to be the week the former Wolverine breaks out. D'Andre Swift is coming off a 100-plus rushing classic versus the Commanders, and I expect Ben Johnson to continue on the Swift train in a must-win with the rebuilding Saints.

Start - Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns

My longshot of the week is with a Brown. Yes, they might have one of the worst offenses you've ever seen and on their 1,306th quarterback in a decade, but listen. Fannin Jr. had a really nice game overseas against the Steelers, and the Miami Dolphins are in complete disarray with PFF's third-worst secondary grade in football. This isn't saying the Browns will beat the Dolphins, but when your team can't throw deep, can't run, and is out of options, what do you do? Check down to your young tight end, get a few yards, and hope he can gain some more after contact.

Thank me when Fannin Jr. gets a touchdown this week with 95 yards on nine receptions.

Sit - Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

See, I'm not completely biased against Loveland. I love Warren as a player and the Colts as a whole; however, it's unlikely he'll have much relative success this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have done a great job shutting down star tight ends this season, first not letting Kelce get over 50 yards in week one and then shutting down Brock Bowers completely a week after. Daniel Jones has had a fantastic start to the year, but this might be his biggest test yet. The Chargers' defense is for real, and Warren needs to play his best game of the season if he's looking for a big day on the road.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 7: TE Edition

Reporting by Tyler Erzberger, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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