The 2025 NFL Playoffs kick off this weekend with a Wild Card round featuring some talented tight ends. If you’re looking for something to keep you engaged beyond the elimination nature of the playoffs, fantasy football remains an option. You can play DFS each weekend or you can play a broader fantasy football similar to season-long with roster options.

The tight end position will be missing the two biggest names this weekend as Travis Kelce and Sam LaPorta will each be on bye. Mark Andrews gets bumped into the top spot in our Wild Card tight end rankings. He’s talented in his own right, but the Ravens will be without Zay Flowers against the Steelers. Rashod Bateman will see more work, but Andrews is going to be a popular choice in all fantasy formats.

This weekend will see Dallas Goedert and Tyler Higbee making their returns to prominence. Both returned off injured reserve late in the regular season and will look to build off those returns. Goedert faces a Packers defense that is middle-of-the-pack against tight ends and Higbee faces a Vikings defense that’s only slightly better.

Injuries to monitor

Cade Otton, Buccaneers — Otton has been sidelined with a knee injury and hasn’t played since Week 15. He has gotten in limited work this week after finishing last week with two limited practices. He seems likely to play, but his limited status coupled with Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan playing so well, his value is depressed this weekend.

DFS value plays

The tight end position already offers strong value, with pricing for the top players below not event remotely comparable players at wide receiver and running back. Mark Andrews deserves a look with Flowers out as he could see an even bigger workload than normal.

If you’re looking for cheaper options however, Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has some value. He’s facing a good but not great Vikings defense and seems to be getting back on track since returning from IR in Week 16.

Packers tight end Tucker Kraft hasn’t found the end zone since Week 14, but with Christian Watson sidelined, it could open the door for more opportunities. I suspect he’ll be a popular play because of the Watson injury.