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Should I start Dallas Goedert, T.J. Hockenson, Hunter Henry for Week 5? Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks and recommendations for the 2025 NFL season.
Some tight ends are finding the end zone at surprising rates, while there are others just trying to carve out a role. Touchdowns have boosted a few names this season, but that kind of production doesn't always stick.
With injuries, new quarterback situations, and slow starts clouding the tight end atmosphere, the picks we made back in August might not look so great right now.
Dallas Goedert, T.J. Hockenson, and Hunter Henry are three tight ends in a grey area in Week 5. Looking at their matchups and current situations, let's determine who should be in starting lineups this weekend.
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Should I Start Dallas Goedert for Fantasy Football?
Three touchdowns in three contests sounds exciting, but Goedert hasn't been doing much outside of those scores. He's brought in 12 passes for 114 yards this season, but he's yet to see a red zone target despite his TDs.
I doubt Goedert has ever been tagged as touchdown-dependent before (considering he hasn't scored more than three TDs in a season since 2021), but that's where he sits.
Dallas Goedert Returns to Practice, TD-Dependent Fantasy Option for Week 5 https://t.co/EeNLoYE2Kk
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 2, 2025
Goedert sat out of practice on Wednesday before returning on Thursday. He has missed one contest this year due to a knee injury, so this is just something to monitor.
On top of being a bit banged up, the Philly passing game has been quiet this season. While he's posted double-digit PPR points in every outing, Goedert's limited yardage will hold him back if he doesn't find paydirt.
This week, Philadelphia takes on Denver, a defense that concedes the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing TEs. It's not an ideal spot if you're relying on Goedert to score. In deeper leagues, he's still startable, but if you can pivot to a safer option, that's suggested.
Should I Start T.J. Hockenson for Fantasy Football?
It's been a sluggish start for Hockenson, currently sitting as the TE18 in PPR formats. Outside of his big Week 3 matchup, where he scored 15.9 fantasy points, every other contest has been single-digits. He was almost invisible in Week 4, catching just four passes for 39 yards, most of which happened late.
Jordan Addison's return to the lineup takes opportunities away from Hockenson. Carson Wentz stepping in at quarterback hasn't helped, although he wasn't exactly lighting it up with J.J. McCarthy under center.
Minnesota's offensive line is beaten up, forcing quicker throws and fewer chances for Hockenson to produce. Add all those issues together, and fantasy managers aren't getting the dependable option they thought they drafted.
The following offensive linemen were taking center snaps: Blake Brandel, Joe Huber, Henry Byrd and Vershon Lee. https://t.co/e3IBzvoveD
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) October 2, 2025
This week won't be any easier for Hockenson. The Vikings face off with the Browns, a squad that has been stingy against TEs this season. They've surrendered the eighth-fewest fantasy points per outing to the position, with just 14 total receptions allowed.
Hockenson is another touchdown-dependent play in a risky matchup. He's a sit if you have an alternative TE with a better contest. Only roll with him if you're in a bind in a deeper league.
Should I Start Hunter Henry for Fantasy Football?
Double-digit PPR games in three of four contests, along with three touchdowns already this season, make Henry a top-5 fantasy TE through four weeks.
He's turning into one of Drake Maye's go-to guys, especially in the red zone. The connection has been on full display to start the year, and it's worked out well for fantasy managers. The problem is that matchups aren't always going to favor Henry. Week 5 is one of those matchups as the Patriots face the Bills.
The #Patriots 2 TE sets created coverage IDs for Drake Maye and mismatches vs CARs LBs, especially in the red zone
Stefon Diggs caught two short passes over the middle, Maye hit Hunter Henry throwing into a blitz, and Henry drew attention on Mack Hollins' TD pic.twitter.com/A7dTsIrpfz
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 29, 2025
Buffalo has given up the second-fewest fantasy points and only one TD to the position this season. They've also allowed a league-low 67 receiving yards to TEs, making it hard for Henry to get anything going through the air.
Henry will still be involved, but this is a spot where managers should temper expectations. In deeper leagues, he's still worth starting, but in shallower leagues, search for a replacement in a safer contest. Yes, the hot streak has been nice, but this could be the week it comes to an end.
Who Should I Start Tool
Not sure who to start? Check out the Who Should I Start tool:
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Who Should I Start? Who Should I Sit? Some common Week 5 fantasy football lineup decisions are regarding players like Dallas Goedert, T.J. Hockenson, Hunter Henry. But not to worry, we are here to help make these decisions and build winning lineups in Week 5. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups for Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season. Our free Who Should I Start? tool will help make your fantasy football lineup decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to start... all free! Get your winning lineups set, and make the right decisions.
Week 5 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Dallas Goedert, T.J. Hockenson, Hunter Henry. These are some of the most common searches for fantasy football lineups in Week 5.
Using The Tool. This is a simple tool but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player's name. In the second box, search for the second player's name. Compare up to four NFL players at once, and then click the Who To Start? button to see who the recommended starts are based on weekly fantasy football matchups.
Improvements For Who Should I Start? You may have noticed, our Who Should I Start? tool has gotten an overhaul. We've added lots of great features for you to give you as much information as possible to win your fantasy football matchups each week. You'll see NFL player tiles with headshots and bye weeks, enhanced search results with data to compare, and a slick new interface. We hope you enjoy!
How It Works. Each week, our RotoBaller staff puts together their weekly fantasy football rankings and projections based on their research. That information is the core data that is powering the decision-making in this tool. When you search for player names, you will only see those players who are ranked. If someone is out for the week, they will not appear in the search results.
Scoring Formats. Fantasy football managers play in various types of leagues, and this tool allows you to choose whether it's PPR scoring, Half-PPR scoring, or Standard (Non-PPR) scoring. The second thing you want to do is to select the scoring format. There are three small radio buttons (small circles), so click on the scoring format you prefer. The results may vary based on the scoring format you select.
Popular Week 5 Searches. Curious to see some tough lineup decisions for Week 5 (2025)? Below you will find a list of some popular Who Should I Start? searches that RotoBaller readers are looking at this week. Click any of the links to see the result and recommendation.
Popular Week 5 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 5 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for Dallas Goedert, T.J. Hockenson, Hunter Henry compared to others:
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