Brenton Strange vs Pat Freiermuth: Who Should You Start?
Brenton Strange and Pat Freiermuth are both viable fantasy tight ends heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Brenton Strange averaged 7.9 PPG across 12 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Pat Freiermuth posted 5.5 PPG in 17 appearances for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A 2.4-PPG gap gives Brenton Strange the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. Brenton Strange had 46 catches for 540 yards; Pat Freiermuth posted 41 for 486. At a position where most starters barely clear 7 PPG, this class of tight end is where the fantasy advantage lives week to week.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Brenton Strange sits Week 12 while Pat Freiermuth is off Week 9. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
