Colby Parkinson vs Pat Freiermuth: Who Should You Start?
Colby Parkinson and Pat Freiermuth are both viable fantasy tight ends heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Colby Parkinson averaged 7.2 PPG across 15 games with the Los Angeles Rams, while Pat Freiermuth posted 5.5 PPG in 17 appearances for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A 1.7-PPG gap gives Colby Parkinson 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. Colby Parkinson had 43 catches for 408 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: Colby Parkinson sits Week 6 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.
