Week 3 tight end fantasy pivots lean toward volume and matchup. Juwan Johnson is the clear TE1 with elite route involvement and double-digit targets, setting a high ceiling against Seattle. Jake Tonges has seized the 49ers’ Week 3 start, leveraging a favorable Cardinals matchup. T.J. Hockenson should rise with extra targets in a favorable clash. Mark Andrews and Kyle Pitts carry risk after slow starts, while Tucker Kraft remains a risky but intriguing week-3 option with upside in a Packers offense that is leaning into his breakout stretch.

Week 3 starts hinge on role and opponent, with Johnson’s workload a standout edge, Tonges in a plug-and-play scenario, and Hockenson presenting a dart-throw upside play if the game plan tilts his way. Pitts and Andrews require price-conscious rostering given early-season patterning, while Kraft’s spike weeks keep him in the streamer conversation. Carolina’s weak TE defense and Cleveland’s softer matchup for Kraft are key elements for Week 3 decision-making.