The road to a fantasy football championship is often fraught with challenges, and one of the most significant hurdles occurs when key tight ends get injured right at the start of the playoffs. This year, the tight end position has been particularly difficult to navigate, and when two of the top 10 at the position suffered injuries at this crucial time, it added even more complexity to the fantasy manager's task. With news of Evan Engram's season-ending labrum surgery and David Njoku's hamstring injury keeping them out of this week's game, fantasy managers are frantically searching for help on the waiver wire.

First Look: Henry, Ertz, and Freiermuth

When faced with the loss of key tight ends, it's essential to turn to reliable options. Hunter Henry, Zach Ertz, and Pat Freiermuth should be the first players to consider. All three have shown a strong target share on their respective teams, making them must-adds for those who lost either Engram or Njoku. Their consistent performances and increased target opportunities make them valuable assets in the fantasy football landscape.

Chargers' Stone Smartt

With starter Will Dissly out due to a shoulder injury, Stone Smartt of the Chargers has stepped up. The Buccaneers have struggled to defend the middle of the field all year, ranking 27th in DVOA against tight ends and allowing an average of 66.8 receiving yards per game. Smartt is now atop the depth chart against Tampa Bay and is expected to see a significant target share both in and out of the red zone. This presents a great opportunity for fantasy managers looking for a replacement.

Saints' Juwan Johnson

Juwan Johnson took over for the injured Taysom Hill in New Orleans. Last week, he caught four of five targets for 50 yards and a touchdown. With the Saints going with Jake Haener at quarterback and facing a Commanders team that ranks 21st against tight ends and allows an average of 11.2 fantasy points per game in full-point PPR formats, Johnson is a viable option. His recent performance gives hope to fantasy managers in need of a tight end boost.

Seattle's Noah Fant

Noah Fant is further down the target pecking order for the Seahawks, but his matchup against the Packers is highly favorable. Green Bay struggles to cover the tight end, ranking 29th in DVOA and allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game. As a big, wide-bodied tight end, Fant could be a strong end zone target. In a situation where other options are limited, Fant offers a glimmer of hope for fantasy managers.Betting on the NFL? Remember, even with the loss of talented players like Engram and Njoku, there are still opportunities to succeed. Throughout the season, deep dives have produced valuable players for fantasy managers. By finding one of the six mentioned here, you can put yourself in a strong position to win your matchup.Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy football news and advice.