Start Elijah Higgins over Hunter Long — Week 1 Start/Sit Verdict

Higgins wins a thin TE comparison, but neither Arizona option is playable

Higgins is the better choice because his baseline offers more at a position where a small scoring edge matters, though not enough to make him a start. Long’s slightly stronger usage is the best argument against Higgins, but both remain rotational options behind McBride in a low-scoring game with a difficult tight-end matchup. Higgins’ actual risk is that his converted-receiver profile never becomes more than occasional work, leaving both players vulnerable to near-zero volume.

What flips it: A confirmed move into a full-time route role for Long.

Sources: azcardinals.com · Aug 30, 2026

AI editor

In standard and half-PPR scoring this is a coin flip.

Elijah Higgins

TEARIvs LAC

1.31.92.6 Projected Points

Sit· high

Hunter Long

TEARIvs LAC

0.30.40.5 Projected Points

Sit

Why Elijah Higgins

Sit· high

TE2 and converted receiver. Move-tight end role with rotational snaps behind McBride.

2.6 projected points on a 6% target share, plus a top-5 DvP matchup and a 17.0 implied total as 11.5-point dogs — unstartable TE.

His converted-receiver background offers a route to surprise targets, even with McBride controlling the position.
The model prefers his steadier floor, but his rotational role keeps the ceiling modest.

The call

The usage isn't there: 43% snap share with just a 6% target share over 16 games means he's a blocking-first TE, not a receiving option worth a lineup spot.
Vegas paints an ugly picture — 11.5-point underdog with a 17.0 implied total, so there are few touchdowns to go around and the passing volume that does come won't funnel to him.
The Chargers rate 5 of 32 in DvP vs tight ends (softest = 32), so even the projected 2.6 points has little upside baked in.
Questionable tag adds pure downside risk to a floor that's already near zero — any waiver TE with a defined route role beats this.

Why Hunter Long

Sit

Sit — projects TE92 this week: LAC is the 5th-toughest matchup vs TEs, 17.0 implied team total caps the ceiling.

Long’s stronger recent usage gives him the clearest path to overtaking Higgins if his role expands.
His recent trade leaves his place in Arizona’s rotation less settled — azcardinals.com 2026-08-30.

Latest on Long

Cardinals Add Tight End With Trade For Hunter Long

Veteran played with Mike LaFleur for two seasons in L.A.

azcardinals.com · Aug 30, 2026

Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Head-to-head stats

Metric	Elijah Higgins	Hunter Long
Projected points	1.31.92.6	0.30.40.5
Opponent vs position	LAC · 5 of 3217-game sample	LAC · 5 of 3217-game sample
Receptions	3 of 32	3 of 32
Receiving Yards	4 of 32	4 of 32
Receiving TDs	9 of 32	9 of 32
Targets	2 of 32	2 of 32
Anytime TD	9 of 32	9 of 32
Target share	6%(2025)	8%(2025)
Reception share	8%(2025)	9%(2025)
Implied total · spread	17.0+11.5	17.0+11.5
Depth chart	TE2	TE3
Snap share	43%(2025)	47%(2025)