Colston Loveland or Dalton Schultz: Who Should You Start?

2026 Week 1 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.

Loveland's trusted role gives him the edge over Schultz

Loveland gets the nod because his TE1 mismatch role and trusted connection with Caleb Williams make his upside more meaningful than a routine rank gap (chicagobears.com 2026-08-04). Schultz remains a viable START: his heavier role and reliable work over the middle offer steadier access to targets, but they do not overcome Loveland's stronger ceiling in the slightly better scoring environment. The risk is Loveland's lighter snap share; if that limits his routes, Schultz's volume advantage can erase an otherwise narrow but real edge.

What flips it: A meaningful reduction in Loveland's snap share.

Sources: chicagobears.com · Aug 4, 2026

AI editor

Colston Loveland

Colston Loveland

TE3CHIvs CAR

Projected Points

Start
Dalton Schultz

Dalton Schultz

TE21HOUvs BUF

Projected Points

Start

Colston Loveland’s market

REC
O/U 4.5
-123 / -104
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 53.5
-113 / -113
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+160
Anytime Touchdown Props →

Dalton Schultz’s market

REC
O/U 3.5
-122 / -105
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 34.5
-113 / -111
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+320
Anytime Touchdown Props →
CHI@
CARSun, Sep 13, 1:00 PM ETView the game →
BUF@
HOUSun, Sep 13, 1:00 PM ETView the game →

Why Colston Loveland

Start

TE1 and pass-catching mismatch. Seam-stretching move tight end with flex alignment and rising target volume.

Start — every-week TE start at consensus TE3: 16% target share in 2025, 12.1 PPR projected vs CAR.

  • His trusted-pass-catcher status gives him a clearer path to difference-making TE production.
  • The matchup's favorable scoring environment amplifies his mismatch role and receiving upside.

Latest on Loveland

Role

Colston Loveland remains one of quarterback Caleb Williams' most trusted pass catchers.

'He's just a sponge right now': How Colston Loveland is evolving ahead of Year 2chicagobears.com · Aug 4, 2026
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ESPN · Sep 3, 2026

Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Why Dalton Schultz

Start

TE1 in high-volume pass-catching role. Reliable chain-mover over the middle with sure hands.

Start — TE21 consensus, projects TE19 this week: 19% target share in 2025, 8.4 PPR projected vs BUF.

  • Schultz's chain-moving profile can protect his floor when Houston's offense leans on short-area completions.
  • His broader snap involvement keeps him live if Loveland's role fails to expand.

Head-to-head stats

MetricColston LovelandDalton Schultz
Projected points
Consensus rankTE3TE21
Opponent vs positionCARno ranking yetBUFno ranking yet
Target share16%(2025)19%(2025)
Reception share19%(2025)23%(2025)
Implied total · spread23.5-2.522.0+1.5
Depth chartTE1TE1
Snap share65%(2025)71%(2025)

Signal breakdown

  • 12.1 vs 8.4 projected PPR pointsColston Loveland +
  • Rank 3 vs 21Colston Loveland +
  • Matchup (DvP composite)even
  • Implied 23.5 vs 22.0 team pointsColston Loveland +
  • No injury designationseven
  • 65% vs 71% snap shareDalton Schultz +

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