Happy National Tight Ends Day!
In true tight fashion, the entire competition has hit us with a BOOM week to rival any week. Last week we had eight total touchdowns from tight ends. This week we are blessed with a record number of 16 during the afternoon games. Since this is an official football holiday, I have decided to hand out prizes to the collective group mid-season. While the tight ends were unusual extra This week there are some critical insights and trends we can look at for the rest of the season’s value at the position and get a quick pulse on who we can actually trust moving forward.
The prize ‘On the way to the occasion’
Cade Oton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Otton was non-existent for the first two games of the season, and by non-existent I mean one reception for every four goals. After that slow start, Otton was thrust into a solid role within the Buccaneers offense. From Weeks 3 through 7, he averaged seven targets per game, which ranks TE9 in average points per game over that span, with 8.6 fantasy points in half PPR. Last week he broke out with eight receptions on 10 targets for 100 yards after Mike Evans left early with an injury. This week, with both Evans and Chris Godwin out, Otton led the way as Baker Mayfield’s most reliable target, with nine receptions on 10 targets for 81 yards and two touchdowns — a career best for the third-year tight end. We expected Otton to step up given the injuries to the Bucs’ receiving corps, but he exceeded expectations and turned in an all-around TE1 performance.
Pulse check: How much can we trust Oton to move forward?
This week was a favorable game against Atlanta, but the upcoming games are not as friendly. Regardless of the opposition, however, Mayfield has faced just two games with fewer than two touchdown passes all season. There is a lack of confidence and experience among the Bucs’ receiving corps, and unless they trade for another receiver, Otton will likely be Mayfield’s top target until Evans returns after the bye.
The ‘Don’t Look Now but They’re on a Role’ Awards
Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
I’m whispering very quietly here to avoid jinxing it… but since Week 5, Pitts has averaged 13.5 fantasy points per game in the half PPR, with his worst showing being TE13. Today was the Kyle Pitts day we’ve been waiting for: four receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Pitts has emerged as the big threat we knew he could be. This was a favorable match, but Kirk Cousins distributed the ball fairly evenly and Pitts took advantage of his opportunities impressively.
Pulse check: Is Kyle Pitt’s SZN officially back on track?
Let’s be real: Two of Pitts’ past four games have been against Tampa Bay, whose pass defense is undeniably terrible. It’s no coincidence that he finished TE6 and TE2 in those matchups. Last week’s performance against Seattle, where Pitts had seven receptions for 65 yards and finished with 10 fantasy points (TE11), might be a more realistic expectation for him. That said, it’s great to see him have this kind of ceiling after years of hoping for a breakout. Cousins maximizes the true potential of all of Atlanta’s previously cash-strapped fantasy assets. While the upcoming schedule isn’t great, Pitts remains a mid-range TE1, a “set it and (sort of) forget it” option.
Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
After a rocky start to the fantasy season, which saw Andrews post zero points for two consecutive weeks in Weeks 3 and 4, fantasy managers were ready to drop him and find another option. The Ravens offense was inconsistent in targeting tight ends and relied heavily on blocking from Derrick Henry, who was dominant. As the Ravens have made adjustments, Andrews has found a more consistent role.
Pulse check: What’s real and what’s a mirage with the recent Andrews wave?
Since these consecutive zeros, Andrews’ snap numbers remain low, around 50%, while his targets are a maximum of five. He’s been efficient, though, and the touchdowns are rolling in. With Lamar Jackson playing at an MVP level, the Ravens have ample scoring opportunities, which benefits all of the assets. While the reliance on touchdowns is risky, it’s similar to how Sam LaPorta thrived in 2023, when he relied on touchdowns when the yardage was minimal. However, we must proceed with caution. Without a touchdown, Andrews won’t post TE1 numbers. Still, with his scoring potential, he has returned to being a starting option.
Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers
Speaking of touchdown-dependent tight ends, Kraft has caught five touchdowns in the last five weeks since solidifying his role as a TE1 in Green Bay. His receptions are modest (just 24 this season), but with five touchdowns he is scoring on 20% of his catches. In a Packers offense with Jordan Love spreading the ball around, you want touchdown equity, and that’s what Kraft provides.
Pulse check: Can Kraft remain a TE1 ROS?
I have confidence in Kraft as a mid-range TE1, but we do have one problem: Love injured his groin this week. We don’t know the severity yet, but if Love is out and Malik Willis steps in, expect a change in Green Bay’s offense. Matt LaFleur efficiently ran the Packers’ offense with Love earlier this season, focusing on the ground game and reducing passing volume. Kraft could still be an option if Love misses the time, but we need to proceed with caution, especially with tight ends becoming more reliable lately.
Praise “The Redemption”.
General pulse check: Which of the “relieved” tight ends will actually be traded?
David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
When I started this season, I was worried about David Njoku. He’s a dynamic player, but his relationship with Deshaun Watson came with challenges. With Watson out for the season and Jameis Winston now at QB, Njoku’s season feels safe and secure. While he isn’t the first read in this offense – Cedric Tillman resigned following the Amari Cooper trade and Elijah Moore and Jerry Jeudy are contributors – Winston’s 41 attempts this week provide more opportunities for all pass catchers. If you give Njoku volume, he will thrive. Njoku now has a legitimate TE1 advantage.
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
2024 was a challenge for Sam LaPorta’s managers. Before this week, he had reached double-digit fantasy points just once. The lack of production was confusing, especially as the Lions faced pass-friendly defenses early on. LaPorta’s touchdown dependence is a major problem, with Jameson Williams emerging as the Lions’ WR2. This week, Williams served the first of his two-game suspension and LaPorta had his best performance, catching all six of his targets for 48 yards and a touchdown. LaPorta should be a reliable TE1 next week, but when Williams returns, LaPorta will be a risky play with a tough playoff schedule. If you’re in a position to trade, now might be a good time to shop him.
Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars
Technically, Engram got beat by Brenton Strange (tight end day, am I right?), but it was still a solid day for him with four receptions on five targets for 36 yards and a touchdown. Engram’s performance wasn’t flashy, but since returning from the four-game absence and a rough opening game with just one reception for five yards, he has seen 19 targets over the past three games. He remains a top target in the Jaguars offense, which will need to maintain high volume given their upcoming games against high-powered offenses that will absolutely destroy their defense.
The “Mr. Reliable” award
Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
Not much needs to be said about Trey McBride’s latest performance. This was his best game of the season, with nine receptions on 11 targets for 124 yards. McBride was one of the most reliable tight ends in the league and provided consistent volume as the second option for Kyler Murray. He hasn’t seen fewer than six goals per game, and while he doesn’t have significant touchdown equity (just three last season, none this season), his high volume is reliable.
The ‘Situational’ award
Tyler Conklin, New York Jets; Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals; Josh Oliver, Minnesota Vikings
There’s no real pulse here, but Gesicki stands out as a player whose situational advantage could last. Gesicki has consistently come up big in games when Tee Higgins is out. With Higgins dealing with a leg injury today, Gesicki had seven receptions on eight targets for 73 yards. This mirrors a similar performance in Week 2, when Higgins was sidelined. Gesick is less of a tight end and more of a wide receiver, so pairing him with another wide receiver like Higgins is an easy transition. In Week 9, Cincinnati faces a favorable matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, and if Higgins is out, Gesicki is a solid streaming option.
The Afternoon Slate Entries
This article was written primarily for the early games, but we have enough information on the afternoon roster to declare the tight end day a success across the board with strong performances from the likes of Dalton Kincaid, Adam Trautman, Travis Kelce, Brock Bowers and Zach Ertz. others.
The big advantage of this group is the continued increase in volume for Kelce. DeAndre Hopkins wasn’t much of a factor in his first game with the Chiefs – although it will be interesting to see the snap count and whether his presence helped open up the volume on a strong day for Xavier Worthy. Kelce remained the clear first looker for Mahomes with 10 receptions on 12 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown.
