NFL Fantasy Rankings: Tight End Edition
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome back to our series on NFL fantasy rankings. Today, we're diving into the NFL fantasy rankings tight end pool to help you make informed decisions for your team. So, grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and nfl fantasy rankings te.
Why Tight Ends Matter in Fantasy Football
Before we dive into the rankings, let's talk about why tight ends are so important in fantasy football. Tight ends are often referred to as "flex" positions, meaning they can be used as a receiver, blocker, or runner. This versatility makes them valuable assets on any fantasy team. Plus, with the rise of pass-heavy offenses and innovative play-calling, tight ends are seeing more targets and scoring opportunities than ever before.
2021 NFL Fantasy Rankings: Tight Ends
Alright, let's get to the main event! Remember, these rankings are based on a standard scoring format (1 point per 10 yards receiving, 6 points per TD) and can change based on injuries, trades, or performance fluctuations. Here are our top 15 tight ends for the 2021 season:
Tier 1: Elite TEs
1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs Kelce has been an absolute beast at the tight end position, leading the position in fantasy points in each of the past three seasons. With Patrick Mahomes under center, Kelce's production shows no signs of slowing down.
2. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers When healthy, Kittle is a matchup nightmare for defenses. He's an elite blocker and receiver, making him a top-tier fantasy option. Keep an eye on his injury status heading into the season.
3. Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders Waller has emerged as one of the league's top tight ends, catching 107 passes for 1,145 yards and 9 TDs over the past two seasons. With Derek Carr targeting him often, Waller is a must-start TE1.
Tier 2: Solid TE1s
4. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens Andrews has developed into a reliable receiving option in Lamar Jackson's offense. With his size, speed, and red-zone prowess, Andrews is a solid TE1.
5. T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions Hockenson took a step forward in 2020, catching 67 passes for 723 yards and 6 TDs. With Jared Goff now under center, Hockenson could have an even bigger year in 2021.
6. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons The fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft, Pitts is an athletic freak with the potential to make an immediate impact. If you're looking to draft a tight end early, Pitts is worth the risk.
Tier 3: TE2s with Upside
7. Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys Schultz had a breakout year in 2020, catching 63 passes for 615 yards and 4 TDs. With Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb drawing attention from defenses, Schultz could see even more targets in 2021.
8. Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers Tonyan finished as the TE7 in 2020, catching 52 passes for 586 yards and 11 TDs. With Aaron Rodgers back in the fold, Tonyan could be in for another strong season.
9. Noah Fant, Denver Broncos Fant has shown flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons, but inconsistency has held him back. With Teddy Bridgewater or Drew Lock under center, Fant could take a step forward in 2021.
10. Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins Gesicki has been a red-zone threat for the Dolphins, catching 10 TDs over the past two seasons. With Tua Tagovailoa looking to take a step forward, Gesicki could be a sneaky TE1 in 2021.
Tier 4: Streamers and Sleepers
11. Evan Engram, New York Giants Engram has teased fantasy managers with his athleticism but has yet to put together a full, healthy season. If he can stay on the field, Engram could be a steal in the later rounds.
12. Logan Thomas, Washington Football Team Thomas finished as the TE8 in 2020, catching 72 passes for 670 yards and 6 TDs. With Ryan Fitzpatrick now under center, Thomas could build on his success from a year ago.
13. Hunter Henry, New England Patriots Henry has been a model of inconsistency throughout his career, but he's also shown the ability to put up big numbers. If he can stay healthy and gel with Mac Jones, Henry could be a sneaky TE1.
14. Adam Trautman, New Orleans Saints Trautman showed promise as a rookie, catching 15 passes for 171 yards and 2 TDs. With Jared Cook gone, Trautman could see an increased role in the Saints' offense.
15. Irvin Smith Jr., Minnesota Vikings Smith hasn't played a full season since 2018 due to injuries, but he's shown the ability to produce when healthy. If he can stay on the field, Smith could be a valuable TE2 or streamer.
Draft Strategy: When to Draft a Tight End
When it comes to drafting tight ends, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some fantasy managers prefer to wait until the later rounds, while others target a top-tier TE early on. Here's a general guideline to help you make a decision:
- Wait until the late rounds (Rounds 10-12): If you're confident in your ability to stream tight ends or find a sleeper, you can wait until the late rounds to draft one. This strategy allows you to focus on building your skill positions early on. - Target a top-tier TE in the middle rounds (Rounds 5-7): If you want a reliable, every-week starter, consider drafting one of the elite tight ends in the middle rounds. This strategy ensures you have a solid TE1 while still allowing you to focus on other positions early on. - Draft a TE early (Round 2 or 3): If you're looking to build your team around a top-tier tight end, consider drafting one in the second or third round. This strategy could give you an advantage at the position, but it may also force you to reach for other players at other positions.
Final Thoughts on NFL Fantasy Rankings Tight End
There you have it, folks! Our comprehensive guide to the 2021 NFL fantasy rankings tight end landscape. Whether you're looking for a top-tier TE1 or a sneaky streamer, we've got you covered. So, get out there and dominate your fantasy leagues with your newfound tight end knowledge!
Remember, the key to success in fantasy football is staying informed, adaptable, and engaged. Keep an eye on injury reports, monitor your waiver wire, and make strategic trades to give your team the best chance to win.
Now, get out there and make some magic happen! We'll see you next time for another installment of our fantasy football rankings series. Until then, happy drafting, and good luck in your leagues!