Unveiling the Top NFL Tight Ends for Your Fantasy Football Squad
Alright, guys! It's that time of the year again – fantasy football season is upon us, and you know what that means? It's time to strategize, draft, and conquer! Today, we're diving into the exciting world of NFL tight ends and ranking the best of the best to help you build an unstoppable fantasy team. So, grab your pads and helmets, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and nfl tight end rankings fantasy.
Why Tight Ends Matter in Fantasy Football
Before we dive into our rankings, let's talk about why tight ends are such a crucial part of your fantasy football lineup. Tight ends have evolved from being mere blockers to becoming dynamic pass-catching threats. Their unique combination of size, speed, and agility makes them matchup nightmares for defenses. According to Fantasy Football Calculator, the average tight end score in 2020 was 10.4 points per game, making them a valuable asset to your fantasy squad.
2021 NFL Tight End Rankings: The Top 15
Alright, enough chit-chat – let's get to the meat and potatoes, shall we? Here are our top 15 NFL tight ends for the 2021 fantasy football season, based on their projected points, consistency, and upside.
1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Strong, bold, and italic tags galore for our number one tight end!
Travis Kelce has been an absolute monster at the tight end position, and there's no reason to believe he won't continue his dominance in 2021. Kelce finished the 2020 season with an astronomical 1,416 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him the title of the highest-scoring fantasy tight end for the third consecutive year. With Patrick Mahomes still slinging the rock in Kansas City, Kelce is a no-brainer first-round pick in fantasy drafts.
2. Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders
Darren Waller burst onto the fantasy scene in 2020, finishing the season as the second-highest scoring tight end behind only Travis Kelce. Waller's 1,196 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns were both career-highs, and with Derek Carr throwing him the ball, Waller should continue to be a formidable fantasy force in 2021.
3. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
George Kittle is one of the most dynamic tight ends in the NFL, and while injuries limited him to just eight games in 2020, he still managed to rack up 546 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. With a healthy Kittle and a revamped 49ers offense in 2021, expect big things from the talented tight end.
4. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Mark Andrews has been a consistent fantasy producer since entering the league in 2018, and his 586 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns in 2020 were both career-highs. With Lamar Jackson still under center in Baltimore, Andrews should continue to be a reliable fantasy asset in 2021.
5. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
Alright, guys, it's time to talk about the new kid on the block!
Kyle Pitts is the most hyped rookie tight end since, well, maybe ever. The former Florida Gator is a freakish athlete, with the size, speed, and agility to dominate at the NFL level. Pitts will have every opportunity to make an impact in Atlanta, with Calvin Ridley and Julio Jones drawing the attention of opposing defenses. Don't be surprised if Pitts is a top-five fantasy tight end in his rookie season.
6. T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions
T.J. Hockenson took a major step forward in his sophomore season, catching 67 passes for 723 yards and 6 touchdowns. With Jared Goff now under center in Detroit, Hockenson should continue to be a reliable fantasy option in 2021.
7. Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
Hunter Henry has been a stud when healthy, but injuries have limited him to just 12 games over the past two seasons. If Henry can stay on the field in 2021, he has the potential to be a top-five fantasy tight end. With Mac Jones now throwing him the ball in New England, Henry's fantasy outlook is intriguing.
8. Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yep, you read that right, folks – Gronk is back!
Rob Gronkowski returned to the NFL in 2020 and immediately regained his form, catching 45 passes for 623 yards and 7 touchdowns. With Tom Brady still under center in Tampa Bay, Gronk should continue to be a fantasy force in 2021.
9. Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys
Dalton Schultz emerged as a legitimate fantasy option in 2020, catching 63 passes for 615 yards and 4 touchdowns. With Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb drawing the attention of opposing defenses, Schultz should continue to see plenty of targets in 2021.
10. Noah Fant, Denver Broncos
Noah Fant has been a disappointment thus far in his career, but the talent is undeniable. With Teddy Bridgewater now under center in Denver, Fant has the potential to break out in 2021. Keep an eye on Fant's ADP – if he falls, he could be a steal in fantasy drafts.
11. Evan Engram, New York Giants
Evan Engram has flashed upside throughout his career, but injuries have limited his production. If Engram can stay healthy in 2021, he has the potential to be a top-10 fantasy tight end. With Daniel Jones still under center in New York, Engram's fantasy outlook is intriguing.
12. Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers
Robert Tonyan emerged as a legitimate fantasy option in 2020, catching 58 passes for 586 yards and a whopping 11 touchdowns. With Aaron Rodgers still under center in Green Bay, Tonyan should continue to be a fantasy force in 2021.
13. Logan Thomas, Washington Football Team
Logan Thomas took a major step forward in 2020, catching 72 passes for 670 yards and 6 touchdowns. With Ryan Fitzpatrick now under center in Washington, Thomas should continue to be a reliable fantasy option in 2021.
14. Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins
Mike Gesicki has flashed upside throughout his career, but inconsistent quarterback play has held him back. With Tua Tagovailoa now under center in Miami, Gesicki has the potential to break out in 2021. Keep an eye on Gesicki's ADP – if he falls, he could be a steal in fantasy drafts.
15. Adam Trautman, New Orleans Saints
Adam Trautman is a rookie tight end, but he has the potential to make an impact in 2021. With Jared Cook now in Las Vegas, Trautman has an opportunity to carve out a role in the Saints offense. Keep an eye on Trautman's ADP – if he falls, he could be a steal in fantasy drafts.
Conclusion
Alright, guys, there you have it – our top 15 NFL tight ends for the 2021 fantasy football season. Whether you're looking for a proven producer like Travis Kelce or a high-upside rookie like Kyle Pitts, there's something for everyone on this list. So, get out there and draft your dream team – and remember, the key to fantasy football success is strategy and adaptability. Good luck, and happy drafting!