It’s that time of year again, isn't it? The air starts to get a little crisper, the leaves begin to turn, and for football fans, the real excitement builds. And as we dive into the upcoming NFL season, one position always sparks a particular kind of debate, a blend of anticipation and sometimes, sheer frustration: the tight end.
For a long time, the tight end was a bit of a forgotten man in fantasy football, often seen as just another blocker or a red-zone specialist. But oh, how times have changed. These days, the top tight ends are absolute game-changers, weaving themselves into the fabric of their team's passing attacks in ways we rarely saw a decade ago. Think about it – players who were once drafted well after the top wide receivers are now consistently outscoring them, becoming the linchpins of winning fantasy rosters.
So, who are the guys you absolutely need to have on your radar for the 2024 season? It all comes down to finding those players who are truly central to their team's offensive strategy, the ones who command targets week in and week out. Based on what we're seeing, here are five tight ends who seem like the safest bets to deliver.
The Established Elite
First up, you simply can't talk about tight ends without mentioning Travis Kelce. Even at 35, he's still the gold standard. Last season, he put up a staggering 1,338 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, finishing as the TE1 in PPR scoring. His connection with Patrick Mahomes is legendary, and his role in the Chiefs' offense is as crucial as ever.
Then there's Mark Andrews. After an injury-plagued 2022, he bounced back with a strong 2023, racking up 78 catches for 847 yards and 7 TDs. With Lamar Jackson at quarterback and a run-heavy scheme in Baltimore, Andrews has carved out a vital role as a reliable safety blanket and a go-to guy in the red zone.
T.J. Hockenson was on an absolute tear before a season-ending knee injury cut his 2023 short. He was averaging 7.3 targets per game and had already scored 6 touchdowns in just nine appearances. If he can return to full health, he's absolutely in the conversation for a top-three finish again.
George Kittle remains a perennial favorite for a reason. Despite missing three games last year, he still managed 1,174 receiving yards. His explosive playmaking ability, combined with Kyle Shanahan's innovative offensive schemes in San Francisco, means he's always a threat to put up huge numbers.
The Rising Star
Finally, keep a close eye on Dalton Kincaid. He emerged as Buffalo's primary receiving tight end in his rookie year, hauling in 73 passes. With Stefon Diggs now in Houston, Kincaid's target share is expected to grow significantly under new offensive coordinator Joe Brady. He's poised to take a big leap.
Of course, the tight end landscape isn't just about the established stars. There are always those hidden gems and sleepers who can provide incredible value if you know where to look. Players like rookie Brock Bowers, who was the first tight end off the board in the 2024 draft, or Sam LaPorta, who already proved himself as a rookie and is in a potent Lions offense, could easily ascend into the top tier. It’s a position that demands attention, not just on draft day, but throughout the season. As Matthew Berry, the Fantasy Football Analyst for NBC Sports, wisely put it, "Tight end is no longer a ‘set it and forget it’ position. You need guys who are involved in the passing game early and often."
Ultimately, finding your guy at tight end is about more than just raw stats. It's about understanding their role, their quarterback's tendencies, and how they fit into the overall offensive scheme. It’s a complex puzzle, but one that’s incredibly rewarding to solve.
