Ertz Fantasy Football: The Ultimate Tight End Target?
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of tight ends and shining a spotlight on one of the most consistent performers in recent years - Zach Ertz. If you're looking to bolster your team's offense with a reliable pass-catching threat, you might want to consider this Eagles' standout. Let's break down why Ertz is a force to be reckoned with in fantasy football. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and ertz fantasy football.
Ertz: A Tight End on the Rise
Zach Ertz has been a steady presence in the Philadelphia Eagles' offense since being drafted in 2013. Initially overshadowed by fellow tight end Brent Celek, Ertz has since emerged as a premier pass-catching threat at his position. Let's take a look at his impressive statistical growth over the years:
- 2013: 25 receptions, 319 yards, 1 TD - 2014: 58 receptions, 702 yards, 3 TDs - 2015: 75 receptions, 853 yards, 5 TDs - 2016: 78 receptions, 816 yards, 4 TDs - 2017: 74 receptions, 824 yards, 8 TDs - 2018: 116 receptions, 1,143 yards, 8 TDs - 2019: 88 receptions, 916 yards, 6 TDs
As you can see, Ertz has consistently improved his numbers year after year, culminating in a career-high 116 receptions in 2018. That's right, guys, Ertz led all tight ends in receptions that season, solidifying his status as a fantasy football force.
What Makes Ertz a Fantastic Fantasy Option?
Target Monster
One of the primary reasons Ertz is a fantastic fantasy option is his consistent target volume. Since 2016, Ertz has finished in the top 5 among tight ends in targets each season. In 2018, he led the position with a whopping 138 targets. When you're getting that many looks from your quarterback, good things are bound to happen.
Quarterback Consistency
Ertz has played with two different starting quarterbacks in his career - Carson Wentz and Nick Foles. Despite the change at the game's most important position, Ertz has maintained his production. This consistency is a testament to Ertz's talent and work ethic, as well as the Eagles' commitment to involving their tight ends in the passing game.
Red Zone Threat
While Ertz might not be the biggest or strongest tight end in the league, he's proven to be a reliable red zone target. Since 2016, Ertz has scored 19 touchdowns, with 13 of those coming from inside the 20-yard line. His ability to find the end zone makes him a valuable fantasy asset, especially in non-PPR formats.
Ertz's 2019 Season: A Closer Look
While Ertz's 2019 numbers might not jump off the page like his 2018 campaign, it's essential to consider the context. The Eagles' offense struggled mightily that season, with injuries plaguing both the offensive line and skill position players. Despite the turmoil, Ertz still managed to haul in 88 receptions for 916 yards and 6 touchdowns.
One encouraging sign for Ertz owners was his increased involvement in the red zone. After scoring just 2 touchdowns inside the 20 in 2018, Ertz found the end zone 5 times from that area in 2019. This trend suggests that Ertz's red zone prowess is here to stay, making him an even more valuable fantasy asset.
Ertz's Fantasy Football Stock: Buy or Sell?
When evaluating Ertz's fantasy football stock, it's essential to consider his age (29), consistent production, and the Eagles' commitment to featuring their tight ends in the passing game. While some might be hesitant to draft Ertz due to his age and the emergence of younger talent at the position, we believe Ertz is still a top-tier fantasy tight end.
In fact, we're so bullish on Ertz that we're willing to buy his fantasy football stock heading into the 2021 season. With a healthy Carson Wentz under center and a revamped Eagles' offense, Ertz has the potential to once again lead all tight ends in receptions and finish as a top-3 fantasy option at his position.
Draft Strategy: When to Target Ertz
When drafting Ertz in fantasy football, it's essential to consider the format and scoring rules of your league. In PPR formats, Ertz's high target volume makes him an enticing option in the middle rounds. We recommend targeting Ertz as early as the 4th round in 12-team PPR leagues.
In non-PPR formats, Ertz's value might slip a bit, as his touchdown totals can be boom or bust. However, we still believe Ertz is worth targeting in the middle rounds (5th-7th) of 12-team non-PPR leagues. His consistent target volume and red zone involvement make him a reliable fantasy option, even in standard scoring formats.
Final Thoughts on Ertz Fantasy Football
Zach Ertz has proven himself to be a consistent and reliable fantasy football option at the tight end position. With his high target volume, red zone involvement, and quarterback consistency, Ertz has the potential to finish as a top-3 fantasy tight end in 2021.
While some fantasy owners might be hesitant to draft Ertz due to his age, we believe his proven track record and the Eagles' commitment to featuring their tight ends in the passing game make him a valuable fantasy asset. So, guys, if you're looking for a reliable pass-catching threat to anchor your fantasy football team, look no further than Zach Ertz.
Happy drafting, and good luck in your fantasy football leagues!