Unleashing the Tight Ends: Your 2022 Fantasy Football Top Picks
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! It's that time of the year again when we geek out over draft strategies, sleepers, and of course, the fantasy football top tight ends. You might be thinking, "Why should I care about tight ends? They're not as exciting as quarterbacks or wide receivers!" Well, let us change your mind, because a solid tight end can make or break your season. So, buckle up as we dive into the top tight ends you should have on your radar for the 2022 fantasy football season. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy football top tight ends.
Why Tight Ends Matter in Fantasy Football
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of who's who in the fantasy football top tight ends list, let's talk about why they're so important. Tight ends are often referred to as "flexible" players because they can be used as a receiver or a blocker. This versatility makes them valuable in both the passing and running game. Moreover, they're often targeted in the red zone due to their size and athleticism, which can lead to some serious fantasy points.
2022 Fantasy Football Top Tight Ends: The Cream of the Crop
Alright, let's get to the main event – the fantasy football top tight ends of 2022. Remember, the ranking might vary depending on your league's settings, but here are the tight ends that should be on your radar:
1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Kicking off our list is none other than the reigning king of fantasy tight ends, Travis Kelce.
Kelce has been on a tear over the past few seasons, consistently ranking among the fantasy football top tight ends. In 2021, he finished as the TE1, catching 92 passes for 1,151 yards and eight touchdowns. With Patrick Mahomes under center, Kelce continues to be a matchup nightmare for defenses. His incredible hands, route-running ability, and chemistry with Mahomes make him a no-brainer first-round pick in fantasy drafts.
2. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Mark Andrews has quietly become one of the most reliable and productive tight ends in the NFL, and now he's making waves in the fantasy world.
Andrews has improved his stats every year since entering the league in 2018. Last season, he caught 96 passes for 1,111 yards and nine touchdowns, finishing as the TE2. With Lamar Jackson throwing him the ball, Andrews has become a safety blanket for the Ravens' offense. His ability to create separation and high-point the ball makes him a target in the end zone. Don't be surprised if Andrews challenges Kelce for the top spot among fantasy football top tight ends in 2022.
3. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
George Kittle might be the most physically gifted tight end in the NFL, and when healthy, he's a top-tier fantasy option.
Kittle's 2021 season was cut short due to injuries, but he still managed to haul in 48 receptions for 562 yards and two touchdowns in just eight games. When healthy, Kittle is a matchup nightmare for defenses, using his elite blocking ability and receiving skills to create mismatches. If Kittle can stay on the field in 2022, he has the potential to finish as the TE1.
4. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts burst onto the scene in 2021, and he's already making a case for being the most talented tight end in the NFL.
Pitts finished his rookie season with 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and one touchdown, good enough for the TE5 spot. With Calvin Ridley's future uncertain and Russell Gage now in Tampa Bay, Pitts should see an increase in targets in 2022. His size, speed, and route-running ability make him a legitimate threat in the passing game, and he could very well challenge for the top spot among fantasy football top tight ends this season.
5. Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders
Darren Waller has been one of the most consistent and productive tight ends in fantasy football over the past few seasons, and there's no reason to believe that will change in 2022.
Waller finished as the TE3 in 2021, catching 55 passes for 665 yards and two touchdowns. However, a hamstring injury limited him to just 11 games. When healthy, Waller is a matchup nightmare for defenses, using his size and speed to create separation. With Derek Carr throwing him the ball, Waller should continue to be a reliable fantasy option in 2022.
Sleepers and Late-Round Targets
While the tight ends listed above are likely to be drafted in the early to middle rounds, there are still plenty of value options available later in drafts. Here are a few tight ends to keep an eye on:
T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions
T.J. Hockenson has been a bit of a disappointment since being drafted eighth overall in 2019, but he showed signs of life in 2021, catching 61 passes for 583 yards and four touchdowns. With Jared Goff under center and Amon-Ra St. Brown emerging as a viable WR2, Hockenson could see more targets in 2022. He's worth a late-round flier in dynasty and keeper leagues.
Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys
- 2021. With Michael Gallup and James Washington now in Denver, Schultz could see an increase in targets in
- 2022. He's a solid late-round option in standard leagues and a must-start in PPR formats.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
Hunter Henry has been a bit of a disappointment since joining the Patriots in 2021, catching just 37 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns. However, with Jonnu Smith now in Atlanta and Matt Patricia taking over as the offensive coordinator, Henry could see an increase in targets in 2022. He's worth a late-round flier in deeper leagues.
Final Thoughts on the 2022 Fantasy Football Top Tight Ends
There you have it, folks! The 2022 fantasy football top tight ends are a talented bunch, and any one of them could finish as the TE1 this season. When drafting your team, don't sleep on the tight end position – a solid tight end can help you win your league. So, go out there and draft with confidence, knowing that you have the inside scoop on the top tight ends in fantasy football.
Happy drafting, and we'll see you on the waiver wire!