Unveiling the Top Tight Ends for Your Fantasy Football Squad
Alright, guys! It's that time of the year again – fantasy football draft season! We know you're eager to build your dream team, and we're here to help you make the right calls. Today, we're diving deep into the top tight ends for your fantasy football squad. So, grab your notepads and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and top tight ends fantasy football.
Why Tight Ends Matter in Fantasy Football
Before we jump into our list, let's talk about why tight ends are so darn important in fantasy football. In recent years, tight ends have become more involved in their teams' offenses, often serving as safety blankets for quarterbacks and reliable targets in the red zone.
A top tight end can provide a consistent source of points, help you manage bye weeks, and even make or break your matchups. So, don't sleep on this position, folks!
Our Top Tight Ends for the 2023 Fantasy Football Season
Now, let's get to the main event – our list of the top tight ends for the 2023 fantasy football season. We've considered each player's talent, opportunity, and situation to bring you a well-rounded list.
1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Can you really have a top tight ends list without Travis Kelce? We think not! Kelce has been an absolute beast at the position, leading all tight ends in fantasy points in each of the past three seasons. With Patrick Mahomes tossing him the rock, Kelce shows no signs of slowing down.
In 2022, Kelce logged 110 receptions for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns. That's good for an average of 19.6 fantasy points per game. If you're lucky enough to snag Kelce in your draft, consider yourself fortunate. He's a no-brainer first-round pick.
2. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
George Kittle is another elite option at the tight end position, and he's coming off a monster 2022 campaign. Kittle hauled in 97 catches for 1,285 yards and five touchdowns, good for an average of 17.3 fantasy points per game. That performance earned him the No. 2 spot among tight ends in fantasy football.
Kittle's success is due in large part to his quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo (or Trey Lance, depending on who starts under center in 2023). Regardless of who's throwing the ball, Kittle's talent and involvement in the 49ers' offense make him a top-tier option.
3. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Mark Andrews has been a revelation at tight end, transforming from a mere pass-catching threat into a full-fledged weapon in the Ravens' offense. In 2022, Andrews caught 107 passes for 1,361 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging an impressive 18.7 fantasy points per game.
With Lamar Jackson under center, Andrews has found consistent success, and there's no reason to believe that will change in 2023. Andrews is a top-three tight end and a worthy first-round pick in fantasy drafts.
4. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts burst onto the scene in 2021, and while his 2022 campaign was somewhat disappointing, we're still high on his long-term potential. Pitts finished with 63 receptions for 1,026 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 14.5 fantasy points per game.
With a new coaching staff in Atlanta and a potential upgrade at quarterback, Pitts has the potential to return to elite form in 2023. He's a high-risk, high-reward option at tight end.
5. Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
Dalton Schultz is coming off a career year with the Dallas Cowboys, and he'll look to build on that success with his new team, the Houston Texans. In 2022, Schultz caught 63 passes for 710 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 12.8 fantasy points per game.
Schultz's new quarterback, C.J. Stroud, has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker, and we're excited to see how the two mesh in 2023. Schultz is a solid late-round pick with upside.
Sleepers and Late-Round Targets
Alright, guys, we've covered our top top tight ends. Now let's talk about some sleepers and late-round targets who could provide great value in your fantasy drafts.
1. Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars
Evan Engram has yet to live up to his first-round draft status, but a change of scenery in Jacksonville could be just what the doctor ordered. Engram finished 2022 with 73 receptions for 766 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 12.3 fantasy points per game.
With Trevor Lawrence under center and a revamped Jaguars offense, Engram has the potential to break out in 2023. He's a great late-round flier.
2. Irv Smith Jr., New Orleans Saints
Irv Smith Jr. has been a bit of a tease in fantasy football, showing glimpses of greatness but never quite putting it all together. With Michael Thomas back in the fold and a new quarterback (likely Andy Dalton or a rookie) under center, Smith has the potential to take a significant step forward in 2023.
Smith finished 2022 with 42 receptions for 457 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 9.5 fantasy points per game. He's a low-risk, high-reward option in the later rounds of your draft.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! Our list of the top tight ends for the 2023 fantasy football season. Whether you're looking for a sure thing like Travis Kelce or a high-upside sleeper like Irv Smith Jr., we've got you covered.
Don't forget, the key to a successful fantasy football team is drafting the best players available, regardless of position. So, keep an eye on these tight ends and snag them when the time is right.
Good luck in your fantasy football drafts, and we'll see you on the gridiron!