The tight end position is the most shallow position in fantasy football. If you choose right, it can also give you the biggest advantage over your league mates than any other position can.
We’re going to dive into five must-have tight ends heading into the 2022 season.
Travis Kelce (KC)
For the first time in four seasons, Kelce did not finish the season as the TE1. That title went to Mark Andrews, who you can expect to hear more about later.
Last season was technically a “down year” for Kelce when you factor in he had his lowest yardage total since 2017. Kelce posted 92 receptions for 1,125 yards and nine touchdowns on 134 targets, which was suitable for a TE 2 finish last season.
Where Kelce left some fantasy production on the table was with 10 drops. That was tied for second in the NFL.
Heading into 2022, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Kelce get a healthy target bump since the Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill to Miami.
Expect Kelce to get more than the 21 percent target share he received last season.
He is Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted weapon in a high-powered offense. Expect Kelce to take his place back atop the fantasy tight end position.
Mark Andrews (BAL)
Andrews had a spectacular 2021 season. He finished as the top fantasy tight end with 17.5 fantasy points per game.
Marquise Brown was traded to the Cardinals, so Andrews’ only real competition for targets is second-year receiver, Rashod Bateman.
Andrews could repeat as the position’s top fantasy player, but it could be a little harder for him in 2022. The Ravens’ offense passed on 56 percent of plays, which spearheaded Andrews running 209 more routes in 2021 than he did in 2020, according to FantasyPros.
The boost in pass volume was likely linked to running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards missing the entire season. Both are expected back this season, so it’s possible Baltimore reverts back to more of a run-heavy offense.
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Even with that possibility, Andrews will still garner enough targets to challenge Kelce for TE1.
Embed from Getty ImagesKyle Pitts (ATL)
In his rookie season, Pitts finished third at the position in receiving yards (1,018). He didn’t quite live up to the hype despite a productive rookie campaign.
Where Pitts can improve in 2022 is the touchdown department. He finished 2021 with only one score. He’s due for some positive regression in that area.
Calvin Ridley is suspended for the entire season, which forces Pitts to be the go-to guy on offense. The Falcons drafted Drake London who will fill in as the team’s No. 1 receiver.
Even with Marcus Mariotta or Desmond Ridder at quarterback, Pitts has the talent and the opportunity to make good on his early-round ADP.
Dalton Schultz (DAL)
Schultz has been one of the more productive fantasy tight ends since 2020. Only Darren Waller, Kelce, and Andrews have scored more points than the Cowboys’ tight end in that span, according to FantasyPros.
Amari Cooper’s departure and Michale Gallup’s injury recovery could boost Schultz’s target share, which was at 16.3 percent in 2021. That number was ninth among tight ends.
Schultz is playing under the franchise tag in 2022 with something to prove. Cooper and Cedrick Wilson leave 165 targets behind in Dallas and with Dak Prescott’s trust, Schultz’s production could increase this season.
Embed from Getty ImagesIrv Smith (MIN)
A torn meniscus spoiled Smith’s potential breakout season in 2021. If Smith can regain his previous form, he has a chance to see his role grow in the new Vikings’ offense where Adam Thielen has struggled to remain healthy the last couple of years.
In 29 games with the Vikings, Smith has 66 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns. If Smith stays healthy, he has the potential to finish as a Top 12 tight end.
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