2025 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings
The tight end position remains one of the most tiered and polarized roles in fantasy football, with managers often forced to decide between spending early draft capital on elite options or waiting until later rounds to secure mid-tier or developmental players. Unlike running backs and wide receivers, the tight end pool has a steep drop-off after the top few names, making tier-based drafting essential. While scoring format (PPR vs. Standard) influences their weekly value, the relative importance of tight ends often derives more from positional scarcity than from reception-based scoring differences.
In PPR leagues, tight ends who command volume, such as Trey McBride and Sam LaPorta, carry elevated value since reception totals provide a more stable floor. Standard leagues, however, reduce the advantage of possession tight ends, shifting greater weight to red-zone efficiency and touchdown production. Players such as George Kittle and Mark Andrews thrive in this context, as they remain among the most reliable scorers.
Tier 1: Elite Options
These players represent the highest ceiling and most consistent week-to-week production. They are difference-makers regardless of format and are often drafted in the first 3–4 rounds.
- Brock Bowers (LV) – Bye 8
- George Kittle (SF) – Bye 14
- Trey McBride (ARI) – Bye 8
Tier 2: High-End Starters
This group offers strong weekly upside but slightly greater risk due to age, injury concerns, or offensive environment. They are usually selected in rounds 4–7 of most drafts.
- Sam LaPorta (DET) – Bye 8
- Mark Andrews (BAL) – Bye 7
- T.J. Hockenson (MIN) – Bye 6
- Travis Kelce (KC) – Bye 10
- Tucker Kraft (GB) – Bye 5
- David Njoku (CLE) – Bye 9
Tier 3: Reliable Starters and Potential Breakouts
Tight ends in this tier may lack elite volume, but still project as dependable weekly starters. Some, such as Dalton Kincaid or Kyle Pitts, carry breakout potential depending on offensive usage.
- Tyler Warren (IND) – Bye 11
- Evan Engram (DEN) – Bye 12
- Dalton Kincaid (BUF) – Bye 7
- Dallas Goedert (PHI) – Bye 9
- Kyle Pitts Sr. (ATL) – Bye 5
- Colston Loveland (CHI) – Bye 5
- Jake Ferguson (DAL) – Bye 10
Tier 4: Streamers and Matchup Plays
This tier comprises players who may serve as weekly starters in deeper leagues or streaming options, depending on matchups. Many carry red-zone upside but lack consistent target volume.
- Hunter Henry (NE) – Bye 14
- J.T. Smith (PIT) – Bye 5
- Isaiah Likely (BAL) – Bye 7
- Zach Ertz (WAS) – Bye 12
- Brenton Strange (JAC) – Bye 8
- Mike Gesicki (CIN) – Bye 10
- Pat Freiermuth (PIT) – Bye 5
- Cade Otton (TB) – Bye 9
- Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) – Bye 10
- Mitchell Taylor (NYJ) – Bye 9
- Dalton Schultz (HOU) – Bye 6
Tier 5: Depth and Developmental Options
Players in this group are typically drafted as TE2s or left for the waiver wire. They may offer situational upside, particularly if injuries elevate their target share.
- Juwan Johnson (NO) – Bye 11
- Ja’Tavion Sanders (CAR) – Bye 14
- Cole Kmet (CHI) – Bye 5
- Elijah Arroyo (SEA) – Bye 8
- Noah Gray (KC) – Bye 10
- Theo Johnson (NYG) – Bye 14
- Harrison Fannin Jr. (CLE) – Bye 9
- Taysom Hill (NO) – Bye 11
Tier 6: Late-Round Flyers and Bench Stashes
This final tier represents players who are either returning from injury, shifting into new roles, or operating in uncertain offensive environments. They are generally undrafted but could emerge as waiver-wire pickups.
- Tyler Ferguson (LAR) – Bye 8
- Darren Waller (MIA) – Bye 12
- Noah Fant (CIN) – Bye 10
- Oronde Gadsden II (LAC) – Bye 12
- Tyler Higbee (LAR) – Bye 8
