X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

ADP Showdown - Zach Ertz vs George Kittle

Which tight end will be the better value in 2019 fantasy football drafts based on current ADP? Brandon Murchison takes a look at the close line between TE Zach Ertz and George Kittle in this ADP Showdown.

The tight end position in fantasy has become a bit of a wasteland over the last few years. There is just not a lot of depth to speak of. The group is very top-heavy with consistent scorers making them options that many owners covet in drafts. Once you get through the players at the top end of the position, the remainder gets very weak very fast. This puts owners in a position early in drafts in which they have to decide on whether or not to take the plunge. This decision can have major implications on your roster construction through the remainder of the draft. Grabbing one of the tight ends early means that you forego quality players at other positions for a round or two.

Two of the tight ends that are hotly debated going into drafts currently are Zach Ertz and George Kittle. Both are elite players at the position and will be gone off draft boards by the end of the third round. Selecting one of these two players ensures, that barring injury, you have solidified the position in your starting lineups each week. Most owners view this strategy as one that can give you the leg up on the competition. But it also one that can hinder you at the same time. Because you are paying a draft cost for players that may not meet the expectations that are placed so highly on them. Both of these tight ends put up record-setting numbers in 2018, but can you expect them to again top that in 2019? Drafting them at their current ADP would indicate that most owners believe they will.

But who do you prefer between the two? Facing a decision at the end of the second round, you could have your hand forced. So we will jump into the numbers and determine just who has the edge as we head into the 2019 season in this ADP Showdown.

Editor's Note: Access RotoBaller’s trusted fantasy football rankings for PPR, Standard, Dynasty, Super Flex, and Best Ball formats. Get tiered cheat sheets, expert analysis, and player outlooks to dominate your draft from every angle.

 

Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles

ADP: TE2 (24th Overall)

Ertz put together an all-time great year at the position in 2018. He set the NFL record with 116 receptions and finished as the TE2 by season's end. He led the position in snaps (949), routes ran (550), and targets (156). Where he was behind the pace was in receiving yards (4th with 1,163 yards) and scoring (4th with 8 TDs). Ertz has historically had a tough time getting into the end-zone but now has gone back to back seasons with eight TDs. Even with other highly skilled weapons around him, Ertz has become the focal point of this passing attack over the last few seasons.

Entering the 2019 season, little is expected to change with Ertz and his role with the Eagles. He will remain a high-floor option at the position in fantasy and one of the more "can't miss" players you can add on draft day. But is the juice worth the squeeze? With the draft capital that you have to spend on a player like Ertz, you are essentially fading on your WR1 in the second round. But locking in your TE1 and not worrying on a weekly basis has some value in its own right. Even with the addition of DeSean Jackson and the progression of Dallas Goedert, Ertz will still see at minimum 140 targets. If he can remain healthy, look for Ertz to finally take a crack at the ever-elusive 10 TD season. If he gets to that point, Ertz may indeed finish the 2019 season as the overall TE1.

 

George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers

ADP: TE3 (29th Overall)

Kittle exploded onto the scene in 2018 pacing the position in receiving yards (1,377). He also led the position in RAC (9.7) while finishing third in targets (136), receptions (88), fantasy points (259), and YPR (15.6). Where Kittle fell behind was in scoring where he could only muster 5 TDs. Much of that could be contributed to the mess at the QB position that the 49ers had to deal with during the season. With players falling in and out from under center, it was surprising to see Kittle put together the year-end stat line that he did. But the team as a whole fought injuries all season and Kittle was the one true constant in the passing attack.

Now as we head into the upcoming season, we are back to square one with the 49ers. Jimmy Garoppolo is again fully healthy as well as the weapons surrounding Kittle. With Garoppolo back under center, this passing attack should see a stark improvement in plays down the field. Over the past two seasons, Kittles 44 plays of over 15 yards rank only behind Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski. This could have an adverse effect on his target and catch totals but I do expect to see a spike in scoring for Kittle this year. He may not close in on 10 TDs in 2019, but seeing him get to eight is a realistic number. But as is the case with Ertz, Kittle will have one of the safest floors at the position this year.

 

Verdict

This can be a tough call between these two players in drafts. Many owners have their preferences on each and will stand firm on that during the draft. But who will be the right call? If I am going to take the plunge between these two players at the end of the second round, for me it will be Ertz. He is on what now should be a more highly productive offense and has proven his value over the course of several seasons. Ertz continues to improve each season and I could see him taking another step forward in 2019. Kittle is not a player to turn your nose up at, as he should have a great season himself, but for me, the player to draft will be Ertz.

More ADP Showdown Articles


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Austin Riley

Leaves Game Early on Friday With Abdominal Tightness
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Rafael Devers

Dealing With Back Inflammation
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Rhamondre Stevenson

Heading into an Important Season
Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
Tua Tagovailoa

2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
Rashawn Slater

has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
Byron Buxton

Returns on Friday
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Jake Meyers

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
Brandon Lowe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
Kodai Senga

Reinstated to Start on Friday
Alex Bregman

Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Chicago Bears

Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Dustin Hopkins

Browns Still Counting on Dustin Hopkins
Demarcus Robinson

Sentenced to Three Years of Probation
Jalen Nailor

In Line for WR3 Role in Minnesota
Andrew Thomas

Could Miss Start of 2025 Season
Alex Bregman

Expected to Return on Friday
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Won't Suit Up for Midsummer Classic
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Expected to Work Out Long-Term Extension
Bernhard Raimann

a Candidate for an Extension This Summer
C.J. Stroud

Could Sign Multi-Year Deal Before 2026 Season
Kyle Juszczyk

Says Christian McCaffrey Looks Healthy, Explosive
Kyren Williams

Showing Improved Explosiveness
Christian Barmore

"Dominant" this Spring
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF