Justin Pottinger highlights three fantasy football tight end sleepers for PPR leagues. Which tight ends have receiving value for 2024 fantasy football drafts?
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, fantasy football managers are looking for under-the-radar talents who can deliver consistent points without the high draft capital. Tight ends often serve as safety valves for quarterbacks, making them valuable assets in point-per-reception leagues. Identifying sleeper tight ends can be the key to dominating your fantasy football league, especially in PPR formats.
These tight-end sleepers have flown under the radar due to factors such as team changes, previous injuries, or being overshadowed by more prominent teammates. However, these players have shown flashes of potential that savvy fantasy managers can capitalize on.
This article highlights three tight-end sleepers poised to outperform their average draft positions and provide excellent value throughout the season. Who are three fantasy football tight-end sleepers for PPR leagues? Let's dive in and analyze them now!
Editor's Note: Discover RotoBaller’s top Fantasy Football Sleepers to gain an edge in your drafts. Our free who to draft tool and expert picks spotlight undervalued players, breakout candidates, and late-round gems for all league formats.
Jake Ferguson has a compelling chance to be an excellent sleeper option for fantasy football as a Dallas Cowboy. Last year, Ferguson stepped into a larger role following the departure of Dalton Schultz, and he was fantastic for the Cowboys. Ferguson totaled 71 receptions for 761 yards and five touchdowns. Shockingly, Ferguson is ranked around the double-digit numbers in most rankings and is currently listed as the ninth tight end for RotoBaller's player rankings.
Ferguson is poised to capitalize on increased opportunities in one of the league’s most potent offenses. With Dak Prescott under center, who threw for 4,516 yards and 36 touchdowns last year, Ferguson is set to become a key target, especially in the red zone. Prescott’s proficiency in utilizing tight ends and Ferguson’s ability to create separation and make contested catches position him for a breakout year.
The 25-year-old benefits from the Cowboys' offensive scheme, which frequently incorporates tight ends into high-leverage situations. His strong performance in offseason workouts and preseason games has earned him praise from the coaching staff, indicating their confidence in his abilities.
Ferguson’s versatility allows him to line up in various positions, creating mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs. The Cowboys' high-scoring offense ranked fourth in total points per game last season, which can correlate to Ferguson having plenty of scoring opportunities.
His chemistry with Dak Prescott, developed over the past seasons, is another factor that enhances his sleeper appeal. All these elements make Ferguson a savvy pick for fantasy managers looking for a tight end with high upside and breakout potential. As the Cowboys’ starting tight end, Ferguson can build on his promising stats, providing fantasy managers with substantial value and the potential for significant upside in PPR leagues.
Kyle Pitts has been a disappointment for fantasy managers since he entered the league as a promising rookie. This, however, is the year where managers need to trust that Pitts could very well end up as a top-3 tight end. Pitts tallied 53 receptions for 677 yards and three touchdowns in the 2023 season despite inconsistent quarterback play. In 2024, Pitts will be teamed up with a new quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who threw for 2,331 yards and 18 touchdowns in only eight games played. Cousins has been known to excel at utilizing tight ends in the passing game and creating fantasy superstars.
Looking at the Falcons' depth chart for next season, there really aren't too many pass-catchers who draw your attention. Sure, Drake London will be an exciting piece in the offense, but outside of him, who is there? Darnell Mooney, newly acquired from the Chicago Bears, is an excellent talent, but there should never be a time where he takes away Pitts' opportunities. Bijan Robinson will see himself some receiving work as well, but Pitts will soon become Cousins' safety blanket and will be a first- down machine. The 23-year-old is currently listed as the seventh tight end in RotoBaller's player rankings.
Pitts, known for his exceptional athleticism and receiving skills, has already demonstrated his potential with big playmaking abilities, but has never had a consistent quarterback to get him the ball. With Cousins at the helm, Pitts can expect more reliable and frequent targets, especially in the red zone, where Cousins' precision can capitalize on Pitts' mismatch potential.
This combination sets the stage for Pitts to exceed expectations and deliver substantial value as a sleeper pick in fantasy football. His value is shockingly low and he is ranked just within the top 10 in most fantasy formats, but he has true league-winning potential. Pitts will be a player all fantasy managers should aggressively attempt to have on the roster.
Jonnu Smith has a prime opportunity to become an excellent sleeper option for fantasy football as a Miami Dolphin. The move to Miami places him in a dynamic and high-powered offense, led by an innovative coaching staff known for maximizing the talents of versatile players.
With Tua Tagovailoa’s proficiency in quick, accurate passes, Smith can thrive in a role that emphasizes his athleticism and ability to gain yards after the catch. Smith hasn't had the opportunity to really excel anywhere he has gone, but he has always been able to produce.
Last season, Smith totaled a sneaky high usage of 50 receptions for 582 yards, but only saw the end zone twice for Atlanta. The low touchdown number shouldn't be a concern, as the Falcons struggled severely to get the ball to a receiver in the end zone all year.
The Dolphins offense, which lacks a dominant tight end, provides Smith the chance to secure a significant target share. Smith's ability to create mismatches is evident in his career average of 11.1 yards per reception. The Dolphins last season were second in the NFL when it came to total touchdowns scored on the season, which should make fantasy managers feel more safe on Smith being able to find the end zone. Smith could be a tight end this season who out of nowhere has double-digit touchdowns in his first year with Miami.
His prowess in the red zone, combined with his ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, positions Smith as a potential breakout candidate who could provide substantial value in PPR leagues. Smith is currently ranked as the 21st tight end in RotoBaller's player rankings.
#Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel on Miami’s use of tight ends:
“Some people think that just ‘whatever it was, it will always be’… There’s opportunities there, for sure.”
McDaniel on Jonnu Smith:
“He has become a master of YAC — not only because of speed, but because of a mindset” pic.twitter.com/o1l4yHEuf9
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) June 4, 2024
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