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Kacey looks at fantasy football tight ends through eight weeks in 2024 to see which can carry teams to titles. Will Kyle Pitts, Travis Kelce, and Cade Otton continue playing well?
The tight-end position has been brutal for fantasy football managers this season, with top names underperforming and forcing teams to rely on low-scoring streamers. But Week 8 may have finally flipped the script. Several tight ends went off, giving fantasy managers hope that points are finally in sight.
And what better timing? It all happened on National Tight Ends Day, the now-annual tradition created by George Kittle himself. With Kittle leading the charge and other big games from names like Travis Kelce and Cade Otton, tight ends showed they are still here to make a difference for fantasy teams.
So is this resurgence here to stay? Let's look at some big performers who might keep up the production and carry your fantasy squad into the playoffs.
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Cade Otton: Is the Tampa Bay TE a League Winner?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' tight-end situation has taken a promising turn with Cade Otton stepping up amid injuries to wideouts Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.
In his first game without Tampa Bay's top receivers, he posted an impressive 81 yards and two touchdowns on nine catches, leading the team with 10 targets.
Otton has assembled two strong fantasy performances in a row, making him a solid fill-in for tight-end-needy managers.
Cade Otton snags his second TD of the day ✌️
📺: Watch Falcons vs. Buccaneers on NFL Game Pass on DAZN | via @NFL pic.twitter.com/UDCvK4GxQn
— NFL on DAZN (@NFLonDAZN) October 27, 2024
With Godwin on injured reserve and Evans not expected back until after the Week 11 bye, the 25-year-old's target share should stay high.
He should again be an essential target for Baker Mayfield in Week 9 when facing the Kansas City Chiefs. The Washington product led the Bucs in catches, yards, and touchdowns in their recent loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
While Otton may not be the elusive league winner fantasy managers dream of, his steady usage and target share give him definite value in the coming weeks. Otton's role could shift when Evans returns. Still, his consistency in a depleted receiver room makes him a trustworthy TE as playoff season nears.
David Njoku: Can He Be a Top-5 TE With Jameis Winston?
Now an essential piece of the Cleveland Browns offense, David Njoku has seen a significant uptick in fantasy value with Jameis Winston under center.
In Cleveland's 29-24 win over the Ravens, Njoku hauled in five of seven targets for 61 yards and a score. This game was his third straight with seven or more targets.
Winston's presence has fueled Njoku's rise, as the tight end is thriving with constant volume and apparent chemistry with the veteran quarterback.
THE JAMEIS WINSTON EFFECT🚨
David Njoku catches the TD on #NationalTightEndsDay
— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) October 27, 2024
Njoku's fantasy production is heating up, with back-to-back double-digit games in PPR leagues -- 23.6 points in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals and 17.1 in Week 8 versus the Baltimore Ravens.
Currently sitting at TE15, Njoku's upward trend suggests he could crack the top five by season's end. The veteran tight end ran 34 routes in Week 8, ranking third on the team. Look for this trend to continue.
Competition for a top-5 finish is steep, with names like George Kittle, Brock Bowers, and Trey McBride leading the pack. Yet, Njoku's volume, athleticism, and Winston's willingness to feed him make a top-10 finish very likely -- and the top five is within reach if his usage continues at this level.
Travis Kelce: Has the Chiefs Tight End Returned to Form?
Travis Kelce came alive in Week 8, delivering his best fantasy outing of the season with 10 catches on 12 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown in the Kansas City Chiefs' 27-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
It marked his first touchdown of the season and his 75th career score, making him only the fifth tight end in NFL history to reach that milestone and passing Jason Witten in the record books.
After a lackluster Week 7 with just 17 yards, the Super Bowl champion reasserted himself as Patrick Mahomes' go-to red-zone target, bringing in all three red-zone targets and converting one into six points.
Travis Kelce is just like the rest of us. Take him to Vegas and he acts like he’s 25 again
— Arrowhead Pride (@ArrowheadPride) October 27, 2024
The Chiefs' recent trade for DeAndre Hopkins helped free Kelce up by diverting some defensive coverage. With injuries among Mahomes' other pass-catchers, the former Pro Bowler's target volume will likely stay strong.
This rekindled connection with Mahomes is precisely what fantasy managers have been waiting for, and Week 8 indicates Kelce is set to remain a top-tier option.
Kansas City's offense has been shaky this season, with Mahomes and Kelce seeing unusual dips in production. This performance may mark a much-needed turnaround. The veteran tight end is back in top form, and as the Chiefs find their rhythm, he is primed to reestablish himself as a high-ceiling, must-start option for the rest of the season.
Kyle Pitts: Is He Emerging as the TE Fantasy Managers Hoped for?
With his first career multi-touchdown game in Week 8, Kyle Pitts finally had the breakout fantasy managers have been waiting for, putting up 91 yards on four catches for a season-high 25.1 PPR points.
Drafted fourth overall in 2021 with sky-high expectations, Pitts has struggled to reach his potential, held back by inconsistent usage and quarterback play.
But with Kirk Cousins now under center, Pitts has started to show the elite upside fans expected, catching two impressive scores in the Falcons' 31-26 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8. He nearly led the team in receptions and yards, finishing just shy of Darnell Mooney by one catch and a single yard.
NATIONAL TE's DAY STARTS OFF WITH KYLE PITTS ‼️
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/usIZeF4g3G
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 27, 2024
This uptick in production hints at a more stable role for Pitts moving forward. He has topped 65 yards in four consecutive games, a new level of consistency for him, and his Week 9 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys -- who allow an average of 10.0 fantasy points to tight ends -- offers a great chance to keep his momentum going.
As the TE4 in PPR leagues, the 24-year-old has already notched five double-digit fantasy performances this season. His connection with Cousins could solidify his role as a top option in Atlanta's offense.
Pitts is finally rewarding the patience of fantasy managers, delivering the kind of reliable, top-tier production the position often lacks. If his recent surge holds, he could emerge as a true game-changer in the back half of the season.
George Kittle: Does He Have a Clear Path to Fantasy Stardom Amid 49ers' Injuries?
Celebrating National Tight Ends Day with his 500th career reception, George Kittle moved up to third in career receiving yards for the San Francisco 49ers, behind Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens.
Kittle's Week 8 performance against the Dallas Cowboys could not have been better timed. Logging six receptions for 128 yards, he once again proved himself a nightmare for Dallas.
The 49ers have a bye in Week 9. When they return in Week 10, Kittle should have a path to continued fantasy relevance as San Francisco deals with injuries.
George Kittle showing up big on National Tight Ends Day 😳
pic.twitter.com/2jXDvoUccW— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 28, 2024
The 49ers receiving corps is currently banged up -- Deebo Samuel Sr. exited Sunday's game with rib and oblique issues, and Jauan Jennings, who missed Weeks 7 and 8 with a hip injury, is expected to return post-bye. With Christian McCaffrey's return expected, the tight end could benefit as defenses focus on the star running back.
Week 10 brings a favorable matchup for the 31-year-old as he faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has given up the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. The opportunity for a high-volume role and a favorable defensive matchup will set Kittle up for success.
Although one of the older tight ends in the league, Kittle has continued to excel as both a blocker and receiver. With injuries to other weapons, Kittle's path as a top fantasy option is clear, and he has a high upside as the season progresses.
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