Fifteen tight ends averaged at least eight half-PPR points per game in 2025, a significant increase from 2024, and fantasy analysts are expecting another strong season from the position in 2026.
In 2025, a standout rookie class, which included Harold Fannin Jr., Tyler Warren, and Colston Loveland, contributed to the increased production. Established tight ends like George Kittle, Travis Kelce, Dallas Goedert, and Hunter Henry also had successful seasons.
Trey McBride dominated the position, averaging 14.4 half-PPR points per game, while Tucker Kraft, Brock Bowers, and Kyle Pitts all had quality campaigns.
Brock Bowers is expected to lead the position in targets and finish as the best Fantasy tight end in 2026. He is worth drafting as early as the middle of Round 2.
Bowers had an impressive rookie campaign in 2024, catching 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns on 153 targets. However, injuries limited his production in 2025 to 64 catches for 680 yards and seven touchdowns on 86 targets in 12 games.
If Bowers stays healthy, he could be a candidate for Fantasy MVP this year.
Trey McBride is still expected to be an awesome tight end, but fantasy analysts would draft him after Bowers in early Round 3.
McBride led the position in targets, catches, and yards last season and tied Goedert for the touchdown lead with 11.
However, the Cardinals' run game should improve dramatically with the addition of Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier, along with James Conner being healthy.
This could lead to some regression for McBride, but he should still be a top tight end in 2026.
Colston Loveland has the chance to be a star and should be drafted as early as Round 3.
Loveland scored at least 10 half-PPR points in five of his final nine games last season, including the playoffs.
In his final four outings, Loveland averaged 16.0 half-PPR points per game and was the featured act in the passing game with at least 10 targets per game.
Tyler Warren was spectacular when Daniel Jones was healthy through the first 10 weeks of the season.
Warren should also benefit with Michael Pittman being gone and no significant replacement added.
Sam LaPorta was a star in 2023 when he averaged 11.0 half-PPR points per game as a rookie.
He struggled in 2024 at 8.6 half-PPR points per game and dealt with a back injury in 2025.
LaPorta is healthy now and has top-five upside with Drew Petzing as the new offensive coordinator in Detroit.
Petzing loves using his tight ends, and LaPorta is worth drafting as early as Round 5.
The 2026 fantasy football draft is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to build their teams.
Source: CBS