Securing a top-tier tight end in fantasy football can be a game-changer, but the rest of the position is often a weekly puzzle. Dive into our expert breakdown of the 2025 tight end rankings, from early draft projections to essential Week 7 insights, ensuring you’re always one step ahead.
The tight end position in fantasy football remains one of the most enigmatic and challenging to navigate. While a handful of elite players offer week-to-week consistency, the vast majority can be unpredictable, making both draft-day decisions and in-season waiver wire moves critical. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, we’re blending the latest consensus draft rankings with actionable Week 7 advice to provide you with the most comprehensive analysis available.
The Elite Tier: Unquestionable Week Winners
In the highly competitive world of fantasy football, a select few tight ends stand head and shoulders above the rest. These are the players you can trust implicitly, the ones who provide a significant positional advantage over your opponents. The consensus among experts places Brock Bowers (LV), Trey McBride (ARI), and George Kittle (SF) at the top of the 2025 tight end rankings for PPR leagues, as reflected in the FantasyPros expert consensus rankings. Last season, these three consistently delivered 15.5-15.8 PPR points per game, creating a substantial two-point gap between them and the next tier of players. Their exceptional PFF receiving grades (88.0+) and over 1,100 receiving yards each further solidify their status.
Brock Bowers leads this esteemed group, following what many consider the best rookie tight end season of all time. His incredible production came despite significant instability in the Raiders’ offensive coaching and quarterback situation. Should the team see improvements in these areas, Bowers’ ceiling could be even higher. Trey McBride, maintaining a stable offensive environment, is poised for positive touchdown regression, presenting a strong case for the overall TE1 spot if Bowers faces increased target competition. Meanwhile, George Kittle, despite turning 32 early in the season and potentially competing for touches with Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk, is expected to maintain his consistent fantasy production, driven by his established talent and managers’ desire for a top-three option.
Tier 2: High Upside, Manageable Risks
Just beyond the elite, we find tight ends with undeniable potential and strong reasons for optimism, albeit with slightly higher risk factors. This tier includes players like Sam LaPorta (DET), T.J. Hockenson (MIN), and Jonnu Smith (MIA). These athletes boast strong PFF receiving grades over the past two years, indicating their consistent ability when on the field.
Sam LaPorta saw a slight dip in his sophomore season stats compared to his breakout rookie year, primarily due to increased competition for targets, but his underlying efficiency (explosive plays, fewer drops) remained strong. With potential changes in the Lions’ coaching staff, there’s hope for a more pass-heavy offense that could benefit him. T.J. Hockenson, a perennial top-six fantasy tight end from 2020-2023, is recovering from a significant ACL and MCL tear. His effectiveness upon returning in November 2024, despite the injury, suggests he could return to Tier 1 status if he reaches 100% health. Finally, Jonnu Smith was a breakout star in 2024 with the Dolphins, logging 194.4 fantasy points from Weeks 7-18. His career-high eight touchdowns were a significant leap, though concerns exist about target share if Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle rebound.
Veterans with Lingering Questions: Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, and David Njoku
This group features established stars who have rounded out the top-graded receiving tight ends but come with specific concerns for 2025. Travis Kelce (KC) experienced a noticeable decline in his PFF receiving grade in 2024, falling to 70.5 after years of 83.0+. Turning 36, combined with the emergence of Xavier Worthy and the return of Rashee Rice, could limit his target volume. While still a top talent, his days as the undisputed TE1 might be behind him.
Mark Andrews (BAL) finished 2024 with the sixth-most fantasy points, largely boosted by an impressive 11 touchdowns. However, his receptions ranked 14th, reflecting lost playing time to Charlie Kolar and Isaiah Likely in specific situations. A regression in his touchdown rate is a strong possibility. David Njoku (CLE) averaged 13.5 fantasy points per game, ranking fourth at the position. His target per route run rate is elite (fourth among qualified TEs), but his receiving grade is middling. His fantasy outlook for 2025 is heavily tied to the Browns’ quarterback situation and potential improvements to their wide receiver corps.
The Rising Talents: Rookie Tight Ends and Breakout Candidates
For those willing to take a calculated risk, this tier presents young tight ends with significant upside. Rookies Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland are projected first-round picks who could immediately step into prominent receiving roles, following in the footsteps of Brock Bowers’ successful debut season. While rookie tight ends often struggle, their high draft capital and potential target volume make them intriguing targets.
Also in this tier are Dalton Kincaid (BUF) and Jake Ferguson (DAL). Kincaid, a 2023 first-round pick, plays with one of the league’s best quarterbacks and has limited wide receiver competition, yet struggled to consistently produce big games in 2024. The opportunity for a breakout is there, but so is the risk of continued stagnation. Ferguson’s 2024 season saw a halt to his momentum from 2023, marked by zero touchdowns and low yardage games. While losing Dak Prescott for a period contributed, potential improvements in the Cowboys’ wide receiver and running back room could cap his target share.
Week 7 Tight End Landscape: Navigating the Bye Weeks and Matchups
Weekly rankings, like those provided by Justin Boone for Yahoo Sports, become crucial during the season, especially as bye weeks hit. For Week 7, fantasy managers should note that the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears are on bye. This means key players like Jake Ferguson (DAL) and Cole Kmet (CHI) will be unavailable, forcing managers to look deeper into the waiver wire or their bench.
The inherent volatility of the tight end position makes every week a strategic challenge. Beyond the top few, managers often find themselves streaming options based on matchups and potential for red-zone targets. Understanding the deeper tiers and player outlooks from the pre-season consensus can inform these weekly decisions, helping to identify those “serviceable tight ends that might have a chance of getting into the end zone.”
Deep Dive: Additional Tight Ends to Monitor
While the focus is often on the top tiers, smart fantasy managers keep an eye on players further down the rankings who could surprise. Here are a few names from the broader 2025 rankings (from FantasyPros’ overall cheat sheets) worth monitoring for their potential impact:
- Dallas Goedert (PHI) and Evan Engram (JAC): Both were top-12 TEs in recent seasons but were hampered by injuries in 2024. While aging (Goedert turned 30 in 2025), a healthy return could see them regain low-end fantasy starter value, though their upside may be limited.
- Kyle Pitts (ATL): The talent is undeniable, but his role has been inconsistent, particularly in 2024 where he saw reduced snaps and targets in favor of run blockers. If his usage shifts, he possesses significant upside, but the risk is substantial.
- Pat Freiermuth (PIT) and Tucker Kraft (GB): Both showed flashes in 2024, with Kraft tying for fourth in touchdowns despite limited receptions. Freiermuth offered a solid floor with at least two receptions every game. However, both face potential challenges from returning teammates (Luke Musgrave for Kraft) and potential wide receiver additions.
The strategic approach to the tight end position requires a blend of foresight from draft rankings and adaptability for weekly matchups. Whether you secure an elite option or navigate the waiver wire, understanding the nuanced outlooks for each player is key to gaining an advantage in your 2025 fantasy football league.
