The fantasy season is over for the majority of people, but, if you did make the playoffs, it’s time to see what we can do. Tight ends have been tough this year, but they’ve been tough every year since the dawn of tight end time. But, there has been a changing of the guard, as rookie Brock Bowers has taken over as the PPR tight end king this season. We went into his extraordinary season last week, so I’d like to look at one Mr. George Kittle, who is really the only “old guard” tight end to have a great fantasy season this year.
Sure, Travis Kelce is still in the Top 5 for fantasy tight ends in PPR this season, but he’s a far cry from what he once was. Volume has kept him viable, but nobody has put up numbers like Kittle has this season. If we switch the scoring to standard, Kittle is the TE1 in fantasy on just 56 receptions compared to Bowers’ league leading 86 receptions. And Kittle has missed two games due to injury. His ability after the catch is truly remarkable. And sure, Kyle Shanahan is a wizard at giving him space, but this 49ers team isn’t what they were in the recent past, but Kittle sure has been. He’s now at 56 receptions for 800 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games. He has 15 receptions of 20+ yards, which only Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson have more.
Week 15 tight end bye weeks
The bye weeks are mercifully over.
Week 15 tight end injuries
Dallas Goedert, Eagles
Goedert has been placed on I.R. That will leave Grant Calcaterra as the starting tight end to finish up the fantasy season. Calcaterra caught a touchdown last week with Goedert out, but did see just three targets. He should remain a touchdown or bust option moving forward.
Dalton Kincaid, Bills
Kincaid was able to get in limited practices all week, but his knee kept him out again. He has a real chance to suit up this week against the Lions though. He hasn’t done enough in fantasy to be overly excited about playing him, but his usage keeps his floor higher than most tight ends.
Will Dissly, Chargers
Dissly injured his shoulder against the Chiefs and looks like he’ll miss some time. Stone Smartt filled in for Dissly in the second half and managed to catch all three of his targets for 54 yards. He could be worth a flier if you’re desperate.
Theo Johnson, Giants
Johnson was put on I.R. last week, which gave Daniel Bellinger the start. Bellinger managed to catch five-of-seven targets for 45 yards. He has a good enough schedule to end the season that he may have some fantasy appeal in 2TE leagues.
Week 15 tight end sleepers
Stone Smartt, Chargers vs. Buccaneers
Smartt took over for Will Dissly after his injury and caught three passes for 54 yards in the second half against the Chiefs. This week the Chargers get a great matchup for the passing game, and especially tight ends, when they face the Buccaneers at home. If Ladd McConkey plays, Smartt’s opportunities could be hurt, but if he doesn’t, I like him as a sneaky start this week.
Daniel Bellinger, Giants vs. Ravens
The Ravens should beat up on the Giants this week, but that means we could see a lot of check downs too Bellinger, who has taken over for the injured Theo Johnson. The Ravens allow the fifth-most yards and the seventh-most receptions to tight ends on the season.
