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Tight End Preview: The Ultimate TE Strategy

Tight Ends: Shallow Position

Last year in PPR, there was a distinct difference in averages per game between the top six TEs vs. the next six.

TE remains the shallowest position in fantasy with a distinct advantage to having a top scorer week-to-week.

But, how can we identify the TEs who will emerge as consistent week-to-week producers?

Targets = Production

Over the past three seasons, top six TEs averaged 105.32 targets per season.

The next six TEs averaged 81.28 over the same period.

Targets lead to more red-zone opportunities and the potential to score TDs.

With each NFL team utilizing TEs differently within their system, identifying players who will stay on the field and get schemed open is crucial.

What Do Our Projections Say?

Head over to the TE rankings and you’ll see that we project two TEs to earn 112+ targets:

• Travis Kelce
• Evan Engram

Both players profile as top options for their teams' passing games with plenty of opportunities for receptions and TDs.

Close behind in target projections sit:

• Sam LaPorta 
• Trey McBride 
• Mark Andrews
• Dalton Kincaid

Unsurprisingly, these make up the top six TEs in our PPR rankings.

But, should you take one of the top TEs this year?

Elite TE Strategy: Will It Work in 2024?

Investing in a top TE gives you a positional advantage but comes at the cost of passing on a startable RB or WR.

According to current ADP, the TE1 comes off the board around WR17 and RB10. TE9 comes off the board around WR44 and RB28. 

Last season, the difference in PPR points per game between TE1 and TE9 was 4 points.

The difference between WR17 and WR44 was 4.5 points while RB10 to RB28 was 3.5 points.

Going TE very early costs you value at WR.

This generally aligns with our redraft PPR ADP Market Index where we assess most of the top eight TEs as slightly overvalued based on where they are being selected:

But, flexibility is key. If one of the top TEs falls below their ADP, selecting them won’t cost you as much value elsewhere.

Adjusting to how your individual league assesses TEs allows you to let the value come to you to have the best overall team.

TE-Premium Strategy

TE-premium describes leagues where TEs get extra scoring bonuses over other positions. The most typical example is TEs earning 1.5 points per reception vs. 1 point for RBs and WRs.

The strategy shifts heavily since the gap between elite TEs and mid-tier TEs widens. Now, TE1 to TE9 is about 4.5 points per game. 

Drafting TE early is more viable to gain an advantage. 

In TE Premium, our ADP Market Index recommends drafting TEs at or even slightly ahead of ADP.

Don’t be Afraid to Flex a TE

In your TE-premium league, keep an open mind about drafting two TEs early to utilize in a flex.

With a premium for receptions, having two top-7 options will not only score sufficient points but you also block your league mates from those top TEs.

Even if you don’t invest two premium picks into TE, try taking a late-round shot or two on players with top-12 upside.

When bye weeks and injuries hit, having a TE that can be plugged into the flex will help your TE-Premium lineup.

Sleeper Tight Ends

Sometimes taking a shot on a late-round TE really pays off.

Like Sam LaPorta and Jake Ferguson last year, the right sleeper TE becomes an every week starter.

Let’s dive into a few.

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers

Freiermuth disappointed fantasy managers last season, but there's reason for optimism moving forward.

New OC Arthur Smith utilizes his TEs to their fullest extent. As an OC and HC, Smith’s TEs have never dipped below 23% target share.

With Diontae Johnson gone (to Carolina), Freiermuth becomes the de facto No. 2 target behind George Pickens.

Johnson accrued 6.7 targets per game last year. If even a small portion of those move to Freiermuth, he will outperform his current ADP

Add an upgrade at QB -- from Kenny Pickett to Russell Wilson -- and that sets up Freiermuth for his best season yet. 

Noah Fant, Seattle Seahawks

Fant appears to be in line for a bigger role this year.

New OC Ryan Grubb used 11 personnel for 78.9% of snaps last season for the Washington Huskies. That translates into getting Fant on the field for a ton of snaps.

The new offense moves the TE around to set up easy checkdowns for the QB on rub routes. Fant being utilized in a multiple ways -- in-line, in the slot, and as an H-back -- may finally unlock his potential.

The Seahawks' WR depth presents plenty of target competition. But Fant -- a former first-round pick -- sports undeniable talent. And Seattle re-signed him for $10.5 million per year this offseason.

Tyler Conklin, New York Jets

Aaron Rodgers' healthy return has the Jets offense dripping with potential.

After Garrett Wilson, though, we don't yet know how they'll distribute targets.

Conklin has ranked among the top 3 Jets in targets each of his two seasons there. Last year found him 13th among all TEs in targets and 11th in receptions -- with poor QB play. 

The potential to be Rodgers' No. 2 target gives Conklin top-12 upside.

Will Dissly, Los Angeles Chargers

Dissly profiles as a very deep sleeper because the lack of true receiving weapons in Los Angeles.

The Chargers signed Dissly to a three-year $14 million contract with $10 million guaranteed as soon as free agency opened.

As a traditional inline TE, Dissly fits how HC Jim Harbaugh and OC Greg Roman want to utilize the position. A blocker who can also run good routes, Dissly should see the field plenty.

The distinct lack of receiving options for Justin Herbert gives Dissly the opportunity to draw more target share than expected and likely outperform his TE50 ADP.

Crush Your League with this Draft Tool

Drafting the right TE is crucial to winning your fantasy league. But how can you do that?

Utilize our dynamic Draft War Room, where you'll get custom player values for your specific fantasy league and scoring.

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format including redraft, dynasty, devy, IDP, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance.