George Kittle and the Top 5 Dynasty TEs For 2020
As you sit down to read this article, those playing dynasty football have already begun their transition to the 2020 season. This process includes evaluating rookies, making trades, and finding values. To do this, dynasty players will review the past season to determine how the year affected player value, and where there is value to be had on the open market. As such, this article will dive into the top-5 players at the tight end position. The current tight end pool is considered poor, as the difference between TE1 (Travis Kelce) and TE 12 (Mike Gesicki) was 118.3 points. This makes it more important than ever to attempt to make a move for a top TE, to ensure a weekly advantage at the position.
Dynasty has become more and more popular as fantasy football evolves. With that in mind, we will spend the next two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl breaking down our top-5 dynasty players for each position. At the end of this series, you will have a strong understanding of who to be targeting in your dynasty leagues. As soon as the Super Bowl is finished and we have crowned the winner of the Lombardi trophy, Create-A-Rank will have an even more exciting announcement to make. Stay tuned, as big things are happening this offseason!
1. George Kittle, 26, San Francisco 49ers
George Kittle was an unquestioned top two option at the position in 2019. Despite missing two games, Kittle finished as the #2 Tight End on the year with a stat-line of 85 receptions for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns. His average of 15.9 fantasy points per game tied Travis Kelce for the highest at the position. Kittle had six or more receptions in 11 out of 14 games and eclipsed 50 yards in all but one game. Kittle also had eight games with 15 PPR points or more. His elite production, in combination with being nearly four years younger than his closest competition, leads to his rightful place among the top of tight ends.
George Kittle and the rest of our 2020 dynasty TEs
2. Travis Kelce, 30, Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Kelce, 30, was the other half of the top two combinations in 2019 with Patrick Mahomes at the helm. Kelce finished the season as the #1 overall Tight End, finishing with a line of 97 receptions for 1,229 yards and five touchdowns. He had five or more receptions every week of the season and eclipsed 60 yards or more in 13 of 16 games. Kelce never had less than 67 receptions and 862 yards in a season, establishing himself as the most reliable option at the position. So reliable in fact, that he has been the #1 overall TE for the past four years. The only reason Kelce sits at number two is the four year age difference between him and Kittle.
3. Mark Andrews, 23, Baltimore Ravens
Past the top two is where things get interesting. There isn’t much of a gap between 3-8, as each has its strengths and weaknesses that the above two lack. Out of these options, Mark Andrews had the best 2019 in relation to expectations, exploding as Lamar Jackson’s primary target. Andrews finished at #5 with 64 receptions for 852 yards and 10 touchdowns in 15 games. Andrews had either 50 yards or a touchdown in nine out of 15 games while battling injuries throughout the year. While the injuries are concerning, Andrews showed remarkable resilience playing through those injuries. His combination of talent, production, age, and the #1 option in the Baltimore offense warrant his placing on this list.
2020 Dynasty Starup Mock Draft (SuperFlex)
4. Zach Ertz, 29, Philadelphia Eagles
Most would consider 2019 a down year for Zach Ertz. It may shock you to realize in that “down year” he finished as TE #4. Ertz totaled 88 receptions for 916 yards and six touchdowns. His ranking is due to his strong finish to the year. From Weeks 9 to 17, Ertz finished as the #2 Tight End, with only Kelce in front, while dealing with a rib issue and even missing Week 17 because of it. Ertz is still the clear-cut #1 option for the Philadelphia Eagles. Even with Dallas Goedert emerging as a reliable option for Carson Wentz, he seems poised to continue his elite production in 2020.
5. Austin Hooper, 25, Atlanta Falcons
Austin Hooper had a strong start to 2019. He easily outpaced every other tight end for the first eight weeks of the season. During that time, Hooper averaged 17.9 points per game, establishing himself as the #2 in Atlanta’s pass-happy offense. However, an untimely knee injury led to a difficult second half. Despite that, Hooper finished as the #6 TE in just 13 games, with 75 receptions for 787 yards and five touchdowns. While honorable mentions may have a higher upside, they have a bevy of injury or off-field issues. Hooper has only missed five games throughout his four-year career. He also has improved in receptions, yards, and touchdowns each season. His youth and chemistry with Ryan lead to his ranking here, as long as Hooper remains in Atlanta. A negative landing spot could see any of the honorable mentions jumping him. However, if he remains, he’s a good bet to repeat, if not improve, his 2019 production and give you that strong floor at such a volatile position.
Honorable Mentions:
Evan Engram, 25, New York Giants
Hunter Henry, 25, Los Angeles Chargers
Darren Waller, 27, Las Vegas Raiders
Make sure to check out our top five 2020 dynasty running backs.
