Fantasy Rankings are here!

By Martin Richardson

Part one of the TE ranking brought in some names that perhaps were not considered to be the usual suspects, some mild takes I suppose, when it comes to fantasy productivity, but that’s why fantasy football is so exciting (all aboard the Greg Dulcich train!).

Part two gives you the names you’ve come to expect at the position. But there are some names that have crept into the top ten that have not necessarily who you would normally see. This is the season to look to those players to be the difference makers for you in 2026.

12. GEORGE KITTLE

Coming off a bad injury last season means he may well take some time to get going in 2026 and he starts on the PUP list, which is not a shock given his age and the rehab he needs. The addition of Mike Evans gives and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling means there is no need for the 49ers to rush him back even after the initial addition to the PUP list. If you can take the risk of him having him on your bench for a few weeks, then do so, as we all know just how valuable he can be when he is back fighting fit.

11. MARK ANDREWS

Andrews sits outside of my top ten, but can certainly contribute for the Ravens this season. With still no elite WR option, even with a couple of very exciting draft additions, and with Isaiah Likely leaving to join the Giants, Andrews will still get chances to make an impact. The issue here is that Andrews’ performances fell off a cliff in 2025. I had someone in my fantasy league desperate to trade him and no one would bite because of those poor games. His legacy means he has value, but keep an eye on performances early on and maybe have a solid back up option just in case.

10. DALLAS GOEDERT

I feel as though Goedert has one last hurrah in him for fantasy players. Maybe that was last year with his 11 touchdowns. But, with the lack of AJ Brown and a rookie WR in the mix who may well have picked up an injury already, Goedert could well benefit from an increased workload early on in the season as Makai Lemon finds his place in the Eagles offense and teams naturally double up on DeVonta Smith.

9. kyle pitts

Schrodinger’s tight end right here: some people think he is great, whilst simultaneously some think he is terrible. But, after a big new contract down in Atlanta, and another new Head Coach that could finally unlock what he can do, I’ll what everyone has been saying since his rookie season: maybe this is the year that Pitts finally reaches his potential. This is perhaps the best indicator to what Pitts can do. He is pretty much the second receiving option after Drake London, Pitts should be in line for a better and more consistent season that he has been part of previously.

8. Harold fannin Jr.

We have in Harold Fannin a player who begs the question: is talent going to outweigh situation down in Cleveland? Because Fannin has the talent to be a top fantasy TE, but his situation is less than ideal. He had over 700 yards and 6 touchdowns in a system that lacked any major catching talent; this has now changed with the arrival of rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston to accompany Jerry Jeudy (is this his year? I doubt it). Will this have an impact on someone like Fannin? Or will his talent outweigh the situation that presents himself in 2026. And all this conversation hasn’t even got to the QB situation that will no doubt be crystal clear by week one…

7. isaiah likely

Likely finally has the chance to push on and be a true TE1 for the Giants who picked him up in free agency. With the loss of Wan’Dale Robinson to the Titans and Malik Nabers on the comeback trail after his injury (albeit looking great), Likely is going to see the ball a lot for the Giants this season. People are pushing back a little based on such a small sample size, but for me, now is the chance to seize on what will likely be a very good season… see what I did there: likely be a… I know I’m sorry.

6. TUCKER KRAFT

Prior to his injury, Tucker Kraft was the steal of the position in fantasy football markets. His was the breakout star of 2025 before that unlucky ACL injury in week 9. Whilst he has now come off the PUP list, monitor his rehab closely. Add to the mix that the Packers still don’t really have an elite WR option, with Christian Watson, who is made of glass, and Jayden Reed being the main two options ahead of Matthew Golden, Kraft could well be a great addition if he drops a little your leagues due to that injury tag.

5. sam laporta

Bounce back candidate in 2026? I think so. The Lions need to make the most of the passing game that has worked so well for them in the past, with LaPorta back full fit and healthy, as well as usual targets of St. Brown, Williams and Gibbs in the mix, this could be back to a dynamic offense that could make LaPorta a top TE for fantasy players. Given the names in front of him in terms of the position, I think there is some value in picking up someone like LaPorta.

4. COLSTON LOVELAND

Loveland’s ceiling is HIGH, I think he could do well this season, he may even do better than Tyler Warren, but Warren’s lack of competition edges it for me. Loveland has Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III (who has picked up a little injury in camp)and the duel threat of both De’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai who are solid catching backs in this Bears offense. He did see a massive uptake in targets towards the end of the season. This is now the time to see if he continues that in 2026. If he does, then he could be one of your top fantasy players.

3. tyler warren

This could be a massive season for the second year TE. He stands to gain massively from the loss of Michael Pittman and no real replacement. Add to this the mysterious injury to Alec Pierce that just seems to keep getting worse, Warren could well be a major factor in the success of the Colts in 2026, as well as fantasy players too. With 5 total touchdowns in 2025, Warren should be on track to eclipse that and make a real impact for the Colts in 2026. I’d be looking to take him early on in your fantasy drafts so you can reap the rewards. 

2. trey mcbride

There will be some people who think that McBride should be the top TE based on last season, which is fair. However, the Cardinals are such an odd team to predict going into 2026. They have misused top WR talent Marvin Harrison Jr, they have a QB is just about serviceable and they drafted an elite RB rookie in Jeremiyah Love. So where does this leave someone like McBride? If new HC Mike LaFleur unlocks the potential of Harrison with OC Nathanial Hackett, then does that impact McBride? If they get to red zone and have someone like Love to push it in, does that impact McBride? All things to consider when drafting him in 2026.

1. brock bowers

Yes, it comes as no surprise that someone like Bowers is my number one tight tend this season. Last year was not great for the Raiders and Bowers, that much was clear. Injured for most of the season with knocks here and there meant that Bowers struggled to have the top season that most predicted in 2025. But, with better coaching, less competition for targets, he now has a clear run at being the top TE in 2026. With either a veteran presence of Kirk Cousins at the helm, or the exciting raw talent of number 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, Bowers in target one in Vegas and should be your first target at the TE position.

To Conclude...

So there we have it, the first position ranked and in the books! I’m really excited to see how free agency moves help the likes of Isaish Likely and Chig Okonkwo, as well as some veterans seizing perhaps their last chance at a big season like Dallas Goedert.

Keep an eye on which position comes next to help you get fantasy football ready.

MARTIN RICHARDSON

NFL/FANTASY FOOTBALL ANALYST

A Yorkshireman living in Lancashire, Martin is a massive NFL fan but his heart belongs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Also a huge Fantasy Football enthusiast and spends far too long crunching the numbers! Follow him at @MRBucsFan31

Rated 5 out of 5