Injuries marred Anthony Fasano’s first season with the Chiefs, as the veteran out of Notre Dame was limited to nine games. In his absence, Sean McGrath slid up the depth chart. However, McGrath recently retired, opening the door for Anthony to regain a higher standing in the Kansas City offense. With better health, will the second time around be better for Fasano?
Fantasy Upside
Fasano did have a stretch after midseason where he caught touchdown passes in three straight games. He has not posted major reception or yardage totals in his career, but he did catch seven touchdown passes for Miami back in 2008. And in 2011 and 2012, Fasano fought his way to five touchdowns. It is conceivable he could get in an end zone rhythm again at some point and be useful in a deep emergency in standard leagues.
Fantasy Downside
Fasano’s made a nice living in the NFL as a blocker, not a pass catcher, despite his occasional moments of glory in the end zone. And with Kansas City’s line having taken some personnel hits during the offseason, his ability in that area will be even more important. The Chiefs wanted to make Travis Kelce their primary receiving tight end last year before he was injured. Now Kelce is back, which minimizes Fasano even more. Although Fasano has never been injury-prone, last year could have been a sign of things to come as he turned 30 back in April.
Bottom Line
When a player hits a certain point in their career and has never developed into a regular fantasy starter, it is pretty safe to say they never will. Fasano is heading into his ninth season and what we have seen is what we are going to continue to see. There are a lot of younger tight ends who have potential who would be much better as your TE2 than Anthony.
