George Kittle

Fantasy Upside

It was another good year overall for George Kittle, topping 1,000 yards and scoring six times. He did see a regression in touchdowns from 2022, when he scored 11 times, but still ended up as a top-5 fantasy tight end. Given the explosiveness of the 49ers offense, there is always potential for volume for Kittle. His 90 targets last season were second only to Brandon Aiyuk.

Fantasy Downside

This is an interesting fantasy nugget from our John Paulsen: "Last season, George Kittle averaged 5.1 targets per game in 14 games with Deebo Samuel, and saw 18 targets in the two games Samuel missed. In the six games that Samuel has missed over the last two seasons, Kittle has averaged 5.2 receptions for 84 yards and 1.0 touchdown." Having Samuel and Aiyuk around will take some targets away from Kittle, plus Jauan Jennings and rookie Ricky Pearsall will be sprinkled in as well.

2024 Bottom Line

Overall, Kittle is still one of the top options at the tight end position. His touchdowns can be volatile, however. While he did score six times in 2023, three of them came in one game (Week 5). It's always going to be a challenge figuring out who the top dog each week will be in this offense. But when it comes to the tight end position, not many have the upside that Kittle does. We have Kittle as TE5 entering drafts.

Week 16 vs. Baltimore Ravens

George Kittle caught just two of his four targets against the Cardinals last week, finishing with 54 yards in a lopsided San Francisco victory. Kittle has at least 50 yards in seven of his last eight games and he has three touchdowns in that span as well. He is a big play threat at the position and worth his volatility at fantasy football’s most stingy position.

This week, Kittle faces a Baltimore defense that ranks 10th in aFPA to opposing tight ends. He gets enough targets to warrant starting every game, even in difficult matchups, so keep him active in what could be the game of the week.

Week 14 vs. Seattle Seahawks

George Kittle caught four of his six targets last week against the Eagles, gaining 68 yards. He now has 735 yards on the season, and he’s on pace for his third career 1,000-plus yard campaign, and his first since 2019. Kittle is part of an excellent offense and is averaging 5.6 targets per game, giving him tremendous upside in any given week.

This week, he’ll face a Seattle defense that ranks 15th in aFPA to opposing tight ends. He struggled against the Seahawks just a couple of weeks ago. While Kittle is a bit inconsistent at times, he’s an elite fantasy option and should be active in all leagues. Start him.