The Path To TE-1
Chew picks four Tight Ends in the hunt to finish as THE TE-1 in fantasy in 2025.
There can only be one TE-1! But for the sake of this article I will make the case for four TE’s that have what it takes to finish as THE TE-1 in 2025. Since it’s no fun to just pick the usual suspects, I will pick two TE’s in 1-6 of redraft rankings and two from the 7-12 range. My selections are based on FantasyPros redraft rankings. And in case you missed it check out The Path To QB-1, The Path To RB-1, and The Path To WR-1.
*Fantasy scoring settings include PPR with no additional bonuses. And TE-1 for this article is based on total points and not points per game unless otherwise noted.
TIGHT ENDS IN THE 1-6 RANGE
Trey McBride (ADP: TE-2)
No Brock Bowers, what?! Yes, despite Trey McBride’s measly two touchdowns in 2024 he finished as the TE-2 overall and in fantasy points per game. Despite the Cardinals spending the fourth overall pick on Marvin Harrison Jr., McBride out-targeted the rookie in 2024. Things could normalize in 2025 but look for the Kyler Murray-Trey McBride connection to continue to be a focal point of the Arizona offense.
I expect McBride to once again to be top-5 in receptions and receiving yards but the catalyst to him finishing as THE TE-1 is touchdowns. His career high is only three touchdowns but even getting to five could very well be what puts McBride over the fantasy top. There are no notable changes amongst the Cardinals’ pass catchers and McBride is my vote for THE TE-1 in 2025.
George Kittle (ADP: TE-3)
George Kittle and his quarterback, Brock Purdy, both were rewarded with contract extensions this offseason. And when Kittle is healthy it’s hard to argue with the money the 49ers are sending the tight end’s way. Kittle has finished amongst the top-5 tight ends overall six out of his eight seasons and I do not see that stopping any time soon.
The San Francisco offense looks a bit different without Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk still recovering from a torn ACL in Week 7. But veterans Kittle and and Jauan Jennings look to pace pass catchers while second-year man Ricky Pearsall is likely to build on a strong finish to his rookie year. The 49ers are slated to have the easiest schedule in 2025 and this coupled with Kittle’s connection with Purdy could lead to another 90+ targets, 1,000+ yards, and 8+ touchdowns. Really all we are asking for here is good health, as a healthy Kittle is a productive Kittle.
TIGHT ENDS IN THE 7-12 RANGE
Travis Kelce (ADP: TE-7)
A slow start to the season still ended in Travis Kelce finishing as the TE-5 in 2024, which by his standards is sub-par. While Kelce is now the elder statesman, it wasn’t long ago that his reign (2016-2022) saw him finish as the TE-1 in all but one season where he was the TE-2. I am optimistic about the Chiefs offense in 2025 with all their weapons appearing to be healthy and available and Patrick Mahomes II is still, well, Patrick Mahomes II.
Kelce does not need to have 1,000+ yards to be the TE-1, but getting at or above 100 receptions and 6+ touchdowns could make 2025 his seventh season as THE TE-1. This will be Kelce’s aged-36 season and could very well be his last as he enters the final year of his contract. The Chiefs will no doubt bring him back for as long as he wants to play but if Kelce can finish this season on a high note I see no better way to end a hall of fame career (although another Super Bowl ring couldn’t hurt).
Tucker Kraft (ADP: TE-11)
I will admit this one is a long-shot but I at least expect another top-10 fantasy finish in 2025 for Tucker Kraft. Despite going a round later in the 2023 NFL Draft than teammate Luke Musgrave, Kraft has set himself apart as the lead dog in the Packers’ tight end room. And with the growth of Jordan Love comes a corresponding opportunity to serve as one of his go-to pass catchers. We saw a glimpse of that in 2024 where Kraft’s 70 targets were only six behind the target leader, Dontayvion Wicks (yes THAT Dontayvion Wicks).
Touchdowns will be a big factor in Kraft’s quest for THE TE-1 but his seven touchdowns on 50 receptions in 2024 was tremendous. Not to mention his whopping 14.1 yards per reception which was only second to George Kittle (14.2). I am not a believer in Matthew Golden as the clear leader in target share for the Packers’ offense and Krafts’ rapport with Love should warrant an increase in targets to at least 80. Will it be enough to take the fantasy crown of THE TE-1? I can’t really say, but yes.
So you made it this long and hopefully you enjoyed it (that’s what she said). If you wouldn’t mind sharing this in your group message with your fellow dynasty degenerates I would greatly appreciate it!