That’s not to say you should reach for a tight end. You should still prioritize running backs and wide receivers early. However, there is one tight end I’d be willing to make an exception for and we’ll get to who that is in just a second.
Let’s take a look at three tight ends that have extremely favorable fantasy schedules this season. Two of these guys will most likely be overlooked and you will be able to grab them later on in the draft after you’ve already stacked your team at other positions. I expect all three of these guys to have plenty of red-zone targets and be extremely productive in PPR leagues.
Fantasy Football Tight Ends To Target
Brock Bowers
Remember the exception I mentioned earlier? Brock Bowers had a legendary rookie season, finishing as the top tight end in PPR formats. He logged the most receptions, receiving yards, and targets for a rookie tight end ever! Last year among 47 qualifying tight ends, he remained stellar, ranking second in target share (23.6%), third in receiving yards per game (70.2), fifth in yards per route run (2.11), and sixth in first downs per route run.
According to FullTime Fantasy, Bowers and the Las Vegas Raiders tight ends have the second-easiest schedule for weeks 1-17. Combine that with improved quarterback play now that Geno Smith is under center and you get what should be the highest-scoring tight end in the league yet again. Bowers is worth paying up for in drafts as a difference-making option at a onesie position.
There are just too many other running backs and wide receivers that I like in the second-round range to take Bowers that high, but if he falls to the third, taking him is something to strongly consider. This is an elite tight end who could possibly be in a league of his own this year if he can continue to improve and give us a healthy 17-game season.
Mark Andrews
After getting off to an alarmingly slow start last season, Mark Andrews went on a touchdown spree that reaffirmed his status as a valuable fantasy tight end. Five games into the 2024 season, Andrews had 10 catches for 120 yards and zero touchdowns. He was TE32 in PPR fantasy points per game over that stretch.
From week six through the end of the regular season, Andrews scored 11 touchdowns in 12 games and averaged 3.8 catches and 46.1 yards per contest. Andrews turns 30 the day before the Baltimore Ravens 2025 season opener and his 2024 downturn in target volume and yardage suggests that his days as an elite fantasy tight end may be over. However, Andrews has been a reliable touchdown scorer and remains an important cog in the Ravens offense.
Baltimore tight ends have the fourth-easiest schedule this season and let’s not forget who Andrews will be catching passes from. Lamar Jackson is an elite quarterback who has and always will focus on getting the ball to his tight ends. A Jackson-led offense will put up points in bunches, leading to plenty of red-zone opportunities. Aim to grab Andrews in the ninth round or later and if you are unable to get him, stashing Isaiah Likely is also a solid strategy.
Evan Engram
After an injury-marred 2024 season in which he lost eight games to hamstring and shoulder ailments, Evan Engram could be poised for a rebound fantasy season in 2025. After the Jacksonville Jaguars released Engram in March, the Denver Broncos signed him to a two-year, $23 million deal in free agency. Broncos head coach Sean Payton has said he plans to make Engram the “joker” in his offense.
That’s been a key role in Payton’s offenses over the years, filled by players such as Jimmy Graham, Reggie Bush, and Alvin Kamara. It’s a role that emphasizes run-after-the-catch ability, an area where Engram shines. In 2023, Engram had a career-high 114 catches and 963 receiving yards. Expecting him to duplicate those numbers in his age-31 season is a stretch, but an amplified role could make Engram a value pick in 2025 fantasy drafts.
Tight ends for the Broncos have the easiest schedule in fantasy this season and Denver has a potential star at quarterback in Bo Nix. It’s also very possible that Engram could be the second option in this offense behind Courtland Sutton. If Nix continues to improve after a very impressive rookie season, Engram could very well be a top-five tight end in PPR leagues. Consider taking him in the ninth round or later.
Main Image: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
