Travis Kelce is the poster child for market sentiment overcorrecting and creating value for managers. After a multi-year run that found Kelce routinely delivering wide receiver-caliber productivity, 2024 landed like a ton of bricks when he averaged just 12.2 points per game and finished as the TE6 overall. This has sent Kelce plummeting down the weekly rankings, but I feel that’s a bit of an overreaction. Kelce has one of the safest target floors among tight ends, and his involvement in the red zone gives him the weekly upside to lead his position in scoring. I’ve got Kelce ranked as my TE5 this week, 3 spots ahead of the nearest ranker on the QBL team. -Eric Romoff
Now that Lamar Jackson has returned from injury, the Baltimore Ravens are primed to make a run at their division, and the path is paved for Mark Andrews to excel. Since the return of his signal-caller, Andrews has found the end zone three times in just two games. Obviously, Andrews is not commanding the target volume he once was, but it is clear that he remains a priority when the offense is in scoring position. This week against Cleveland finds the Ravens with a 24-point team total and fits the mold perfectly for Andrews. The Browns aren’t allowing many catches to the position, but they struggle to keep tight ends from scoring, allowing the 3rd-highest TD rate in the league at 13.5%. That scoring upside is enough for Andrews to separate himself from the pack, landing at my TE9 this week. -Eric Romoff
Don’t get me wrong, it’s been impressive to watch Zach Ertz extend his career and be a contributing member of his offense in year 13. That doesn’t mean that he’s someone you should depend on for fantasy, however. Ertz currently, among qualifying tight ends, has the 2nd-lowest yards after catch per reception at just 2.2. He has become the quintessential “catch and fall down” type of tight end who only pops onto the fantasy radar when he finds the end zone. Unfortunately, the arrow isn’t pointing that direction with Marcus Mariota set to make another start this week. The Commanders’ scoring potential drops precipitously with their backup under center, and Ertz’s production goes right along with it, dropping by approximately 30% in those games this season. I’ve got him ranked as nearly unplayable, settling in at TE20 on the week. -Eric Romoff