Fantasy Football TE Rankings

Today we discuss 2020 Fantasy Football TE Rankings. Specifically the best values, most overvalued, and biggest upsides. You can see my full rankings here. I use last weeks rankings and ADP data from Fantasy Football Calculator. All players are linked to Fantasy Pros website.

TE — Top Values vs. ADP Rankings

• Jonnu Smith — TE 7 vs. ADP TE 17 — All signs are pointing to a big year for Jonnu Smith. The 4th year TE’s numbers have improved each year and now with 31 targets vacated from the retiring Delanie Walker, it is Jonnu time. Highly athletic, solid hands (1 drop last year), and it doesn’t hurt to be in a contract year. Tannehill is average at best, and no real RB PPR threat, Jonnu could be #2 in targets on this team behind AJ Brown.
• Mike Gesicki — TE 9 vs. ADP TE 14–2019 was a break out year for Gesicki. Miami is a bit of an unknown this year. Looks like they will be a better defense, stronger O-Line and 2 new RB’s. Potentially less Fitzmagic tossing the ball all over the place. Either way Gesicki is a rising TE and should continue to be highly targeted in the Dolphins offense.
• TJ Hockenson — TE 10 vs. ADP TE 15 — Hockenson had a dreadful 1st year with a multitude of injuries after coming out the gates in game 1 with 20+ fantasy points. Recency bias has him at TE15, so if healthy, there could be real value here.

TE — Overvalued vs. ADP Rankings

• Rob Gronkowski — TE 15 vs. ADP TE 6 — The Brady/Gronk connection return in the pre-retirement party in Tampa Bay. This team will be a better team overall and the targets will be spread out to 3 very capable TE’s. I also believe they will keep Gronk under a load management plan and try and make sure is healthy and fresh for a playoff push. TE 6 is hype based. Stay away at that ADP.
• Noah Fant — TE 16 vs. ADP TE 12 — Another ascending young TE. Talented but I am concerned with target share with 2 rookie WR’s in the mix this year as well as the addition of Melvin Gordon. Plenty of targets for Drew Lock and Fant may not see the production increase everyone is hoping for.
• Mark Andrews — TE 6 vs. ADP TE 3 — I called Andrews last year as a break out candidate. My sense is Devin Duvernay will cut into his production so Andrews is still a top tier TE, just not taking him as TE3.

Big Upside TE’s in Fantasy Football

• Chris Herndon — ADP TE 19+ — High risk here as Jets and particular Adam Gase are not the offense you want to be investing in. Herndon also has had off field issues, so he is a risk for sure. Jets believe in his talent so there is upside here if things go well. I also like Ryan Griffin who they signed to a $10M contract in 2019.
• Eric Ebron — ADP TE 19+ — Hands of Stone candidate here at Simple Ranks. 5 drops in 50 targets and I feel they are all in the end zone when you need him! Just one of those players who has talent but it just doesn’t seem to pan out. Nice spot as Big Ben likes his TE’s in the red zone but PIT has a 2yr deal with option to get out next year. Has upside as maybe your 3rd TE in leagues with 20 roster spots or more.
• Ian Thomas — ADP TE 19+ — Thomas looks to take over the starting TE spot with the departure of Greg Olson. Has flashed in games where Olson was out with injury but an unproven commodity on a team with new QB and coaching staff.

Fantasy Football TE Draft Strategy

Most Fantasy Football TE Rankings will have Kelce and Kittle as the top tier TE’s but when you take them early, it is struggle to fill RB and WR. Maybe TE, 2RB and 2 WR in top 5 picks. Otherwise wait and take best value and think about a 3rd TE on the roster as a breakout candidate.

PODCAST

Check out the SimpleRanks Podcast discussing the Fantasy Football TE Rankings and this blog post.