These 2015 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings will be updated often throughout the summer, so make sure you check back from time to time. Also, be sure to check out my other 2015 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2015 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates. |
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2015 Fantasy Football Rankings - Tight Ends (Sept. 10):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-45
- Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots. Bye: 4.
Rob Gronkowski finally stayed completely healthy for the first time since 2011, so he was able to reemerge as fantasy’s top tight end. He caught 82 passes for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’ll continue to see similar production, as a 38-year-old Tom Brady won’t be able to push the ball downfield very well.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Stats: 85 catches. 1,190 yards. 13 total TDs.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Points: 197.
Projected 2015 PPR Fantasy Points: 282.
- Jimmy Graham, TE, Seahawks. Bye: 9.
- SEPT. 2 UPDATE: Per Pro Football Focus, Jimmy Graham has been used in run blocking on 36.5 percent of snaps this preseason, compared to 27.1 in New Orleans. Graham’s numbers are set to take a dive this year, and he’s being overdrafted right now.
AUG. 30 UPDATE: Jimmy Graham does not look happy. He caught just two passes for 24 yards in two-and-a-half quarters of action at San Diego. It was a frustrating evening for him though, as he watched Russell Wilson sail a ball over his head at the end of the first quarter. Later on, Wilson threw behind Graham in the red zone. The pass fell incomplete, and Graham glared back at Wilson and looked extremely frustrated to be in such a stagnant passing attack. The menacing gaze was troubling, as the Saints were more than happy to jettison Graham because of his alleged, horrible attitude creating issues in the locker room.
Jimmy Graham disappointed his fantasy owners in 2014. He accumulated 889 yards and 10 touchdowns this past season, but those numbers were down from 1,215 and 16. The problem was that he was nursing a shoulder injury for most of the year. He played through it, but was ineffective and had to take many plays off. Graham is now in Seattle, where they like to spread the ball around. However, I don’t think this will affect him very much, given how potent of a weapon he is.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Stats: 67 catches. 940 yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Points: 147.
Projected 2015 PPR Fantasy Points: 214.
- Greg Olsen, TE, Panthers. Bye: 5.
AUG. 29 UPDATE: Greg Olsen is going to have a HUGE fantasy season. He was targeted a whopping 10 times in two-and-a-half quarters of action against the Patriots, and he secured six of those passes for 51 yards. He had a seventh reception, a 27-yarder, that was negated by a penalty. The only blemish of the evening was an uncharacteristic drop. With Kelvin Benjamin out for the year, Newton is going to target Olsen heavily, making the Panther tight end one of the best options at his position in fantasy.
AUG. 20 UPDATE: Bump up Greg Olsen in your rankings in the wake of Kelvin Benjamin’s season-ending injury. Olsen, coming off a career year, could improve his stats even more, now that Cam Newton will have to target him more frequently.
With only one viable downfield option, Cam Newton relied heavily on Greg Olsen. The results were extremely positive, as Olsen finished only behind Rob Gronkowski in terms of receiving yardage among tight ends. Unfortunately, he once again failed to score more than six touchdowns.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Stats: 86 catches. 1,040 yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Points: 146.
Projected 2015 PPR Fantasy Points: 232.
- Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs. Bye: 9.
After missing all of 2013, Travis Kelce took the field for the first time last season and established himself as a potent weapon. He caught 67 passes for 862 yards and five touchdowns, emerging as Alex Smith’s favorite weapon. The only issue with Kelce is that his touchdown total will always be low as long as Smith is at the helm.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Stats: 73 catches. 930 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Points: 129.
Projected 2015 PPR Fantasy Points: 202.
- Delanie Walker, TE, Titans. Bye: 4.
Delanie Walker predictably had a terrific year under Ken Whisenhunt, shattering his career-high figures. He caught 63 passes for 890 yards, but only scored four touchdowns. The latter number should increase now that Marcus Mariota is on the roster.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Stats: 65 catches. 810 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Points: 117.
Projected 2015 PPR Fantasy Points: 182.
- Tyler Eifert, TE, Bengals. Bye: 7.
AUG. 25 UPDATE: I drafted Tyler Eifert in the 11th round of a recent fantasy draft. I was concerned when he dropped a touchdown pass in the second quarter after taking a big hit from D.J. Swearinger. Eifert got up and was wincing in pain, prompting me to panic. Fortunately, nothing was mentioned of this afterward. More concerning, however, was how hideously Andy Dalton played at Tampa Bay.
AUG. 16 UPDATE: Tyler Eifert caught two passes in as many drives for 30 yards in his preseason debut. The Cincinnati announcers couldn’t stop talking about how much the Bengals missed Eifert last year, and they were right – Eifert is a very talented tight end who figures to be targeted heavily this season.
Tyler Eifert played just one game this past season because of a shoulder injury. I liked his chances of breaking out, but he never had a shot. Perhaps that’ll happen in 2015, but his upside will always be limited by Andy Dalton.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Stats: 67 catches. 800 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Points: 116.
Projected 2015 PPR Fantasy Points: 183.
- Martellus Bennett, TE, Bears. Bye: 7.
AUG. 30 UPDATE: Martellus Bennett saw seven targets in the dress rehearsal, which was more than double compared to any other player Jay Cutler had at his disposal. He snatched all seven for 45 yards. Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal were out, but this shows that with pass protection still being an issue, Cutler will heavily target Bennett this season, especially with Matt Forte set to see a reduction in targets in the wake of Marc Trestman’s departure.
AUG. 18 UPDATE: Kevin White could potentially be out for the year. This should help Martellus Bennett, who will continue to be heavily targeted by Jay Cutler.
Martellus Bennett caught a whopping 90 passes in 2014. That’s because Jay Cutler was constantly under siege behind his putrid offensive line and had to check the ball down to his tight end. Bennett’s production is bound to decrease; Chicago didn’t bolster its blocking all that much, while Marc Trestman’s departure will hurt.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Stats: 76 catches. 800 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Points: 110.
Projected 2015 PPR Fantasy Points: 186.
- Kyle Rudolph, TE, Vikings. Bye: 5.
AUG. 10 UPDATE: Teddy Bridgewater’s preferred target in the Hall of Fame Game was Kyle Rudolph, who hauled in both of his targets on the first team’s only offensive drive. Rudolph’s two receptions went for 22 yards. Now completely healthy for a change, Rudolph could be in for a big fantasy season. His ADP is currently 13.01, which is ridiculously low. I’d have no problem taking him in the 12th frame if I happen to miss out on some of the big names. Bridgewater is going to target Rudolph a lot this season – assuming, of course, that Rudolph stays healthy.
Kyle Rudolph was a major disappointment this past season. Expected to blow up under Norv Turner, Rudolph made just 24 receptions in nine games. It hasn’t helped that Rudolph hasn’t been able to stay healthy – he’s missed 15 contests in the past two years – but you have to wonder if he’ll ever take the next step.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Stats: 65 catches. 720 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Points: 108.
Projected 2015 PPR Fantasy Points: 173.
- Jordan Reed, TE, Redskins. Bye: 8.
AUG. 14 UPDATE: It goes without saying that Jordan Reed’s stock needs to go up in the wake of Niles Paul’s injury. Unfortunately, for those who already pegged Reed as a Fantasy Football Sleeper, his ADP will rise.
AUG. 8 UPDATE: Jordan Reed has been terribly injury-prone throughout his career thus far, but that may change. According to a report, Reed has made an effort to eat healthier and to stretch more in order to avoid injuries. He could finally live up to expectations.
JULY 13 UPDATE: Jordan Reed is reportedly expected to be ready for training camp, according to the Washington Post. This is obviously good news, but it’s not enough. Reed has an extensive injury history and can’t be counted on to stay healthy. It’s nice that things are looking optimistic now, and he’s definitely worth monitoring, but just keep in mind that things can change very quickly.
JUNE 14 UPDATE: Jordan Reed underwent a procedure on his knee recently, which can’t be surprising to anyone who has followed the disappointing tight end’s career. Reed has loads of talent, but hasn’t been able to stay healthy. It appears as though this year won’t be any different.
Jordan Reed would be a top-five fantasy tight end if he could stay healthy. Unfortunately, he’s always hurt; he’s missed 12 games in two NFL seasons. If you draft him, make sure you have a solid backup.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Stats: 67 catches. 790 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Points: 108.
Projected 2015 PPR Fantasy Points: 175.
- Owen Daniels, TE, Broncos. Bye: 7.
AUG. 24 UPDATE: Owen Daniels is worth mentioning after he caught four of five targets thrown his way in the second preseason game. Daniels collected 25 yards, but it appears as though he could be valuable in PPR formats, as someone will have to take Julius Thomas’ targets.
Owen Daniels signed with the Broncos this offseason. It was a great move, as he’ll have a high chance of being very productive with Peyton Manning throwing the ball to him. Daniels is obviously familiar with Gary Kubiak’s offense, so there won’t be a learning curve. The only issue with Daniels is his durability.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Stats: 65 catches. 710 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2015 Fantasy Points: 107.
Projected 2015 PPR Fantasy Points: 172.
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings - Tight Ends (Sept. 10):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-45
More 2015 Fantasy Football Articles:
Fantasy Football Rankings
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/10 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/10 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/10 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/10 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Flex Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football PPR Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 8/27 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 8/27 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings - 5/14 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/14 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator - 9/10 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 9/3 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/27 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/20 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/13 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Experts Draft - 8/11 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/7 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/6 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 7/31 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 7/23 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft (2-QB) - 7/15 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft (PPR) - 7/6 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2015 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 9/10 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 PPR - 9/10 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 2-QB - 9/10 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 Touchdown League - 9/10 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Custom - 9/10 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rankings - 9/10 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Top 200 Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
Chet Gresham's 2015 Fantasy Football Positional Cheat Sheet - 9/4 (Chet)
Chet Gresham's 2015 Fantasy Football Overall Cheat Sheet - 9/4 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Articles:
2015 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Training Camp - 9/10 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Tight End Matchup Chart: Week 1 - 9/9 (Chet)
Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Matchup Chart: Week 1 - 9/8 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 9/8 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Running Back Matchup Chart: Week 1 - 9/7 (Chet)
Fantasy Football Quarterback Matchup Chart: Week 1 - 9/6 (Chet)
2015 NFL Preseason Recap, Fantasy Football Notes - 9/4 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock - 9/4 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Quarterback Targets - 9/4 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Busts - 9/4 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Goal-Line Running Backs - 9/3 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football News - 9/1 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football: Better Than ADP - 8/31 (Chet)
Daily Fantasy Football: Running Backs - 8/27 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football: Late-Round Running Back Fliers - 8/24 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Fallout: Jordy Nelson Injury - 8/24 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Players to Target - 8/22 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - 8/22 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Round-by-Round Strategy Guide - 8/20 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football: The Perfect Draft - 8/20 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Players to Avoid: LeSean McCoy - 8/18 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Values: Wide Receivers - 8/14 (Chet)
Daily Fantasy Football: Wide Receivers - 7/29 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Value Profile: Brian Quick - 7/22 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Value Profile: Eli Manning - 7/17 (Walt)
Daily Fantasy Football: A Primer - 7/10 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Value Profile: Jarvis Landry - 7/7 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Offseason Stock Report: Up - 5/15 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Offseason Stock Report: Down - 5/15 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football: First-Round Bust History - 2/17 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football: Overdrafted Players - 2/15 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football: Running Backs with Most Carries - 2/15 (Walt)
NFL Picks - Dec. 13
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
Injured/injury risk
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Rank higher in PPR (points per reception) leagues
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