Tight End Early Fantasy Football 2026 Risers Fallers

• Why He’s Rising: McBride didn’t just break out; he became the elite tight end in fantasy. His 27.5% target share led all tight ends, and he posted true WR1‑level volume.
• Key Stat or Trend: 169 targets, 126 catches, 1,239 yards, 11 TDs, 315.9 PPR points.
• Fantasy Impact: Locked into Round 2–3 in 2026 drafts.
• Upside Case: Could finish as the overall Top tight end once again with league‑winning volume.

2. Harold Fannin Jr. – Browns

• Why He’s Rising: Fannin delivered a legitimate breakout with top‑10 production despite inconsistent QB play. His athleticism and YAC ability translated immediately.
• Key Stat or Trend: 107 targets, 731 yards, 8 receiving TDs + 13 rushing yards and a rushing TD.
• Fantasy Impact: Climbing into the Round 7–9 range.
• Ceiling/Floor Notes: Ceiling: top‑5 tight end if usage grows. Floor: steady tight end 1 or 2 hybrid with weekly volume.

3. Tyler Warren – Colts

• Why He’s Rising: Warren emerged as one of the most efficient and heavily used red‑zone tight ends in football. His 20.9% target share was elite for the position.
• Key Stat or Trend: 112 targets, 817 yards, 10 TDs.
• Fantasy Impact: Moving into Round 8–10 territory.
• Ceiling/Floor Notes: Ceiling: double‑digit TDs again. Floor: mid‑tight end 1 if TDs regress.

Fallers

1. Mark Andrews – Ravens

• Why He’s Falling: Andrews’ efficiency and explosiveness dipped sharply, and he posted his lowest yardage in years. His role shrank as the offense diversified.
• Key Stat or Trend: 422 yards, 3 TDs, only 7.7 PPR points per game.
• Fantasy Impact: Sliding to Round 10–12.
• Risk Factors: Age curve, declining athleticism, reduced target share.

2. T.J. Hockenson – Vikings

• Why He’s Falling: Hockenson’s volume cratered, and he no longer provided the elite floor he was known for.
• Key Stat or Trend: 438 yards, 3 TDs, 7.5 PPR points per game.
• Fantasy Impact: Dropping to Round 11–13 as a tight end 2.
• Risk Factors: Post‑injury decline, reduced explosiveness, target competition.

3. Sam LaPorta – Lions

• Why He’s Falling: LaPorta missed significant time (only 9 games) and saw a major drop in usage compared to his rookie season.
• Key Stat or Trend: 49 targets, 40 catches, 489 yards, 6 TDs.
• Fantasy Impact: Falling to Round 7–9 instead of top‑3 tight end status.
• Risk Factors: Durability concerns, unclear 2026 role after a lost season.

Final Takeaways for TE

Most Overvalued:

Kyle Pitts Sr. — strong stats but still inconsistent for his ADP; 12.4 PPG isn’t elite for where he’ll be drafted.

Late‑Round Target:

Colston Loveland (Bears) — 713 yards, 10 TDs as a rookie tight end streamer with real breakout potential to be in the top 3 at the position.

High‑Risk, High‑Reward:

Brock Bowers (Raiders) — 14.7 PPG in only 12 games; elite upside but small sample size.