The 2021 NFL season kicks off tonight! Meaning fantasy football matchups also begin tonight. No matter if you already have your team, or if you're a little bit behind, fear not. Here are my 2021 Non-PPR Tight End rankings
1. Travis Kelce (KC, 12)
2. Darren Waller (LV, 8)
After another career year, Darren Waller continues to improve and solidify his name as one of the top Tight Ends in the NFL. Waller has now played all sixteen games in back-to-back seasons and has recorded at least ninety receptions in each of his previous two seasons. The only complaint that fantasy owners may have about Waller, is his lack of consistency. However, because of the large volume of opportunities Waller receives, mixed with the talent he possesses, Waller has cemented himself as one of the top fantasy options at the Tight End position.
3. George Kittle (SF, 6)
After a season plagued by injuries, I’ve bumped Kittle one spot to the number three ranked Tight End this season. When fully healthy, Kittle has a legitimate argument for being considered the NFL’s best Tight End. Unfortunately for Kittle though, he missed half of 2020 with injuries. Before 2020, Kittle recorded back-to-back seasons of over one thousand yards, five touchdowns, and more than eighty receptions which lead to two consecutive Pro-Bowl selections. Kittle can be a top Tight End this season in Fantasy Football, the only question is can he stay healthy.
4. Mark Andrews (BAL, 8)
5. Kyle Pitts (ATL, 6)
The Falcons selected Pitts fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted Tight End in NFL Draft history. With the departure of Julio Jones, it is expected that Calvin Ridley will step up to fill that void in the passing game, but the Falcons have made it clear that Kyle Pitts will have a key role in this offense. Kyle Pitts is arguably the most exciting rookie to watch for this upcoming season, as he could launch himself into company with some of the game's best right from the jump if he takes off this season.
6. T.J. Hockenson (DET, 9)
Hockenson had a breakout sophomore season which saw him record career-highs in every category. With Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr, and Danny Amendola all leaving Detroit, Hockenson is going to be new QB Jared Goff’s favorite target. Although there is some risk in drafting Hockenson this year as the Lions seem to have officially hit the rebuild button, and will start that process this season.
7. Dallas Goedert (PHI, 14)
8. Robert Tonyan (GB, 13)
Tonyan came out of nowhere in his third season in 2020 as he had only recorded fourteen total receptions through the first two years of his career. Tonyan, as you can imagine, finished 2020 with career-highs in receptions, yards, and improved his touchdown receptions from only having one in 2018 and 2019 to recording eleven a season ago. Expectations for Tonyan and the Packers are high this year as Aaron Rodgers will finally be suiting up for Green Bay for what seems to be one last run at a Super Bowl.
9. Noah Fant (DEN, 11)
10. Logan Thomas (WAS, 9)
11. Tyler Higbee (LAR, 11)
12. Mike Gesicki (MIA, 14)
13. Irv Smith Jr. (MIN, 7)
14. Evan Engram (NYG, 10)
15. Rob Gronkowski (TB, 9)
16. Austin Hooper (CLE, 13)
17. Jared Cook (LAC, 7)
18. Hunter Henry (NE, 14)
19. Blake Jarwin (DAL, 7)
20. Jonnu Smith (NE, 14)
21. Eric Ebron (PIT, 7)
22. Cole Kmet (CHI, 10)
23. Zach Ertz (PHI, 14)
24. O.J. Howard (TB, 9)
25. Gerald Everett (SEA, 9)