2025 Fantasy Football: Top 5 Tight Ends, Per ESPN Points Projections

Analysis

While you can't go wrong with either player, I have McBride ever so slightly above Bowers in my personal rankings, thanks to what I expect will be some positive touchdown regression.

If you miss out on McBride or Bowers, I agree with ESPN that Kittle is the next best option. He'll turn 32 in October, but the six-time Pro Bowler led all tight ends in fantasy points per game last season (15.8) while averaging 14.2 yards per reception. With the 49ers dealing with injuries at wide receiver, Kittle’s appeal only grows.

Last season's consensus TE1, LaPorta, was a disappointment overall, although his production did trend upward in the second half of the year. Playing in Detroit’s explosive offense, I’m willing to give him another shot and side with ESPN’s No. 4 ranking.

Rounding out my top five is none other than future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce. At 35, Kelce's no longer in his prime, but he still caught 97 passes for over 800 yards last season. You can do a lot worse at fantasy's thinnest position, not to mention he remains paired with the best QB in the world in Patrick Mahomes. For me, Kelce edges out Hockenson, given the uncertainty around QB J.J. McCarthy stepping in as Minnesota's starter.

2. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

2024 Stats: 16 GP | 147 TAR | 111 REC | 1146 YDS | 2 TD | 249.8 FPTS

2025 Projections: 150 TAR | 113 REC | 1088 YDS | 6 TD | 259.28

3. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers

2024 Stats: 15 GP | 94 TAR | 78 REC | 1106 YDS | 8 TD | 236.6 FPTS

2025 Projections: 105 TAR | 82 REC | 1040 YDS | 7 TD | 225.38 FPTS

4. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

2024 Stats: 16 GP | 83 TAR | 60 REC | 726 YDS | 7 TD | 174.6 FPTS

2025 Projections: 103 TAR | 75 REC | 780 YDS | 6 TD | 191.53 FPTS

5. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings

2024 Stats: 10 GP | 62 TAR | 41 REC | 455 YDS | 0 TD | 86.5 FPTS

2025 Projections: 119 TAR | 82 REC | 810 YDS | 4 TD | 187.12 FPTS

Analysis

While you can't go wrong with either player, I have McBride ever so slightly above Bowers in my personal rankings, thanks to what I expect will be some positive touchdown regression.

If you miss out on McBride or Bowers, I agree with ESPN that Kittle is the next best option. He'll turn 32 in October, but the six-time Pro Bowler led all tight ends in fantasy points per game last season (15.8) while averaging 14.2 yards per reception. With the 49ers dealing with injuries at wide receiver, Kittle’s appeal only grows.

Last season's consensus TE1, LaPorta, was a disappointment overall, although his production did trend upward in the second half of the year. Playing in Detroit’s explosive offense, I’m willing to give him another shot and side with ESPN’s No. 4 ranking.

Rounding out my top five is none other than future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce. At 35, Kelce's no longer in his prime, but he still caught 97 passes for over 800 yards last season. You can do a lot worse at fantasy's thinnest position, not to mention he remains paired with the best QB in the world in Patrick Mahomes. For me, Kelce edges out Hockenson, given the uncertainty around QB J.J. McCarthy stepping in as Minnesota's starter.