Elite Tight Ends to Target in 2025 Fantasy Football & NFL Betting

As the 2025 fantasy football season approaches, the tight end position is once again top-heavy with elite talent—and loaded with betting value. If you’re a bettor or fantasy player looking to gain an edge, understanding the target share, touchdown regression trends, and value by ADP of these elite TEs is critical.

Let’s break down the top three names you need to watch: Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and George Kittle.

Tackle the Odds with SportsGrid’s Expert NFL Game Picks and NFL Player Prop Picks.

Brock Bowers Fantasy Outlook 2025: Rising Star in Las Vegas

Brock Bowers, the highly touted tight end, lands in Las Vegas in a much-improved situation. After dominating at the college level—even with inconsistent quarterback play—Bowers now has a more stable system with Geno Smith under center and seasoned NFL mind Pete Carroll guiding the offense.

Why Brock Bowers Is Worth the Early Pick

Bowers posted an elite stat line in 2024:

• 112 receptions

• Nearly 1,200 yards

• 5 touchdowns

Despite a slow start (only 1 TD in the first 8 games), he finished as TE1 in many formats. With a more dynamic offense around him, Brock Bowers touchdown upside in 2025 is massive. A jump to even 8–10 touchdowns could result in 30+ additional fantasy points, potentially separating him from the tight end field.

Betting & Fantasy Edge:

• Prop betting value: Smash the over on receiving yards and touchdowns if his preseason usage confirms a red zone role.

• Fantasy tip: He’s a second-rounder for a reason—but the upside could make him a league-winner.

Is the Market Swinging Too Far Against the 49ers for 2025?

Trey McBride: Volume King, Touchdown-Starved

Trey McBride proved himself as a target monster last season, hauling in 111 receptions in the Arizona offense. However, he scored just 2 touchdowns, both coming in the final two weeks of the season (Week 17 and 18).

Can McBride See Positive Touchdown Regression?

The lack of red zone production wasn’t due to lack of talent—it was inefficiency in the Arizona offense, paired with an inconsistent Kyler Murray. McBride’s massive usage should normalize with touchdown regression trending in his favor.

Still, his 2025 success may hinge on whether Arizona can be more cohesive and focused inside the 20-yard line. If McBride can turn even 3–4 more of those receptions into TDs, he could be right behind Bowers in weekly ceiling.

Betting & Fantasy Edge:

• Touchdown props: McBride could be a bounce-back candidate in TD scorer markets.

• Fantasy tip: He’s a solid TE1 with slightly more risk due to quarterback volatility.

Baltimore Ravens Poised as Top Contenders for Super Bowl LX

George Kittle: Best Value Pick in Elite Tight End Tier

George Kittle may not lead the tight end group in ADP, but he may offer the best ROI (return on investment) in 2025 drafts. Typically falling to Round 3–5, Kittle provides high-level production in a high-powered San Francisco 49ers offense, despite often being overlooked in favor of younger names.

Kittle: The Only Sure Thing in San Francisco?

While others in the offense (like Brandon Aiyuk, Christian McCaffrey, and Ricky Pearsall) come with uncertainty, Kittle remains the most dependable and healthy skill-position player.

He’s cheaper than both Bowers and McBride, and that alone makes him the perfect tight end value pick for players waiting on the position.

Betting & Fantasy Edge:

• Yards and receptions props: Kittle can be a weekly value if books undervalue him early.

• Fantasy tip: If you miss on Bowers or McBride, Kittle is the perfect pivot in the mid-rounds.

Detroit Lions’ Outlook Without Ben Johnson: Preseason & Beyond

Final Take: Bowers Has the Ceiling, Kittle the Value

Here’s the quick breakdown: