For the next installment of Fantrax’s fantasy tight end depth charts, we’re going to delve into the AFC West. I’ve already ranked the top 30 fantasy tight ends in the NFL, but why not break this down by division? Between the Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, and Chargers, there are some real studs at this position.
Much like the running back, the tight end position is a scarce fantasy asset. It’s for this reason that my favorite strategy is to draft a running back with my first 4 picks…regardless of league style (redraft, dynasty, etc.). I aim to find value at other positions like WR and QB because if I miss on a bet at those positions, I can always trade one of my RBs for a roster weakness during the season. With my 5th pick, that’s when I take the TE. You have to hit on your TE, or else your streaming one every week. After TE10, your options really fall off. Let’s get into it.
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AFC West Tight End Depth Chart
Broncos:
TE7: Noah Fant
Stud. It doesn’t matter who the QB is on this team. Noah Fans will get his targets. He finished TE13 last year with just under 700 yards receiving and 3TDs, but he was 7th in receptions and 6th in targets on the year. The guy is due for some serious positive regression in TD and receiving yards with those kinds of opportunities. There’s about five or six tight ends that people will reach for. Fant is a player you can wait on, and absolutely trot him out with confidence every week.
Chiefs:
TE1: Travis Kelce
TE1. No doubt. He’s the number one receiver on what will likely be one of the most explosive offenses in the league, if not THE most explosive. He was TE1 last year with just under 1500 yards receiving and 11TDs. Expect more of the same this year.
Raiders:
TE2: Darren Waller
I have the strong urge to merge the previous two paragraphs together to describe Waller’s outlook this year. He finished TE2 last year with 1200 yards receiving and 9TDs, and he was first in receptions and tied for first in targets. Waller will get every opportunity to score the most fantasy points from a pass-catcher on your roster. If you wanted to take him as your TE1, I wouldn’t argue with you.
Chargers:
TE22: Jared Cook
Herbert has been a revelation. I had no idea he’d be as confident and consistent as he was last year. It’s clear the Chargers have their franchise QB. Hunter Henry has moved on to New England, so who gets the chance to take his targets? Jared Cook. He’s been catching balls from Drew Brees for a while, so he’ll have no trouble in an air raid passing attack. My only worry with Cook is that his injury history is starting to pile up. It’s not something I’d project for him, but it’s something that needs to be considered. I’d prefer to stream him from the waiver wire, but I have no doubt he’ll be drafted in your leagues. Late round steal.
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