Week 14 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
George Kittle caught two of his three targets last week for 22 yards. It was his second straight dud of a fantasy week, and third over his last four. Now, he has a new quarterback in rookie Brock Purdy with Jimmy Garoppolo out for the rest of the season with a foot injury. Kittle is super talented and worth starting based on weekly upside, but his inconsistency has been troubling for fantasy managers. It’s only the massive dearth of options at the position that keep him ranking in elite territory.
Kittle has a nice matchup against the Buccaneers this week. Tampa Bay ranks 23rd in aFPA to opposing tight ends this season and Kittle should be able to take advantage. Kittle has been inconsistent, so it’s risky to assume he’ll produce, but he’s still one of the best options available at the position. Start him.
Week 13 vs. Miami Dolphins
George Kittle was held to just 2 yards on three catches last week against the Saints, as the 49ers won a low-scoring matchup in a defensive battle. Kittle has been woefully inconsistent as a fantasy performer this season, but he’s still one of the best at the position and has four touchdowns over his past five games.
Kittle has a great matchup this week against a Miami defense that ranks 29th in aFPA to opposing tight ends. Start Kittle as a top-five tight end this week, and hope he can get back into the end zone after a quiet game against the Saints.
Week 12 vs. New Orleans Saints
George Kittle had a great games against the Cardinals last week, catching four of his six targets for 84 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Kittle has been inconsistent in his production this season, but he’s still one of the best players in the game at his position and has the potential to put up big numbers in any given week. He has four touchdowns over his past four starts and the San Francisco offense has been humming since acquiring Christian McCaffrey.
Kittle has a tough matchup this week against New Orleans. The Saints rank second in aFPA to opposing tight ends. He’s a must-start at a very thin fantasy position given his upside and role in the offense, despite the difficult opponent. We have him ranked as a top-five tight end for Week 12.
Week 11 at Arizona Cardinals
George Kittle struggled last week against the Chargers, catching one of just two targets for 21 yards. Kittle preceded that game with three straight games of double-digit half-PPR points, however, so fantasy managers shouldn’t be too concerned.
This week, Kittle should rebound in a great matchup against the Cardinals. Only the Lions and the Seahawks rank lower in aFPA to opposing tight ends this season, and we expect Kittle to put up top-five numbers. Start him.
Week 10 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
George Kittle caught three passes for 39 yards against the Rams before the bye last week. While not a big day, he added his second touchdown in as many games and has turned in double-digit fantasy points in three straight games.
Kittle has a tougher matchup this week against Derwin James and the Chargers, who rank eighth in aFPA to opposing tight ends. Still, Kittle’s talent and role in this offense should make him an elite starter at his position every week, regardless of matchup. Start him.
Week 8 at Los Angeles Rams
George Kittle had a great game against the Chiefs last week, catching six of his nine targets for 98 yards and a touchdown in a losing effort. It was good to see Kittle find the end zone for the first time this season, and he now has 19 targets over his last two games combined.
This week, Kittle has a tough matchup against a Rams defense that ranks second in aFPA to opposing tight ends. Still, he’s one of the elite players at the position and he should be active in all leagues while he’s healthy, especially with Travis Kelce on bye this week. Start Kittle.
Week 7 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
George Kittle was finally featured last week in a losing effort to the Falcons. He posted season-highs in receptions, targets, and yards with a 8/83 stat line on 10 targets. Kittle has been a valuable blocker for the 49ers, but fantasy managers have to be psyched to see double-digit targets for the veteran.
Start Kittle again this week against the Chiefs. Kansas City ranks 20th in aFPA to opposing tight ends and Kittle seems to once again be a big part of the passing offense. If the 49ers get down early against this Chiefs offense, Kittle could see similar to targets to last week. We have him ranked as an elite fantasy option and he should be active in all leagues.
Week 6 at Atlanta Falcons
George Kittle has struggled so far this season, but he did catch five balls last week against the Panthers. It was a season-high in receptions for him to go with 47 yards. Kittle should get going at some point this season, given his talent and history with Jimmy Garoppolo.
Kittle has a great matchup this week against an Atlanta defense that ranks 22nd in aFPA to opposing tight ends. This should be the week he’s able to break out of his fantasy slump and deliver solid TE1 numbers. We have him ranked just outside our top-five tight ends this week, and fantasy managers should have him active in all leagues.
Week 5 at Carolina Panthers
George Kittle has been back active for two games now, but has only managed six total catches for 52 yards since his return. He should still be a primary part of the offense, but fantasy managers have to be concerned with his lack of elite production, even dating back to the tail end of last season.
This week, Kittle faces a Panthers defense that ranks 12th in aFPA to opposing tight ends this season. It’s not a great matchup and trouble on the offensive line has made Kittle more valuable as a blocker to the 49ers since his return from injury. We still have him inside our top 10 this week, but temper expectations.
Week 4 vs. Los Angeles Rams
George Kittle made his season debut against the Broncos on Sunday night and caught four of the five balls thrown his way for 28 yards. Not a great start for the perennial pro bowler, but at least the targets were there on a very forgettable evening for the 49ers offense in general.
This week, Kittle faces a Rams defense that allowed six catches to Zach Ertz last week and two touchdowns to Kittle last year in the three games he faced them, including the playoffs. While Kittle is healthy, he’s one of the best in the league, so he’s a must-start. Consider him a top-five fantasy option at the tight end position.
