Week 3 at Denver Broncos
George Kittle is looking like he might make his season debut after missing the first two games with injury. He practiced this week and should benefit from Jimmy Garoppolo back at quarterback.
Kittle is one of the best in the game, so he should be active if he stays off the injury report. Be ready with a backup plan in case he’s a late scratch, but start him as a top-five tight end as long as he’s good to go.
Week 1 at Chicago Bears
George Kittle missed three games and was hampered by injuries throughout last season, but he still managed 71 receptions for 910 yards and a career-high six touchdowns. He finished the season as the TE4.
Kittle faces a tough matchup to kick off the season against the Bears. Chicago ranked sixth in aFPA to opposing tight ends last season. Additionally, he’s questionable with a groin injury sustained early in the week. If Kittle is active, he’s gotta be in your lineup, but be on alert for the inactives list on Sunday.
Update: Kittle is not expected to play, so be sure to get him out of your lineup.
Fantasy Upside The 49ers continued their trend of passing on drafting a receiving threat at tight end to go with George Kittle. Last season, Kittle was on injured reserve for nearly a month due to a calf injury. He finished the season with 71 receptions for 910 yards and a career-high six touchdowns. According to Pro Football Network's Jason Katz, Kittle is probably the best overall tight end in the NFL. Katz went on to note that's great for the 49ers, but from a fantasy perspective, we don't want our tight ends to be elite blockers. We want them running routes. Kittle has been a top-five tight end since he broke out in 2018 but has always felt a bit ceiling capped. His breakout season came in 2018. Kittle’s 1,377 receiving yards led all tight ends. He posted career-highs in targets (135), receptions (88), and yards per reception (15.6) as well. Following this breakout, however, Kittle's production stagnated. As Katz added: "By no means should anyone scoff at a guy who has averaged 14-16 points per game" for four consecutive seasons and finished no lower than fourth in any of them. So among the higher-end producers at this position, consistency is king.
Fantasy Downside According to 4for4.com's John Paulsen, with Trey Lance taking over at quarterback, there are likely to be fewer targets available as Lance takes off on more designed (and undesigned) runs. Kittle missed one of Lance’s two starts, but saw just two targets in Lance’s Week 17 start and only saw four of Lance’s 71 targets on the season. Paulsen added: "This isn’t a death knell to Kittle’s value, but it’s worrisome."
2022 Bottom Line Kittle might not be a league winner, but he still offers that weekly leverage over the field we need. That's what keeps him locked well inside the top five at this position.
Week 17 vs. Houston Texans
George Kittle was disappointing against the Titans last week with just two catches and 21 yards. Kittle was on a three-week tear prior to last Thursday night, and fantasy managers should resist the urge to panic, despite the down game.
This week, Kittle faces a Texans defense that ranks 20th in aFPA to opposing tight ends. While the potential of Trey Lance starting is concerning for Kittle, his talent should ultimately win out and make him worth starting, particularly at such a terrible fantasy position in general. Start Kittle, but temper expectations.
Week 16 at Tennessee Titans
George Kittle’s six catches and 93 yards last week against the Falcons felt like a “down” game compared to his previous two outings, but he led the team in receptions and receiving yards and continues to be one of the best in the game at his position.
This week, Kittle faces a Titans defense that ranks 19th in aFPA to opposing tight ends. Expect a steady dose of targets headed his way once again, with a decent shot at finding the end zone. He’s a must-start in all league formats, and we have him ranked as an elite option once again.
Week 15 vs. Atlanta Falcons
George Kittle had another stellar outing last week, with 13 receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals. Kittle has 332 yards and three touchdowns over his past two games. That’s going to be a tough pace to keep up, but the passing game is running through him right now and he has six touchdowns in his last six games.
This week, Kittle faces a Falcons defense that ranks 24th in aFPA to opposing tight ends. Kittle is dealing with some knee soreness in practice this week, so keep an eye on his status. As long as he’s active though, he’s a must-start every week, especially in a great matchup.
Week 14 at Cincinnati Bengals
George Kittle bounced back with a phenomenal game last week against the Seahawks. He had nine catches for 181 yards and two touchdowns, and he now has five touchdowns in his last five games. Kittle’s increase in targets – 12 – was probably influenced by the absence of Deebo Samuel, but he’s an active part of the offense regardless of who else is on the field.
This week, Kittle faces a Bengals defense that ranks 24th in aFPA to opposing tight ends. In a good matchup, coming off a dominant performance, Kittle is our top-ranked tight end this week and he should always be in your lineup when healthy. Start him.
Week 13 at Seattle Seahawks
George Kittle didn’t do much last week, catching just one pass for 13 yards. Fantasy managers shouldn’t be too concerned about the lack of production, however, given his three touchdowns in his three previous games. Kittle is still an elite fantasy option at the tight end position.
This week, Kittle has an excellent matchup against a Seahawks defense that ranks 29th in aFPA to opposing tight ends. Despite a tough game last week against the Vikings, Kittle is a must-start every week and should be relied on even more heavily with Deebo Samuel out. Start him.
Week 12 vs. Minnesota Vikings
George Kittle has been back healthy for three games now and has scored in each of them. Last week, he was held to just 34 yards on four receptions, but still found the end zone and has easily resumed his role as an elite fantasy option at the tight end position.
This week, Kittle faces a Vikings defense that ranks sixth in aFPA to opposing tight ends. Regardless of matchup, Kittle’s production and target share make him a must-start every week, however, and we have him ranked inside our top-five options at tight end. Always start him when he’s healthy.
Week 11 at Jacksonville Jaguars
George Kittle has been a welcome return to fantasy prominence at the tight end position. With 15 targets and two touchdowns since his return two games ago, Kittle is firmly back.
This week, Kittle has a great matchup against a Jaguars defense that ranks 25th in aFPA to opposing tight ends. Start him as an elite fantasy tight end in all league formats.
