Week 2 at Cincinnati Bengals
George Kittle only had 54 yards last week against the Buccaneers, but he caught eight passes on 10 targets, easily leading the team. The 49ers played terribly offensively in Week 1, but Kittle looks like he’s still going to be the primary option in the passing game. Fantasy owners should rest assured that the volume of looks he gets will continue, and his ability to stretch the seam and make plays after the catch will turn that volume into fantasy points at some point.
This week, he’ll face a Bengals defense that was terrible last year. Only the Raiders and Buccaneers allowed more points per game to opposing teams. Expect him to get a full slate of targets and put up elite TE1 numbers in a great matchup. We have him as a top-ranked option at the position this week.
Week 1 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After a promising rookie year, George Kittle was expected to take a big jump in his sophomore year. Mission accomplished. Kittle catapulted himself into elite territory by leading all tight ends with 1,377 yards. He caught 88 balls and scored five touchdowns as the primary option in the 49ers passing game. This year, Kittle should continue to be the best target in the San Francisco offense, and the fact that he’s shown a rapport with both Jimmy Garoppolo and Nick Mullens is a good sign for his consistency. If he can find the end zone a little more this year, he’ll be unstoppable.
In Week 1, Kittle faces a Buccaneers defense that allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game to the tight end position a year ago. Expect Kittle to be involved early and often and to put up big numbers. He’s near the top of our rankings this week and he should be active in all leagues.
Fantasy Upside
How do you improve on the most receiving yards by a tight end in NFL history? Turns out George Kittle already knows how. Heading into his third season as a pro, Kittle said Kyle Shanahan offered a suggestion. And don't forget that during his nine seasons as a coordinator, Shanahan coached three tight ends -- Houston's Owen Daniels, Washington's Chris Cooley and Cleveland's Jordan Cameron -- who went to at least one Pro Bowl. "Coach Shanahan said that out of all the tight ends he's ever had, I do a lot of things really, really well," Kittle told the San Francisco Chronicle. "But I'm still third [among that group] in route running. So, that's one of the challenges he gave to me. And that's certainly one thing I'll focus on this offseason." Kittle already demonstrated in his second season he has a chance to be special. In fact, as Pro Football Focus pointed out, no player in the PFF era has ever racked up more yards after the catch in a single season than Kittle did in 2018. Not just tight ends -- every position. His 873 yards after the catch were also 200 more than we've ever seen from another tight end before. Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider that his targets came from backup quarterbacks all season.
Fantasy Downside
Expecting at least some degree of regression seems like a wise approach here (did we mention Kittle had more yards after the catch than anybody in the NFL?). And to be fair, as impressive as his 2018 campaign was, we've yet to see him work for an extended period with starter Jimmy Garoppolo, who went down with a torn ACL last September.
2019 Bottom Line
Don't pay attention to the downside. Regression is always possible and pretending Jimmy G is somehow going to be a lesser QB than the Nick Mullens-C.J. Beathard combo that replaced him is silly. More importantly, once you get past the top-three tight ends, it seems like you're taking your chances at the position. Kittle is locked firmly in that top tier. Draft accordingly.
Week 17 at Los Angeles Rams
George Kittle has been one of the few bright spots in the 49ers’ offense this season, catching 79 passes for 1,228 yards – third and second, respectively, amongst tight ends in the league. Kittle caught seven passes for 74 yards last week against a tough Bears defense, and his consistent production makes him a must-start every week.
Kittle closes the season against a Rams defense that has been very average against tight ends this year, allowing 920 yards but only four touchdowns to the position. Kittle should continue to get heavy targets and he’s been matchup-proof for most of the season. He should be active in all leagues as an elite fantasy option.
Week 16 vs. Chicago Bears
George Kittle had a quiet game by his standards with only three catches last week against the Seahawks, but he still gained 51 yards and led the team with eight targets. Kittle has been one of the best value picks in the league this year and he should continue to be the primary cog in the 49ers offense for years to come.
This week, Kittle has a tough matchup against the Bears, who have allowed the 11th-least fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year, including giving up only five touchdowns to the position. Still, Kittle’s production and ability to put up numbers in any game this year make him a must-start in all formats. In a league where tight ends are hard to come from, use Kittle every game.
Week 15 vs. Seattle Seahawks
George Kittle had a fantastic game last week, catching seven balls for 210 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown. Kittle is second to only Travis Kelce among tight ends with 1,103 yards this season and has been one of the few bright spots in a lost season for the 49ers.
This week, Kittle will face a Seahawks defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this year. However, Kittle is the primary weapon in the 49ers offense, making it hard to sit him. He’s been one of the steadiest options in the league at a position that has struggled overall this year. Start him every week, regardless of matchup.
Week 14 vs. Denver Broncos
George Kittle hasn’t scored a touchdown in his last three games, but he’s caught 21 balls during that span, including six for 70 yards last week. Kittle has been one of the most steady tight ends in football this year, and is on pace for 82 catches, which would tie Eric Johnson for the most ever by a 49ers tight end.
This week, Kittle faces a Broncos defense that has been slightly below average against the tight end position this season. Regardless of matchup, though, Kittle’s role as the primary option in the 49ers passing game and his consistency throughout the season make him a must-start every week. We have him as a top-five option in all league formats.
Week 13 at Seattle Seahawks
George Kittle had only 48 receiving yards against the Buccaneers last week, adding another 10 yards rushing. He was targeted a season-high 12 times however, and he remains the primary cog and source of optimism in a lost season for the 49ers. Kittle has double-digit targets in two straight weeks now, and he’s had more than 10 PPR points in each of his past five games. He’s been about as steady as it gets for a tight end this year.
This week, Kittle should continue to be heavily targeted against a Seahawks defense that has allowed the seventh-least fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year. However, Kittle should be considered a must-start regardless of matchup. He’s the primary weapon in the San Francisco passing game and we have him ranked in the top five this week.
Week 12 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
George Kittle had another strong performance before the bye last week. He caught nine of ten passes thrown his way for 83 yards in a narrow loss to the Giants. Kittle has had no problems adjusting to Nick Mullens as the starting quarterback, with 13 catches, 191 yards and a touchdown over the last two games.
This week, Kittle has a great matchup against the Buccaneers. Only the Panthers and Chiefs have allowed more fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this year, and Kittle remains the focal point of the offense. We have him as an elite option this week, and he should be active in all league formats.
Week 10 vs. New York Giants
George Kittle had another nice game last week against the Raiders, catching four passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. While his numbers were padded by a 71-yard reception, Kittle has been the most consistent fantasy option in San Francisco this season. It was good to see new quarterback Nick Mullens able to find him as well, suggesting there should be little to no drop off in production despite being on his third quarterback of the season.
This week, Kittle faces a Giants defense that has been above average against the tight end position this year, but his talent and production make him a must-start regardless of matchup. Kittle is entering the upper pantheon of fantasy tight ends, despite the revolving door at quarterback. Start him.
