Week 9 vs. Oakland Raiders
George Kittle had another steady day against the Cardinals last week, catching five passes for 57 yards on eight targets. He’s averaging 7.1 targets per game and is leading the team with 37 receptions and 584 receiving yards. Kittle has been one of the few pleasant aspects of a 49ers offense this year that has been riddled with injuries.
This week, Kittle should be in all lineups against the Raiders. Oakland has allowed five touchdowns and the most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this year, including nine catches, 107 yards, and two touchdowns to the duo of Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron last week. Kittle is the primary weapon in the 49ers offense and a must-start every week.
Week 8 at Arizona Cardinals
George Kittle is about the only thing going right for the 49ers this year. He caught five passes for 98 yards and a touchdown last week against the Rams, and he’s averaging seven targets per game this season. Kittle has the trust of quarterback C.J. Beathard, and he’s shown the ability to stretch the field and to be an excellent safety valve in the passing game.
This week, Kittle faces a Cardinals defense that has allowed the sixth-least fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year, including only two touchdowns to the position. However, Kittle’s targets and ability to make big plays should keep him a head above the matchup and fantasy owners should start him in all league formats.
Week 7 vs. Los Angeles Rams
George Kittle is a little banged up, but he’s expected to be fine. Watch the late inactives. Should he go, he’ll continue to build on a productive season. He was limited to 30 yards last week, but was still targeted six times and has developed a nice rapport with quarterback C.J. Beathard. Kittle is averaging 4.5 receptions and 71.5 yards per game this season. If he can improve on his red zone production – only one touchdown this season, on an 82-yard play – he’ll be a fantasy force.
While the Rams haven’t given up a touchdown to a tight end yet this season, they have surrendered 32 receptions and 401 yards to the position. With Kittle’s status as a primary target in the 49ers offense, he should be active in all leagues, regardless of matchup.
Week 6 at Green Bay Packers
George Kittle had five catches for 83 yards last week against the Cardinals. With C.J. Beathard at quarterback, Kittle has continued to be a focal point of the offense, with additional production due to Beathard’s propensity to check down. Kittle might be the most reliable fantasy option in San Francisco this year.
The Packers have been slightly above average against the tight end position this year, but a closer look at the matchups shows vulnerability when facing quality talent. The trio of Vernon Davis, Jordan Reed and Kyle Rudolph combined for 13 receptions and 207 yards, although they did hold Trey Burton to one catch and 15 yards in Week 1. Kittle should find space and continue to be heavily targeted, making him a quality starting option in all leagues that separate the tight end position.
Week 5 vs. Arizona Cardinals
George Kittle had a great game against the Chargers last week, catching six balls for 125 yards and a touchdown. He was largely aided by an 82-yard score late in the third quarter, but it was good to see quarterback C.J. Beathard looking often to his young tight end. Kittle led the team with eight targets.
This week, Kittle faces a Cardinals defense that has only given up 13 receptions to the tight end position this season, but they have allowed two of those to go for scores. Kittle should be a borderline TE1 in most weeks given his talent and target-share. Fantasy owners should consider him a viable long-term option at the position.
Week 4 at Los Angeles Chargers
George Kittle had a respectable 79 yards on five receptions last week against the Chiefs, but losing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a season-ending knee injury is going to hurt Kittle’s long-term value. Kittle should still be heavily targeted and he had a couple of good games last year with C.J. Beathard at the helm, but a budding potential TE1 is now relegated to spot duty moving forward.
As bad as the Chargers have been against the pass this year, they’ve been surprisingly effective against tight ends, allowing only nine catches and 87 yards to the position so far this season. Only the Jets and the Titans have done a better job containing opposing tight ends so far. Kittle should remain the primary starter for the 49ers, but with Garoppolo out and Derwin James likely shadowing him for some of the game, it’s dangerous to trust him this week.
Week 3 at Kansas City Chiefs
George Kittle followed up a strong Week 1 performance with only two catches and 22 yards last week against the Lions. He was targeted four times, however, and he remains one of the best options in the 49ers passing game.
This week, Kittle has tremendous upside against a Chiefs defense that was shredded by Steelers tight end Jesse James last week for 138 yards and a touchdown. Expect a shootout and for Kittle to benefit from a pass-heavy affair. Start him.
Week 2 vs. Detroit Lions
George Kittle had a nice game against the Vikings last week, catching 5-of-9 passes thrown his way for 90 yards. He was clearly quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s favorite target. It was nice to see a popular preseason sleeper pick show up big in his first game of the season.
This week, Kittle faces a Lions defense that held the tight end position to only four catches and 34 yards last week, but the Jets don’t have anyone nearly as talented as Kittle. The Lions were very average against the tight end last year, allowing 11.3 fantasy points per game to the position, so Kittle should have room to work this week. We have him as a clear starter this week in all league formats, just a notch below the usual elite players.
Week 1 at Minnesota Vikings
George Kittle was productive as a rookie, finishing second on the team with 515 receiving yards. He only scored two touchdowns, but looked like a future stud at the position at times. Kittle maintained his production when Jimmy Garoppolo took over at quarterback. Now with a full offseason under his belt, he’s a prime breakout candidate.
This week may not be the best week to count on him, however. While we still have him ranked as a fringe-starter, just outside the top 10, he’ll be facing a Vikings defense that allowed the fewest amount of fantasy points to the tight end position in the league last year. If possible, fantasy owners should try to find someone with a better matchup to start the season.
Fantasy Upside
As Bleacher Report recently noted, considering he was a fifth-round pick, Kittle had an impressive rookie season. Coming out of Iowa, Kittle was an athletic marvel who played with an edge in the running and passing games. His athleticism translated to the NFL, as he made plays weekly in the passing game. He was further along as a receiver than many expected, and he quickly became the 49ers' best tight end in the passing game.
Fantasy Downside
But sustained production was an issue. In fact, as ESPN's Mike Clay pointed out, Kittle was on the field for 77 percent of the team's snaps, ran a route on 73 percent of the team's pass plays, and handled a 13 percent target share during Weeks 1-6 last season. Those marks fell to 44 percent, 46 percent, and 10 percent during his final nine games. Clay added: "While Kittle was fantasy's No. 10 tight end during Jimmy Garoppolo's five starts to wind down the season, the drastic dip in usage should certainly be viewed as a red flag."
2018 Bottom Line
The presence of veteran Garrett Celek could be a limiting factor again this season, but the fact that Kittle finally clicked with Garoppolo for 100 yards in the season finale was promising. It's also something you're going to have to pay for—as in a high-end TE2 price.
