As we close in toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move, with key events like free agency continuing to roll on and the 2023 NFL Draft still to come. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty fantasy football value of TE George Kittle.
George Kittle’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
Consider yourself lucky if you have a tight end inside the top three tiers. That group consists of Travis Kelce, Kyle Pitts, Mark Andrews, Dallas Goedert, T.J. Hockenson, and George Kittle. Otherwise, you’re likely struggling to put up league-average numbers from your tight end position.
That’s why someone like George Kittle is so valuable. But at the same time, his 2022 season started slowly. Kittle missed the first two weeks due to a groin injury and was slow getting back to full speed when he returned to the field, as was the 49ers’ entire offense following the loss of Trey Lance. Yet, after TE20, TE37, and TE20 finishes in Weeks 3 through 5, Kittle was electric for the rest of the season.
MORE: Dynasty Rankings 2023 — Top Fantasy Options at Tight End
Between Weeks 6 through 18, Kittle finished as a TE1 in seven of his 11 games (TE2 overall), averaging 4.1 receptions on 5.9 targets for 55.5 yards and 0.9 touchdowns per game with 15.1 PPR points. Not only did Kittle find the end zone 11 times during this stretch, but between Weeks 15 through 18 with Brock Purdy, Kittle scored a whopping seven touchdowns in four games with three finishes as the TE2 or TE1.
Kittle is the best all-around tight end in the NFL and has finished as the TE4 or higher in fantasy in four of the last five years. The only exception was the 2020 season, where he played in just eight games. That level of consistency makes Kittle one of the most valuable players not only at his position but across fantasy football as a whole.
George Kittle’s Dynasty Fantasy Ranking
Kittle is my TE5 for dynasty in PPR formats, in the same tier as Hockenson and Goedert and just ahead of the next group (Pat Freiermuth, Evan Engram, and Michael Mayer, the TE1 of this upcoming rookie class). When looking at Superflex formats where QBs see an increase in value due to positional scarcity, Kittle is the No. 60 overall ranked player.
Finishing second in points per game at 13.4 PPR, unless you are trading within or around the same tier of the position, it’s unlikely you find a suitable replacement given the tight end landscape. However, I have no issue using Kittle as a critical piece in a trade if you want to acquire someone like Andrews or take a shot on Pitts, who massively underwhelmed last year yet remains immensely talented.
At 29 years old and with a noted risk of injury (Kittle has never played a complete season), there is certainly a window of opportunity here to cash in on Kittle’s electric end of the season while maintaining an advantage over other managers in your dynasty leagues for years to come. My concern is you better have a plan in motion to fill that void left in your roster, as finding comparable production is not easy.
If you trade Kittle or any of the top-ranked TEs, draft one of Mayer, Darnell Washington, or Dalton Kincaid in upcoming rookie drafts. TE is one of the strengths of this class, and these three have TE1 upside.