George Kittle was a name that bounced around the conversation for TE1 not too long ago, and now he seems to have almost been forgotten about. He’s still a valuable piece of the 49ers offense, so what does his 2024 season look like from a fantasy football perspective?
2024 Fantasy Football Profile: George Kittle
2023 in Review
Kittle finished as the TE2 in standard leagues and finished as the TE5 in PPR leagues. Just like Evan Engram, it’s a top-5 finish no matter which way you look at it. He finished with just over 1,000 receiving yards last year which was the third-highest total of his career. His six touchdown receptions was also tied for the second-highest amount in his career.
He had 10 games last year where he finished with 50+ receiving yards and had 3+ receptions in 13 games in 2023. Kittle secretly had one of the better seasons for fantasy tight ends last year even if people are sweeping him under the rug.
The only area that’s a concern from Kittle’s 2023 season is 50% of his total touchdowns occurred in one game. He scored three touchdowns in the Week 5 matchup against the Cowboys. His other three touchdowns were scattered later in the season over three different weeks.
2024 Projection
If you’ve already drafted Kittle, you’re in luck. The 49ers tight end has the sixth-easiest schedule among tight ends for fantasy football this year. He’s in an offense where his target total should be very similar to what it was a year ago.
Most of the concern for Kittle centers around rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. However, Pearsall shouldn’t have an effect on Kittle. If Pearsall sees considerable targets, it means Brandon Aiyuk is no longer in San Francisco. Otherwise, it’ll be the same trio of pass-catching options in Kyle Shanahan’s offense (Kittle, Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel). Either way, Kittle’s 2024 stats should look very similar to what he produced last year.
George Kittle Fantasy Football ADP
Kittle’s ADP currently sits at 61 with a range of 49-100. He’s not a player you will see being taken in the Top-50 much anymore simply based on the tight end landscape. The emergence of Sam LaPorta and Trey McBride have pushed him down the list. That’s not to say Kittle can’t perform at their level because he certainly can.
A perfectly layered throw from Brock Purdy to George Kittle. Sheesh 🎯 pic.twitter.com/1bHOYJAvvP
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) August 24, 2024
Getting him at 61 is great value for a tight end who can produce with the best of the best. Kittle’s expectations have dropped for some reason even though his play has never regressed. Players like this are ones you want to scoop up as a sleeper to remind everyone of the great value you got. He’s a prime example of why it’s smart to wait for a tight end.
Kittle comes in as the TE7 in the latest rankings here, but he certainly could have landed in the first tier. Waiting on Kittle is a championship-winning move over grabbing someone earlier in the draft. He presents great value going into the 2024 season and will continue to do so.
Main Photo Courtesy of Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA Today Sports
