The TE landscape heading into 2026 fantasy football is more chaotic and more exciting than it has been in years, with new rookies blowing up and injuries changing the tight end position itself.
The position saw a massive shake‑up in 2025: young breakout stars surged into elite territory, several long‑trusted veterans slipped into decline, and unexpected names climbed into weekly relevance. With usage trends shifting, new quarterbacks emerging, and offensive identities evolving across the league, the board looks completely different from what fantasy managers were used to. These early Risers and Fallers highlight who’s gaining momentum, who’s losing steam, and how the position is being reshaped for the 2026 draft season.
Risers
1. Trey McBride – Cardinals
- Why He’s Rising: McBride didn’t just break out; he became the elite tight end in fantasy. His 27.5% target share led all tight ends, and he posted true WR1‑level volume.
- Key Stat or Trend: 169 targets, 126 catches, 1,239 yards, 11 TDs, 315.9 PPR points.
- Fantasy Impact: Locked into Round 2–3 in 2026 drafts.
- Upside Case: Could finish as the overall Top tight end once again with league‑winning volume.
2. Harold Fannin Jr. – Browns
- Why He’s Rising: Fannin delivered a legitimate breakout with top‑10 production despite inconsistent QB play. His athleticism and YAC ability translated immediately.
- Key Stat or Trend: 107 targets, 731 yards, 8 receiving TDs + 13 rushing yards and a rushing TD.
- Fantasy Impact: Climbing into the Round 7–9 range.
- Ceiling/Floor Notes: Ceiling: top‑5 tight end if usage grows. Floor: steady tight end 1 or 2 hybrid with weekly volume.
3. Tyler Warren – Colts
- Why He’s Rising: Warren emerged as one of the most efficient and heavily used red‑zone tight ends in football. His 20.9% target share was elite for the position.
- Key Stat or Trend: 112 targets, 817 yards, 10 TDs.
- Fantasy Impact: Moving into Round 8–10 territory.
- Ceiling/Floor Notes: Ceiling: double‑digit TDs again. Floor: mid‑tight end 1 if TDs regress.
Fallers
1. Mark Andrews – Ravens
- Why He’s Falling: Andrews’ efficiency and explosiveness dipped sharply, and he posted his lowest yardage in years. His role shrank as the offense diversified.
- Key Stat or Trend: 422 yards, 3 TDs, only 7.7 PPR points per game.
- Fantasy Impact: Sliding to Round 10–12.
- Risk Factors: Age curve, declining athleticism, reduced target share.
2. T.J. Hockenson – Vikings
- Why He’s Falling: Hockenson’s volume cratered, and he no longer provided the elite floor he was known for.
- Key Stat or Trend: 438 yards, 3 TDs, 7.5 PPR points per game.
- Fantasy Impact: Dropping to Round 11–13 as a tight end 2.
- Risk Factors: Post‑injury decline, reduced explosiveness, target competition.
3. Sam LaPorta – Lions
- Why He’s Falling: LaPorta missed significant time (only 9 games) and saw a major drop in usage compared to his rookie season.
- Key Stat or Trend: 49 targets, 40 catches, 489 yards, 6 TDs.
- Fantasy Impact: Falling to Round 7–9 instead of top‑3 tight end status.
- Risk Factors: Durability concerns, unclear 2026 role after a lost season.
Final Takeaways for TE
Most Overvalued:
Kyle Pitts Sr. — strong stats but still inconsistent for his ADP; 12.4 PPG isn’t elite for where he’ll be drafted.
Late‑Round Target:
Colston Loveland (Bears) — 713 yards, 10 TDs as a rookie tight end streamer with real breakout potential to be in the top 3 at the position.
High‑Risk, High‑Reward:
Brock Bowers (Raiders) — 14.7 PPG in only 12 games; elite upside but small sample size.
