George Kittle is the top tight end in the league, with a PFF receiving grade of 92.4 and a run-blocking grade of 70.8, showcasing his well-rounded skills. Trey McBride followed him closely, catching 111 passes for 1,146 yards but struggled with touchdowns, only scoring once through the air until Week 17. Brock Bowers of the Raiders had an impressive rookie season, setting a rookie tight end record with 1,194 receiving yards.

Mark Andrews rebounded from a slow start to lead in red-zone touchdowns, while Jonnu Smith found success in Miami, achieving personal bests across multiple categories. Austin Hooper remained a reliable option for the Patriots, while Isaiah Likely made the Ravens' tight end duo formidable. T.J. Hockenson and Sam LaPorta rounded out the top performances, both showing steady production despite injuries and team dynamics.

The NFL offseason has begun, highlighted by the Philadelphia Eagles' decisive victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. As the NFL Combine and Draft approach, player values are shifting, creating opportunities in dynasty leagues. Noteworthy buy-low candidates include Baltimore Ravens TE Isaiah Likely, who has the potential to excel if Mark Andrews' opportunities decline. Kenneth Walker of the Seattle Seahawks is also worth considering as the team pivots to a run-heavy philosophy under new coaching. On the sell-high front, James Cook from the Buffalo Bills is at risk of decreased usage as the team looks to bolster its roster. Similarly, Sam Darnold's success with the Vikings may not translate to his next destination.

Tight ends Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons and Isaiah Likely of the Baltimore Ravens are projected to be prominent TE1 candidates in the upcoming 2025 NFL season. Pitts faced adversities in 2024 due to a tight end-unfriendly offensive environment, but with the new starting quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., expectations are high for a bounce-back year. Likely, on the other hand, is eyeing a possible promotion to the starting role, especially with Mark Andrews' declining efficiency.

Both players are positioned in more favorable offensive setups, which enhances their potential value for fantasy managers. Pitts demonstrated elite receiving capabilities despite a lack of usage in play-action, and Likely's performance closely trails that of Andrews, indicating his readiness for a larger role.

As the postseason unfolds, five standout players are making a strong case for their value in fantasy leagues for the upcoming 2025 season. Ladd McConkey of the Los Angeles Chargers delivered a jaw-dropping performance with 197 receiving yards and a touchdown against Houston, showcasing his potential as a top-12 fantasy receiver. Washington Commanders’ Terry McLaurin capped off his season as the WR5, solidifying his position with 13 touchdowns and a noteworthy playoff run.

Meanwhile, rookie Jayden Daniels has emerged as a top quarterback prospect, thanks largely to his playoff exploits. Kansas City Chiefs’ Xavier Worthy is establishing himself as a key receiving threat, while Baltimore Ravens’ Isaiah Likely displayed elite receiving skills at tight end. Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy appears poised to take charge in 2025, especially with Sam Darnold's struggles in the playoffs.

The postseason analysis highlights the significant uptick in fantasy value for several NFL players following their playoff performances. Ladd McConkey, wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, had a breakout game against Houston, solidifying his position as a top receiving option for 2025. Meanwhile, Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders ended the season strong, finishing as a top-five fantasy receiver, accentuated by his playoff touchdowns.

Jayden Daniels, a rookie quarterback, and Xavier Worthy of the Kansas City Chiefs also shined in the playoffs, showcasing their potential as starters next season. Isaiah Likely, tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, demonstrated his capabilities as a reliable target. The piece ends with a look at J.J. McCarthy's rising status as the potential starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, following Sam Darnold's struggles.