Tight ends about to have a day in fantasy football

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 24, 2026

National Tight Ends Day, started by 49ers teammates in 2018, has become a key event in the NFL that fantasy football managers use to gain an edge by strategically starting multiple tight ends. Notable players like Travis Kelce, Dallas Goedert, and Mark Andrews have historically excelled on this day, with experts highlighting several tight ends with favorable matchups to target in upcoming games.

National Tight Ends Day, which began as an informal celebration between San Francisco 49ers teammates George Kittle and Jimmy Garoppolo in 2018, has grown into a notable event across the NFL, drawing increased attention from fantasy football players. Since its inception, the day has evolved into a strategic opportunity for fantasy managers looking to maximize their lineups.

As the holiday gains popularity, analysts suggest that including a second tight end in the flex position can offer a significant advantage. Historically, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs has dominated on this occasion, recording 10 touchdowns, 121 receptions, and 1,521 receiving yards during National Tight Ends Day matchups—leading all players in touchdowns on the holiday.

Close behind Kelce are Dallas Goedert of the Philadelphia Eagles and Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens, each with seven touchdowns during these games. Goedert is set to face a Dallas Cowboys defense that has shown vulnerabilities, while Andrews will take on a Cincinnati Bengals unit that has traditionally struggled to contain tight ends.

Recent performances on National Tight Ends Day highlight emerging talents as well. Last season, Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers delivered a standout performance with seven catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns against the Detroit Lions. The Lions rank near the bottom of the league in defensive value over average (DVOA) against tight ends and allow more than 100 receiving yards per game to the position.

In 2024, Kyle Pitts Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons recorded two touchdowns along with four receptions and 91 yards on this day. Despite facing a strong San Francisco 49ers defense, Pitts benefits from the Falcons’ increased focus on red-zone passing, positioning him as a promising option.

Other tight ends with favorable matchups this week include A.J. Barner of the Seattle Seahawks, Kenyan Sadiq of the New York Jets (pending his health status), Cade Otton of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Evan Engram of the Denver Broncos. Fantasy analysts recommend considering these players for the flex position to capitalize on advantageous matchups.

As National Tight Ends Day gains momentum within the NFL and fantasy football communities alike, managers are increasingly encouraged to leverage the tight end position to gain a competitive edge in their weekly lineups.

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