Travis Kelce

The verdict is in on the NFL’s top 10 tight ends. ESPN surveyed NFL coaches, executives, and scouts to get a ranking on the best tight ends in the league. After a superb 2024 rookie campaign, Brock Bowers takes the No.1 spot. 

Bowers had 112 receptions on 153 targets in 17 games played and was the TE1 in fantasy. Bowers surupasses George Kittle who is an originator of Tight End University. Travis Kelce falls from the top spot down to 5 as he enters his age 35 season. 

A very interesting wrinkle to the rankings are both Ravens tight ends Mark Andrews (6th) and Isaiah Likely (8th) making the list. This respect around the league for Likely shows how strong a tight end room the Ravens have. There has been growing pressure on Andrews to be traded and fantasy gamers wishcasting Likely to the top of the Ravens depth chart. 

While this survey is mere opinion, it gives incredible insight to how each player at the position is viewed. Fantasy rankings are rampant and this survey is unique in that it peels back the curtain on how the NFL’s decision makers think as far as player evaluation. 

Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)

Travis Kelce has confirmed he’ll return for the 2025 NFL season, putting retirement rumors to rest after Kansas City’s Super Bowl LIX appearance.  The 35-year-old tight end enters his 13th year leaner and motivated, having reportedly dropped 25 pounds to preserve longevity.  Head coach Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes both indicated Kelce is “locked in” for another title run.

From a fantasy standpoint, Kelce remains a top-tier tight end despite showing signs of decline.  He finished as TE5 in PPR last year having 97 receptions, 823 yards, but only 3 touchdowns, but his efficiency dipped across the board, career lows in yards per reception (8.5) and yards per route run (1.49).  For the 2025 season he will remain to finish as a TE1 for the 12th straight season.

Author:  Jake Lewis (@Lewylewis5)

On the surface, the Chiefs appear to have enough weapons for Patrick Mahomes. A more forensic look will identify just how tenuous their skill position players are heading into the 2025 season.

Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce is another year older and rising star Rashee Rice is coming off injury and potentially starting the season with a suspension. While Xavier Worthy came on late last season, it is easy to see how an injury or two could derail the Chiefs offense in 2025. This doesn’t even include the backfield which only added 7th round rookie Brashard Smith. 

The Chiefs sneakily added wide receiver Jalen Royals from Utah State in the 4th round of the NFL Draft. Royals has a versatile skill set that has the Chiefs envisioning a duplicate role to Rashee Rice, particularly in the ability to generate yards after the catch. Should Rice get suspended, the Chiefs believe Royals can make an immediate impact. 

Jalen Royals is 6’0’’ and 205 pounds and can run a 4.42 40-yard dash. In the FastDraft Origins Gamma tournament, Royals ADP is currently a 3rd round pick at 28 overall. Over on Underdog, Royals can be had at pick 200 in round 17. It is a great time to click on Jalen Royals in both formats before any bearish news presents itself for Rashee Rice or other Chiefs skill position players.

Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)

The Kansas City Chiefs add to their wide receiver core as they select Jalen Royals from Utah State. The shift wide receiver will offer versatility that is needed in the Chiefs offense. 

The Chiefs have been trying to replace the loss of Tyreek Hill for a few years now and have had differing results. Rashee Rice looked to be the next WR1 in Kansas City, but he was hurt for the season in week 4 and has a looming suspension into 2025. Xavier Worthy showed some flashes late in the season, but any injury or suspension would show to the lack of depth the Chiefs have. 

With an aging Travis Kelce, adding Jalen Royals will help give Patrick Mahomes another much needed weapon. Royals looks to be a better best ball pick versus redraft as it will be difficult to know when to start Royals.

Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)

Looks like Travis Kelce is playing in 2025, and while he’s coming off a productive 2024 season with 97 catches for 823 yards, his role in fantasy football is evolving. At 35 years old, Kelce’s connection with Patrick Mahomes remains strong, but the rise of younger tight ends like Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer, and Sam LaPorta has slightly lowered his ceiling. The Chiefs are expected to take a more cautious approach with Kelce in the regular season, managing his workload to ensure he’s ready for a playoff push. This strategy could limit his consistency for fantasy owners, but Kelce’s ability to deliver in key moments makes him a crucial piece of the Chiefs’ offense when it matters most.

For fantasy gamers, Kelce still remains a top 7 tight end with top 5 upside, especially in red-zone situations where he continues to excel. While younger tight ends are emerging, Kelce’s established role in a high-powered offense keeps him valuable. As the 2025 season progresses, and Kelce is ramped up for the playoffs, his value could rise down the stretch. If you can get him at a discounted price, he’s still a decent floor, high-ceiling option capable of delivering big performances when it counts the most.

Author : Mike Lindberg (@FFCanuck99)