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Is George Kittle a Top 20 Pick in Fantasy Football?

Kittle is a top-two tight end in the NFL, but fantasy football is different.
Is George Kittle a Top 20 Pick in Fantasy Football?
Is George Kittle a Top 20 Pick in Fantasy Football?

George Kittle is regarded as a top-two tight end following Travis Kelce, if not the best at his position. The crazy part is that it only took Kittle three seasons to establish himself as a premier talent.

From his stellar skills as a receiver to his monstrous aggression as a blocker, these traits are what make him such a touted player. 

Now that Kittle has become a household name, how will that impact his fantasy-football stock? He is the 49ers' best offensive weapon and a superb talent, and the combination makes him a coveted player in fantasy. 

Plus, he will be fueled by rage in 2020 after losing Super Bowl LIV. That alone could entice participants to draft him high.

So is Kittle a top 20 pick in fantasy football?

Even though his talent is acknowledged across the football world, Kittle is not a top 20 pick in fantasy football. Running backs and high-volume wide receivers are generally the consensus picks in the top 20, especially in PPR leagues (points per reception).

He may be a top-two tight end in the league, but Kittle is not a top-two tight end in fantasy football. What hurts Kittle is the fact that he is such a phenomenal blocker. That means as much as he is valued as a receiver, the 49ers will not use him constantly as one. 

It isn't Kyle Shanahan's M.O. to just force-feed one player consistently no matter how dominant he is. If Kittle's main strength was his ability to play as a receiver, then by all means he is someone to consider early in your fantasy football drafts. 

But Travis Kelce is the best tight end when it comes to fantasy. His main strength is as a receiver and he has the best in the game in Patrick Mahomes throwing to him. Taking Kelce early just makes too much sense, whereas you can't invest so early in Kittle because of his value as a blocker.

The 49ers are lucky to have Kittle in their ranks, but when it comes to fantasy football there shouldn't be a feeling of luck. Maybe comfortable or even satisfied because he is still a sweet pick in fantasy. But he isn't among the top 20. 


Published
Jose Luis Sanchez III
JOSE LUIS SANCHEZ III

Jose Luis Sanchez III has covered the San Francisco 49ers daily for FanNation since 2019. He started off as the lead publisher for FanNation's All49ers, then switched positions to become the Deputy Editor in 2020. Sanchez writes, edits, and produces videos daily for All49ers. He also co-hosts a show on YouTube with All49ers lead publisher Grant Cohn weekly. Prior to FanNation, Sanchez started his writing career back in 2016 for the school newspaper at Skyline college where he covered all sports team in the Bay Area. Following that from 2017 to 2019, he found a role as a contributor for FanSided's news desk along with their site's Just Blog Baby covering the Las Vegas Raiders and Golden Gate Sports every professional Bay Area sports team. Atop all of that, he was able to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies at San Francisco State University in 2020. Sanchez is committed to ensuring he delivers transparent analysis and straightforward opinions that resonates with readers to get them thinking.

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