Heath Cummings just dropped his 2026 Fantasy Football TE tiers, and if you haven’t seen them yet, buckle up because the top is a shocker. Colston Loveland, yes, that Colston Loveland, is not just in Tier 1, he’s projected to outscore Trey McBride this season. If that doesn’t make you do a double-take, you haven’t been paying attention.
Loveland’s Monster Numbers Changed Everything at the Top
Why is Loveland already sitting pretty in Tier 1 alongside Brock Bowers and Trey McBride? The dude absolutely exploded last year. From Week 9 through Week 18, he averaged a ridiculous 14.2 PPR Fantasy points per game. But wait, it gets even crazier. In his two playoff games, Loveland went nuclear, putting up an astounding 18.6 PPR FPPG. Those aren’t just good numbers, those are league-winner numbers, and Cummings’ projections have him scoring between 13.7 and 14.6 PPR FPPG, expecting one of the Tier 1 guys to smash those by a full point.
On the flip side, Trey McBride, who many thought was a lock for the top, is projected to see some regression. We’re talking about a dip in both target volume and touchdowns. That’s a huge flag, especially when you’re drafting at the very top of the position. This “youth movement” at tight end is real, and it’s making some established guys look shaky in comparison.
The Mid-Tier Shuffle: LaPorta, Pitts, and Kraft’s Big Questions
Moving down the list, Tier 2 is all about Sam LaPorta and Kyle Pitts, both projected for a solid 13.5 PPR FPPG. Cummings admits he was a “coward” before, putting Tyler Warren in this tier. But with the Keenan Allen acquisition and a groin tweak for Warren, the courage appeared to say what he thought all along: LaPorta and Pitts will outscore Warren by at least a point per game. These guys are serious talents, and they’re getting a huge boost from new tight-end-friendly offensive coordinators who historically throw over 25% of their team’s passes to tight ends. It’s no wonder LaPorta’s rookie year outshone Warren’s, and Pitts was better than Warren last year. If you can snag either of them in Round 7 or later, when they’re worth a Round 5 pick, that’s a steal right there.
Tier 3 brings us Tyler Warren and Tucker Kraft, both projected around 12.5 PPR FPPG. Warren could see a nice improvement in Year 2, but Kraft is projected for a step back. Kraft is coming off a torn ACL last year and expects to play Week 1. That’s good news, but playing and being “himself” are two different things. He was a massive outlier last season, averaging 9.1 yards after catch per reception, which really masked his lower target volume. Can he replicate that YAC explosion in his first year back from a major injury? If he does, then Cummings says he’s way too low on him. It’s a huge question mark that could swing an entire fantasy season.
Who To Target in Your Upcoming Drafts?
This early look at the 2026 tight end landscape makes it clear: the position is deeper than we thought, but also full of fascinating storylines. If Loveland keeps up that playoff pace, he’s going to be a fantasy monster. Keep a close eye on LaPorta and Pitts as potential mid-round values, especially with their new offensive schemes. And for those looking at Kraft, be ready for a high-risk, high-reward situation. This isn’t just about who scores points; it’s about betting on health, coaching changes, and breakout potential to dominate your fantasy league this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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