Walt· Aug 1, 2026
A WalterFootball ranking of tight ends 21-44 for 2026 fantasy football, with projected receptions, receiving yards and fantasy points for each player.
“These 2026 Fantasy Football Rankings will be updated often throughout the summer, so make sure you check back from time to time.”
published in writing · Walter Football · read the original →
74 checkable claims — 72 player season numbers, 1 fantasy ranking and 1 trade and signing call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 44 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
Of the 8 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands above the room on 5 and below it on 3.
Their call against the record
receiving yardsTheir call against what actually happened last time. Not yet settled.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
- Cade Otton
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Michael Mayer
- Las Vegas Raiders
- George Kittle
- San Francisco 49ers
- Oronde Gadsden II
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Isaiah Likely
- New York Giants
- Dalton Schultz
- Houston Texans
- Ja'Tavion Sanders
- Carolina Panthers
- Pat Freiermuth
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Theo Johnson
- Jake Tonges
- Darren Waller
- Miami Dolphins
- Dawson Knox
- Buffalo Bills
- Jonnu Smith
- Colby Parkinson
- Los Angeles Rams
- Kyle Pitts
- Atlanta Falcons
- Mason Taylor
- New York Jets
- Cole Kmet
- Chicago Bears
- Evan Engram
- Denver Broncos
- Terrance Ferguson
- Eli Stowers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Kenyon Sadiq
- Travis Kelce
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Dallas Goedert
- Mike Gesicki
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Elijah Arroyo
- Seattle Seahawks
74 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
Cade Otton to record 660 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 64 catches. 660 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Michael Mayer to record 420 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 43 catches. 420 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
George Kittle to record 49 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 49 catches. 570 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Oronde Gadsden II to record 54 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 54 catches. 680 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Michael Mayer to record 70 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Isaiah Likely to record 100 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 100.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Dalton Schultz to record 65 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 65 catches. 690 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Ja'Tavion Sanders to record 53 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 53.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Pat Freiermuth to record 58 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 58 catches. 630 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
George Kittle to record 97 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 97.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Theo Johnson to record 61 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 61.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jake Tonges to record 38 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 38 catches. 340 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Dalton Schultz to record 690 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 65 catches. 690 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Darren Waller to record 39 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 39 catches. 440 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Dawson Knox to record 99 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 99.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jonnu Smith to record 77 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 77.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Colby Parkinson to record 93 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 93.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Kyle Pitts to record 93 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 93.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Mason Taylor to record 79 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 79.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Dawson Knox to record 48 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 530 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Isaiah Likely to record 56 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 56 catches. 640 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Player Season NumbersCole KmetChicago BearsAug 1, 2026
Cole Kmet to record 35 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 35 catches. 370 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Kyle Pitts to record 50 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 50 catches. 630 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Evan Engram to record 54 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 54 catches. 520 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
George Kittle to record 570 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 49 catches. 570 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Player Season NumbersCole KmetChicago BearsAug 1, 2026
Cole Kmet to record 370 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 35 catches. 370 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Darren Waller to record 78 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 78.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jonnu Smith to record 490 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 490 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Dawson Knox to record 530 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 530 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Terrance Ferguson to record 103 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 103.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Eli Stowers to record 480 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 39 catches. 480 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Theo Johnson to record 430 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 36 catches. 430 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Ja'Tavion Sanders to record 410 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 41 catches. 410 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Oronde Gadsden II to record 680 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 54 catches. 680 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Kenyon Sadiq to record 62 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 62 catches. 690 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Mason Taylor to record 450 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 450 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Colby Parkinson to record 55 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 55 catches. 570 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Eli Stowers to record 39 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 39 catches. 480 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Travis Kelce to record 91 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 91.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Pat Freiermuth to record 630 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 58 catches. 630 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Cade Otton to record 96 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 96.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Pat Freiermuth to record 99 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 99.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Travis Kelce to record 610 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 60 catches. 610 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Trade and Signing CallsDallas GoedertAug 1, 2026
Dallas Goedert to move
“His stock will soar once Dallas Goedert leaves the team.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Colby Parkinson to record 570 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 55 catches. 570 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Evan Engram to record 520 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 54 catches. 520 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Isaiah Likely to record 640 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 56 catches. 640 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Kenyon Sadiq to record 105 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 105.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jake Tonges to record 84 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 84.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Michael Mayer to record 43 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 43 catches. 420 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Travis Kelce to record 60 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 60 catches. 610 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Darren Waller to record 440 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 39 catches. 440 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Dalton Schultz to record 105 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 105.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Mason Taylor to record 48 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 450 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jonnu Smith to record 48 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 490 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Mike Gesicki to record 50 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 50 catches. 510 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Oronde Gadsden II to record 104 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 104.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Cade Otton to record 64 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 64 catches. 660 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Kenyon Sadiq to record 690 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 62 catches. 690 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Mike Gesicki to record 510 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 50 catches. 510 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Ja'Tavion Sanders to record 41 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 41 catches. 410 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Theo Johnson to record 36 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 36 catches. 430 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jake Tonges to record 340 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 38 catches. 340 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Elijah Arroyo to record 57 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 57.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Elijah Arroyo to record 30 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 30 catches. 350 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Elijah Arroyo to record 350 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 30 catches. 350 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy RankingsAug 1, 2026
“2026 Fantasy Football Rankings - Tight Ends ... 21. Dalton Schultz ... 44. Cole Kmet, TE, Bears.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Evan Engram to record 64 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 64.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Kyle Pitts to record 630 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 50 catches. 630 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Terrance Ferguson to record 47 receptions
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 47 catches. 670 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Mike Gesicki to record 79 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 79.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Terrance Ferguson to record 670 receiving yards
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 47 catches. 670 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Eli Stowers to record 92 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 92.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Player Season NumbersCole KmetChicago BearsAug 1, 2026
Cole Kmet to record 49 fantasy points
“Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 49.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Chris SimmsScore Predictions · Kansas City ChiefsHit · 100Simms went through the entire Week 3 slate with straight-up winners and predicted final scores, taking Jacksonville, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Detroit, Houston, Carolina, Kansas City, Seattle, the Giants, Baltimore, New Orleans, Minnesota, San Francisco, Denver and Philadelphia. He also expected Zay Flowers and Puka Nacua to sit, Kyler Murray to play, and said Marvin Harrison Jr. projects as no better than a good No. 2 or high-end No. 3 receiver.
- Connor RogersGame Outcome Picks · New York GiantsHit · 100Rogers picked Detroit, Houston, Carolina, Kansas City, Seattle and the Giants to win their Week 3 games, saying the Chiefs win by two touchdowns and the Giants by a field goal.
- Chris LongGame Outcome Picks · Cincinnati BengalsMiss · 0Long liked the Rams over the Broncos on Sunday night even without Puka Nacua, and expected the Bills to beat the winless Chargers in Buffalo. He also backed the Bengals over the Steelers, expected an angry Detroit team to handle the Jets, and still thought both the Lions and Vikings could win the NFC North.
- Steven RuizGame Outcome Picks · Las Vegas RaidersHit · 100Previewing Week 3, Ruiz picked the Ravens to beat the Cowboys in Brazil, Jacksonville over New England in a low-scoring game, an upset by the Broncos over the Rams, the Raiders over the Saints, the Eagles over the Bears, the Lions over the Jets, and his Hail Mary that Houston beats Indianapolis by two touchdowns.
- Nate TiceGame Outcome Picks · Philadelphia EaglesMiss · 0Tice matched his guest on every Week 3 game, picking the Ravens over the Cowboys, the Jaguars over the Patriots in a close game, the Broncos to upset the Rams, the Raiders over the Saints, the Eagles over the Bears and the Lions over the Jets.
- Sam MonsonGame Outcome Picks · Seattle SeahawksMiss · 0Monson picked the Chargers to beat the Bills outright (jokingly crediting Buffalo's gray 'Nickel City' jerseys), took the Vikings to win outright in Tampa, and said Seattle would destroy Washington. He also reiterated his Super Bowl pick of Denver over the Rams, called the Dolphins destined for the No. 1 overall pick, and said the Saints are a worst-to-first candidate in the NFC South.
More player season numbers
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Ross JacksonPlayer Season Numbers · Tyler ShoughMiss · 4Jackson projects a big sophomore jump for Saints QB Tyler Shuck, laying out a Drake May-style stat line (17 starts, 72% completions, ~4,601 passing yards, 24 TDs, 9 INTs) or a Bo Nix-style consistency line (over 4,000 yards, over 20 TDs, ~10 INTs), and says either path means a playoff season for New Orleans in 2026.
- Chris BroussardPlayer Season Numbers · Lamar JacksonMiss · 0Broussard expects Lamar Jackson to play well but not vintage — two touchdown passes and no picks — while Derrick Henry carries the load with over 100 rushing yards. He also takes the Browns to upset the Bengals and believes Myles Garrett gets at least two sacks to break the single-season record.
- Nick WrightPlayer Season Numbers · Myles GarrettHit · 100Wright picks the Steelers to beat the Ravens outright in Pittsburgh, takes Seattle over San Francisco, and thinks the Browns lose to Cincinnati even as Myles Garrett gets the sack record.
- Nick WrightPlayer Season Numbers · Myles GarrettHit · 84Nick Wright says Myles Garrett is playing at an all-time level and might reach 25 sacks this season, and among his weekly picks he expects the Bears to beat the Steelers in an ugly low-margin home win and Seattle to win comfortably at Tennessee.
- Rich EisenPlayer Season Numbers · Micah ParsonsClose · 56Eisen made a series of picks: Micah Parsons will out-sack any two Cowboys combined (after initially leaning the other way), the NFC North is more likely to produce a Super Bowl team than the NFC East, Eagles wins will outnumber Cowboys losses, Bo Nix/Courtland Sutton will out-touchdown Cam Ward/Calvin Ridley, and Marvin Harrison Jr./James Conner will beat Kamara/Olave in yards and TDs. He also picked the AFC West order and said Deion Sanders is more likely than Bill Belichick to have a winning record.
- Daniel JeremiahPlayer Season Numbers · Jihaad CampbellMiss · 0Jeremiah walked through his mock draft 3.0, slotting Cam Ward first overall to Tennessee, Abdul Carter to Cleveland at two, Shedeur Sanders to the Giants at three and Travis Hunter to New England at four, plus roughly twenty other first-round pairings. He also called Matthew Golden the first receiver off the board, said Tyler Booker would climb back into the latter third of the first round, expected Kirk Cousins to be traded, thought Jaire Alexander's Packers days were numbered, and predicted Cam Robinson would start at left tackle in Houston.