Travis Kelce’s fantasy football value warrants an early-round pick

As we draw closer to the 2021 NFL season, fantasy managers are troubled by the same age-old questions. What round should I draft a quarterback? Which running back offers the best value? When should I draft a defense? Despite these questions, one fact remains the same: Travis Kelce is the most valuable tight end in fantasy football, and it’s not even close.

Aside from being ranked the league’s best tight end according to PFF, Kelce is also once again projected to be the number one fantasy football tight end heading into the upcoming season. Having just broken the record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season, this should come as no surprise. Moreover, a look at Kelce’s fantasy football results over the past several seasons only strengthens the case for using a first-round pick on this six-time Pro Bowler.

Travis Kelce is the most dependable fantasy football tight end.

Stretching all the way back to the 2016 season, Kelce finished first among all tight ends every year, aside from 2017 in which he placed second only behind Rob Gronkowski. Over this stretch, Kelce has been utterly dominant. He has proven game after game that he is too fast and agile for linebackers, while simultaneously being too big for safeties and corners to effectively cover him one-on-one.

In addition to his natural gifts Kelce’s route running is a work of art. His ability to break out of routes to create separation, as well as possessing exemplary vision allows him to find the holes in zone defenses as well as anyone in the league.

In addition, it certainly doesn’t hurt to be Patrick Mahomes’ favorite target. Kelce has been targeted more than any other Chiefs pass catcher, including Tyreek Hill, cementing “Zeus” as a model of consistency in the Chiefs’ passing attack. Kelce’s knack for shaking off defenders and making big time catches has allowed him to act as a safety blanket for the NFL’s best quarterback. The fortunate byproduct of this dynamic duo has yielded nothing but success for fantasy managers fortunate enough to draft him.

When it comes to drafting a tight end in fantasy football leagues, veteran fantasy mangers know that there are only two tiers: Travis Kelce, and everyone else. Kelce is currently ranked as the 15th most valuable player heading into the 2021 fantasy football season, the highest among all tight ends.  After Kelce is off the board there is a steep drop off in terms of talent and target opportunities, which ultimately translates to overall fantasy value.

Fantasy managers are often hesitant to spend an early-round pick on a tight end. However, with Travis Kelce being the undeniable G.O.A.T. at his position, the inherent risk is well worth it. Kelce is the only tight end in fantasy leagues that has offered consistent numbers nearly every week for the last half decade. There is no indication of him slowing down this year, making Kelce well worth an early-round pick this fantasy football season.