Fantasy Football Today: Detailed Episode Summary Episode: Tight End Breakouts! Who Other Than the Elite Guys?
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host/Authors: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and the CBS Sports Fantasy Football Crew

Introduction to Tight End Breakouts

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Adam Aizer, alongside analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings, delve deep into the landscape of tight end prospects for the upcoming fantasy football season. The primary focus revolves around identifying potential breakout tight ends beyond the established elite, providing listeners with insightful analysis to gain a competitive edge in their leagues.

Primary Breakout Candidates: Brock Bowers and Trey McBride

The conversation kicks off with a thorough examination of Brock Bowers and Trey McBride as top candidates for breakout performances.

• Dave Richard emphasizes the importance of touchdowns for breakout status, stating, “[...] they get there by scoring touchdowns, you know, and replicating what they did a year ago” (04:27).

• Heath Cummings adds, “McBride was top three in red zone targets last year [...] he just has to convert them” (04:52).

Bowers is highlighted for his potential to surpass last year's performance, with projections suggesting he could achieve 17-18 fantasy points per game. The analysts discuss his improved target share and increased efficiency, especially with the quarterback and offensive coordinator upgrades in his team.

Trey McBride is similarly projected to maintain his high performance, needing just a slight increase in touchdowns to secure a breakout season. The team’s chemistry and offensive strategies are expected to favor his usage in the red zone, crucial for his fantasy value.

Additional Breakout Candidates: Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland, and Tucker Kraft

Beyond Bowers and McBride, the panel identifies Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland, and Tucker Kraft as promising tight ends poised for breakout seasons.

• Jamie Eisenberg notes the potential in Tucker Kraft, mentioning, “Craft has basically been George Kittle on even lower volume early in his career.” (16:54)

• Dave Richard supports the inclusion of Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland, citing their increased opportunities and improved team dynamics as key factors for their potential rise in fantasy rankings.

Colston Loveland is particularly emphasized for his role in a pass-efficient offense, with Heath Cummings stating, “If you're going to just throw two through two darts and see which one connects, like it might be worth it.” (22:43)

Ranking and ADP Considerations

The analysts discuss the Average Draft Position (ADP) and optimal rankings for these tight ends:

• Heath Cummings rates Bowers at 18 and Tucker Kraft as a high-value pick in later rounds, highlighting their potential to outperform their draft positions. He remarks, “Tucker Kraft is the one. He's my tight end. Eight and a fantastic value based on ADP.” (17:32)

• Dave Richard and Jamie Eisenberg compare their rankings, with Dave placing McBride around 20-23 and Jamie also valuing him similarly, ensuring listeners understand the competitive balance in drafting these players.

Strategic Drafting in Different League Formats

The discussion extends to strategic considerations based on league formats:

• Heath Cummings advises on drafting strategies for two tight end leagues, suggesting that securing a top-tier tight end like Bowers or McBride early can be a game-changer. He states, “If you're in a two tight end league, a two receiver [...] it might be worth it.” (12:32)

• The panel emphasizes the scarcity of elite tight ends, making it advantageous to secure breakout candidates early to gain a positional advantage.

Comparisons to Established Tight Ends

George Kittle is discussed as a benchmark for evaluating breakout prospects:

• Dave Richard comments on Kittle's potential improvement, “I could see George Kittle being better than he was last year” (10:17), comparing his growth trajectory to that of Bowers and McBride.

• The analysts draw parallels between Kittle's performance and the projected success of the breakout candidates, underlining the impact of quarterback performance and team offensive strategies on tight end production.

Historical Context and Statistical Insights

The episode also delves into historical data to contextualize the breakout potential:

• Jamie Eisenberg highlights that only a handful of tight ends have achieved top-five PPR rankings with fewer than 90 targets over the past 14 seasons, setting a high bar for breakout candidates (17:57).

• Statistical analysis of target shares, catch rates, and touchdown conversions provides a quantitative basis for assessing each candidate's likelihood of exceeding expectations.

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

Wrapping up, the analysts offer final recommendations:

• Brock Bowers and Trey McBride remain the frontrunners for breakout tight ends, with specific strategies to maximize their fantasy potential.

• Tucker Kraft and Colston Loveland are identified as high-upside picks in the middle to later rounds, offering significant value relative to their ADP.

• Strategic drafting in various league formats is crucial, with an emphasis on securing elite or breakout tight ends early to establish a competitive edge.

Jamie Eisenberg concludes, “Got to be top two on your team and targets. Only had three tight ends in the last nine seasons finish in the top five at the position without being first or second on their team.” (21:24), reinforcing the importance of targeting high-volume tight ends for fantasy success.

Notable Quotes

• Dave Richard (04:27): “They get there by scoring touchdowns, you know, and replicating what they did a year ago.”

• Heath Cummings (04:52): “McBride was top three in red zone targets last year [...] he just has to convert them.”

• Heath Cummings (12:32): “If you're in a two tight end league, a two receiver [...] it might be worth it.”

• Jamie Eisenberg (17:57): “Only has six tight ends who have done it with fewer than 90 targets finished top five in the last 14 seasons.”

• Jamie Eisenberg (21:24): “Got to be top two on your team and targets.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Fantasy Football Today offers a comprehensive analysis of tight end breakout prospects, blending statistical insights with strategic drafting advice. By evaluating both established and emerging players, the panel equips fantasy managers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and enhance their chances of dominating their leagues.

For more expert fantasy football insights and strategies, stay tuned to Fantasy Football Today and join the conversation on social media using #AskFFT.