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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts entered the season as one of the league’s top-projected tight ends following his breakout rookie performance. After 2 games, Pitts currently stands at TE36 in half-PPR formats, leaving some fantasy managers struggling to justify his early round draft price.
When addressing the tight end’s limited usage, head coach Arthur Smith stated, “It’s not fantasy football. We’re just trying to win.” Most of you probably read that and think, “Wrong. Everything is fantasy football. Fantasy football is life. And I’m losing sleep because I spent a fourth round draft pick on your tight end who has 6 points through 2 games.”
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Fortunately for Pitts owners, Atlanta’s strategy isn’t working for the 0-2 Falcons. The team will likely pivot to get Pitts more involved, with Smith also asserting “the ball will find him.” If Pitts’ production is testing your risk tolerance, is it time to hit the panic button?
What Has Kyle Pitts Done So Far?
Kyle Pitts accumulated just 38 yards on 4 receptions through two games. His 10 total targets represent a 17% target share of quarterback Marcus Mariota’s pass attempts. These numbers are concerning, but only wide receiver Drake London has a higher target share with 32%.
In 2021, at age 20, Pitts posted 1,026 yards to reach the second highest yardage total by a rookie tight end in NFL history. He averaged 6.5 targets and 4 receptions per game through 17 games. He saw double digit targets in just one game last season.
This season’s two game sample size is relatively insignificant from a season-long perspective. Assuming he inevitably outscores his one total touchdown from his entire rookie season, the gap should close on this year’s production disparity.
Is Kyle Pitts In A Position To Be Featured In the Falcons Offense?
The Atlanta offense isn’t exactly overflowing with receiving threats, but the Falcons are a dynamic team capable of attacking from all angles. Along with the young receiving corps, versatile running back Cordarrelle Patterson is likely to absorb a few catches. Mariota is also a capable contributor to the running game.
They have options and intend to use them. Pitts is often used in other capacities to open up these options. Pitts is clearly one of Atlanta’s strongest weapons, and he will have his opportunities as a playmaker.
The Falcons Play The Seattle Seahawks Week 3. How Have They Performed Against Opposing Tight Ends?
The Seahawks allowed 85 yards between two tight ends against the Broncos in week 1. This combined for 12 half-PPR fantasy points. San Francisco tight end Ross Dwelley put up 10.3 fantasy points in week 2, with most of these points coming from a touchdown on his only target.
So far this season, Seattle’s defense is allowing an average of 11.2 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, indicating potential for production from Kyle Pitts this week.
Should I Start Kyle Pitts In Fantasy Football Week 3 After A Slow Start?
While it feels warranted to bust out the torches and pitchforks, Kyle Pitts deserves another chance to prove his value. His talent in unquestionable and his upside is game-breaking. There’s a limited pool of consistent fantasy-relevant tight ends, and Pitts has elite potential.
As head coach Arthur Smith said this week, “he’s going to break out here again.” He’s not going to be on my fantasy bench when it happens.
