Heath Cummings’ 2026 Fantasy Football TE Tiers 2.0: A Closer Look

In the realm of fantasy football, the tight end position has seen a significant shift in the past few years. With the emergence of new talent and the evolution of team strategies, the TE landscape has become increasingly complex. Heath Cummings, a renowned fantasy football expert, has recently updated his 2026 fantasy football TE tiers, taking into account the latest developments and player projections.

Tier 1: The Elite Group

Cummings’ top tier consists of tight ends who are expected to score between 13.7 and 14.6 PPR FPPG. This group includes players like Colston Loveland, who averaged 14.2 PPR Fantasy points per game from Week 9 through Week 18 last year. Loveland’s impressive performance in the playoffs, where he averaged 18.6 PPR FPPG, further solidifies his position in this tier. Other notable players in this group include Sam LaPorta and Kyle Pitts, who are projected to outscore Tyler Warren by at least a point per game.

LaPorta and Pitts are both expected to benefit from new tight-end-friendly offensive coordinators, which will undoubtedly give them a boost in their fantasy value. Their rookie seasons and last year’s performances have been impressive, and Cummings believes they have the potential to outscore Warren by a significant margin. While Warren is still a talented player, Cummings’ projections suggest that LaPorta and Pitts are the better choices in this tier.

Tier 2: The Next Level

The second tier consists of tight ends who are projected to score around 12.5 PPR FPPG. This group includes players like Tyler Warren and Tucker Kraft. Warren’s performance in his second year is expected to improve, while Kraft’s progress from his torn ACL last year has been impressive. However, Cummings is worried about Kraft matching his 9.1 yards after catch per reception in his first year off the ACL. If Kraft can replicate this performance, Cummings may be too low on him.

Cummings also mentions Isaiah Likely, who projects for 11.5 PPR FPPG. Likely’s talent as a pass catcher is undeniable, and his camp reports have been fantastic. However, his preseason snap share has looked similar to what it was in Baltimore, which raises concerns about his ability to produce top-12 numbers. Cummings believes Likely could be the breakout tight end this season, but he’s also aware of the risk of him getting stuck in the Dalton Kincaid part-time player trap.

Tier 3: The Upside Group

The third tier consists of tight ends who are projected to score around 10 FPPG but possess upside to score much more. This group includes players like Dalton Schultz, who projects slightly better than some of the guys in Tier 5 after Jayden Higgins tore his ACL. Cummings doesn’t see any of these players as true difference-makers at the position, but he believes they could still be solid options for fantasy teams.

Tier 4: The Bunch of Possibilities

The final tier consists of tight ends who are expected to score around 10 FPPG. This group includes players like Greg Dulcich, who is Cummings’ favorite in this tier. Dulcich assumes the Broncos won’t re-sign Jonnu Smith, which would give him a clear path to targets. Other notable players in this tier include T.J. Hockenson, Chigoziem Okonkwo, Pat Freiermuth, Cade Otton, Oronde Gadsden II, Michael Mayer, Darren Waller, and Terrance Ferguson.

Cummings sees a path for all these players to score 10 FPPG, but he believes some of them have more upside than others. Gadsden would be the most exciting player in this tier if the team didn’t seem to prefer David Njoku and Charlie Kolar right now. Ferguson could be the best tight end handcuff option in deeper leagues, and Mayer is also a bit of a handcuff, but with the Raiders’ lack of receiving options, Mayer could be a TE2 even with Brock Bowers healthy.

In conclusion, Cummings’ 2026 fantasy football TE tiers 2.0 provide a comprehensive look at the tight end position. While some players are expected to excel, others may struggle to meet expectations. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each player, fantasy teams can make informed decisions and potentially secure a winning edge.