Atlantas Tight End Conundrum

Kyle Pitts Fantasy Football Projections: A Run-Friendly Offense's Impact

Atlanta's Tight End Conundrum

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts burst onto the scene in 2021, showcasing his athleticism and potential in his rookie season. However, fantasy football managers were left disappointed by his production, as he failed to live up to expectations. In 2023, Pitts faces a new challenge in an offense that appears to prioritize the running game.

Scheme and Personnel Concerns

Coach Arthur Smith's run-heavy schemes have raised concerns about Pitts' involvement in the passing game. The Falcons have a strong backfield with Cordarrelle Patterson, Tyler Allgeier, and Caleb Huntley, all of whom excel at rushing the ball. This could limit the team's reliance on the passing game and, by extension, Pitts' targets. Furthermore, the Falcons have added pass-catching running back Damien Williams to their roster, who could potentially siphon away targets from Pitts in the slot. With Russell Gage and Olamide Zaccheaus also competing for targets, Pitts' usage in Smith's offense remains uncertain.

Projection for 2023

Despite the concerns, Pitts' talent and athleticism cannot be overlooked. He remains one of the top young tight ends in the NFL, and his upside is undeniable. However, fantasy managers should temper their expectations in 2023. Projections for Pitts' fantasy stats vary, but most experts believe he will have a solid season. FantasyPros projects Pitts to finish with 68 receptions for 796 yards and 6 touchdowns. This would be a significant improvement from his rookie year, but still below the expectations many had for him.

Conclusion

Kyle Pitts' fantasy projections for 2023 are a mixed bag. His talent and potential are undeniable, but the Falcons' run-heavy offense and the addition of Damien Williams raise concerns about his involvement in the passing game. Fantasy managers should still target Pitts in the middle rounds of their drafts, but they should be aware of the potential limitations in his production.