Chiefs TE Travis Kelce ($7,100) and 49ers TE George Kittle ($5,800) are the top two options at tight end for this weekend’s two-game Conference Championship slate on DraftKings. By average DraftKings fantasy points (DKFP) per game, Kelce was a little more productive during the regular season, averaging 18 DKFP per game, compared to Kittle’s 16 DKFP per game.
Kelce is coming off an explosive 44 DKFP outing after catching 10-of-12 targets for 134 yards and three touchdowns in the Chiefs’ first postseason game last week. Kittle is coming off a quiet 4.6 DKFP outing in the 49ers’ first postseason game last week and is also dealing with an ankle injury, although it is not expected to keep him out of the game this weekend.
Fantasy football analysis: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce vs. 49ers TE George Kittle
The Chiefs’ game is expected to be higher scoring than the 49ers’ game, as DraftKings Sportsbook has given Titans-Chiefs a total points of 52.5, compared to 46.5 for Packers-49ers. Kelce’s fantasy ceiling is much greater as a key component of a Chiefs offense that can look unstoppable at times, which was in full display last week as the Chiefs bombarded Houston for 51 points over the final three quarters of the game, with Kelce logging three TDs and 10 catches. The 49ers prefer to run the ball rather than pass, as San Francisco led the NFC in rushing attempts and attempted about 100 less passes than the Chiefs did during the regular season. Passing volume is likely to be greater for the Chiefs’ offense, where Chiefs players can get more opportunities to score fantasy points on catches and possible touchdowns.
These factors, combined with Kittle’s ankle injury, make Kelce the more appealing play on DraftKings this weekend. However, Kittle’s ankle injury could knock his ownership rate down a little in tournaments, and fantasy owners can take advantage of $1,300 in salary relief to spend elsewhere. It’s possible Kittle could end up being more productive on a point-per-dollar basis if healthy, although Kelce’s tremendous upside is difficult to not have exposure to.
DraftKings DFS Recommendation
Start Travis Kelce on DraftKings
Consider George Kittle in DraftKings tournaments
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