Mark Andrews, the veteran tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, is gearing up for his ninth season in the NFL. However, his fantasy football stock has taken a significant hit since last summer, raising questions about whether he should be a target for fantasy managers in 2026.
Currently, Andrews has an average draft position (ADP) of 123.6, placing him as the 15th ranked tight end according to consensus analysis. With a projection of approximately 9.55 fantasy points per game, many are left wondering if investing in Andrews is worth the risk.
Last season was particularly challenging for Andrews, who finished as the 23rd ranked tight end, averaging a career-low of just 8.8 yards per reception. Despite playing all 17 games, he managed only 422 receiving yards. His performance has been heavily reliant on touchdowns; in 2024, he scored 11 times but still averaged only 11.1 fantasy points per game, with a staggering 35% of his fantasy production coming from touchdowns alone. The regression was evident last year, despite his availability throughout the season.
On the upside, the departure of fellow tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar could open the door for Andrews to reclaim a more prominent role in the Ravens' passing game. With Zay Flowers likely being the primary target, Andrews could find himself as the second option, especially if quarterback Lamar Jackson increases his passing attempts from an average of 23 per game last season to his career average of 27-28. An uptick in volume could enhance Andrews' fantasy appeal, but only if he can capitalize on the opportunities.
However, concerns about Andrews' performance have surfaced during training camp, where reports indicate he has struggled to create separation and has been prone to dropping passes. At over 30 years old, there are fears that Andrews may not be able to return to his previous elite form, and some analysts believe he could be on the verge of exiting the league if he cannot turn things around.
Adding to the uncertainty is the emergence of rookie tight end Matt Hibner, who has reportedly impressed during the preseason and training camp. There is speculation that Hibner could surpass Andrews as the top tight end for the Ravens by the season's end, further complicating Andrews' fantasy outlook.
Given these factors, many fantasy managers may want to consider fading Andrews in their drafts. Even those who opt to wait on tight ends could find younger players with higher upside or explore streaming options that may yield better results throughout the season. The consensus is clear: Mark Andrews may not be the reliable fantasy asset he once was.
As the season approaches, Andrews finds himself ranked as a low-end starter for Week 1, particularly against a Colts defense that allowed the third-most red-zone trips last season. While there may be a glimmer of hope for a touchdown-heavy role, the overall trend of his target-earning metrics is concerning. Fantasy managers should tread carefully, as any early success could lead to opportunities to sell high on Andrews if he produces a strong opening week.
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