Welcome to Week 8 of the 2025 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.
This week's roundtable features these four topics:
Let's roll...
Matt Waldman: Pick one topic and explain why the statement is true or false.
- Oronde Gadsden is an every-week fantasy starter moving forward in 2025.
- Tyler Warren is the next George Kittle in fantasy and reality.
- Dallas Goedert will experience a regression in production moving forward.
What's your choice?
Mike Kashuba: False for Tyler Warren, and that's a good thing. In real life, Kittle's blocking is so dominant it can actually hinder his fantasy output. It's early in Warren's career, but per PFF, he's in on pass protection duties on 5.9 percent of pass plays.
George Kittle almost doubles that at 11 percent of the 49ers' pass plays. Kittle has multiple seasons where he wasn't running as many routes because he was over 13 percent.
Warren is value added as a blocker, but Kittle is a different monster entirely. That has made his usage a bit frustrating. Warren isn't there yet in real life, and it's allowing him to be more involved as a receiver and command more targets as a result. He's the top dog in this offense, and looks like he will be for years to come.
Andy Hicks: I'll say "true" for Tyler Warren, who is this year's hot rookie ticket to fantasy success. Following Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers over the last two seasons, they have all blown apart the stereotype of rookie tight ends needing time to be fantasy stars.
On the field, Warren is posting remarkably consistent numbers on a surprising Colts team that is playing well in every facet. With touchdowns in his last three games and good for 4-6 receptions and around 60-70 yards a game, he is high floor every week.
Kittle is 10 years older, but still a crucial part of the 49ers offense. Most recent performance notwithstanding. Warren will do well to have a career of similar quality.
Colton Dodgson: Tyler Warren is the next George Kittle in fantasy and reality -- true.
I like what I've seen from Oronde Gadsden. I won't argue with anyone who leans his way with this question. I'm going with the slightly larger sample.
The Colts' offense is operating as one of the most efficient groups in the league through seven weeks. Shane Steichen has constructed an offensive system around Daniel Jones, and they're rolling. Not dissimilar to the boulder at the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Tyler Warren's versatility is a big reason why. If we're focusing on George Kittle as the comparison, versatility is the key. Kittle is regarded by many as the league's most complete tight end.
He's an effective blocker, a dangerous receiver, and when he's on the field, he makes life significantly easier for Kyle Shanahan. Warren has checked those boxes through his first seven career games.
Warren leads all tight ends in yards after the catch with 264 entering Week 8. His 1.9 fantasy points per target and 0.5 fantasy points per route are the highest average totals among tight ends with at least 40 targets. He's logged 9 targets in the red zone, 19 quick targets, and 12 targets of 10 or more air yards.
In just about any situation, Warren's been a priority target for Daniel Jones. That usage has translated to 12.1 Half-PPR points per game, the third-highest total among tight ends. It's not unfair to view Warren as the next transcendent tight end, given what we've seen to this point.