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The Falcoholic fantasy football takes on Kyle Pitts
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from The Falcoholic about Kyle Pitts.
78
Insights
45
Positive
14
Negative
Insight ledger
All The Falcoholic insights about Kyle Pitts
PositiveProjectionOct 26, 2026
Pitts has now caught four touchdowns in the past three games and is just one score away from matching his career high for a single season. The inability to turn Pitts, who has sticky hands, excellent speed, and difficult-to-defend size, into a real red zone threat in years prior was one of the most baffling subplots for the Falcons from 2021-2025, but Tommy Rees and Michael Penix Jr. appear to be solving that conundrum. He had a relatively quiet day but made a few important short grabs, none more than the touchdown.PositiveUsageOct 25, 2026
Kyle Pitts led the tight end group with a touchdown reception, marking his third consecutive game with at least one touchdown; the source notes that offensive coordinator Tommy Rees got all active tight ends involved on National Tight Ends Day, rewarding the long-awaited lean on the position.PositiveUsageOct 25, 2026
Pitts was heavily involved in the Falcons' passing attack, scoring his fourth touchdown in the past three weeks; he caught a short screen pass for three yards, reeled in a short screen pass for three yards, and calmly caught a touchdown pass from Penix rolling out to the right, demonstrating consistent red zone involvement and offensive production.PositiveProjectionOct 25, 2026
Kyle Pitts has historically been productive on National Tight Ends Day, most notably with a dominant 163-yard performance during his rookie season. He's building on a strong fourth-quarter performance against the Bears that helped the Falcons roar back from a 24-point deficit. The source suggests if that late-game performance can be a springboard into four quarters of similar production against the 49ers, it'll increase the odds of the Falcons pulling off the upset.PositiveProjectionOct 23, 2026
The source argues Pitts' target share has increased over the last three games, but those targets have to come earlier in games. Pitts catching only his second pass late in what was arguably the Falcons' most disappointing performance of the season (with a starting-caliber quarterback under center) indicates he needs to be prioritized far more early and often. Making Pitts a bigger focal point in the passing game is a vital step to punish defenses for constantly blitzing, as the Bears blitzed Penix Jr. on an alarming 48.7 percent of his dropbacks.PositiveUsageOct 23, 2026
Pitts caught two touchdown passes against Chicago while operating in the slot and as a possession pass-catcher under pressure. On one play, he ripped away a contested catch from Elijah Hicks despite the throw being inside of him, juking past Nick McCloud for a 29-yard gain and preventing a certain turnover with his improved contested-catch ability. On another, he was isolated inside with an undersized defensive back on third and nine, then scored on the next play on a slant-flat concept where a rub by Zaccheaus gave him the space necessary to score his second touchdown.PositiveRoleOct 23, 2026
Pitts ran a season-high 17 slot routes against Chicago, easily surpassing the seven he ran against Carolina. The source argues Pitts should be used more in the slot following Olamide Zaccheaus' poor play and Branch's disastrous game, and can be maximized in short-to-intermediate areas despite being a unique deep threat. He proved last year he can consistently make defenders miss and run through contact after the catch, with improved blocking that allows him to play more in-line and create mismatches with his explosiveness off the line.PositiveUsageOct 21, 2026
Pitts received 43 offensive snaps in this game, reflecting a heavy dose of pass-catching usage when the Falcons fell behind. The source indicates Pitts was part of the team's unbalanced offensive approach, receiving significant playing time as the team shifted away from run-game involvement.PositiveRoleOct 21, 2026
Pitts led the Falcons' 4th-quarter resurgence with fantastic individual efforts and has demonstrated improved engagement this season, playing hard every snap regardless of score. His YAC ability has flashed on limited touches, and he's one of the team's best answers for dealing with pressure. However, he's only receiving opportunities during mop-up duty and hasn't been prioritized in the offense; the source argues Pitts has earned the chance to be a priority target and that Tommy Rees and Michael Penix Jr. must make it happen.PositiveRoleOct 20, 2026
Caught a touchdown pass in fourth quarter against Bears; the source's field-level observation emphasizes his exceptional physical size—comparable to offensive linemen with a slightly leaner frame—which makes him difficult to bring down on a down-to-down basis and highlights the challenge defenders face in coverage.PositiveProjectionOct 19, 2026
Kyle Pitts is among the players who deserve credit for the highs the Falcons did see in their Week 6 loss to Chicago, earning Game MVP consideration from the source.PositiveBreakoutOct 19, 2026
Pitts delivered a breakout performance with 5 receptions on 7 targets for 60 yards and 2 touchdowns, including one where he extended to make the score happen. This caps a three-week surge: after a three-week drought to start the season with 2 grabs for 20 yards on 6 targets, Pitts has accumulated 13 grabs for 149 yards and 3 touchdowns over the past three weeks. The source notes Tommy Rees appears to be figuring out how to utilize him, and if the team can do so more consistently earlier in games, the offense should improve.NegativeRoleOct 18, 2026
Pitts continues to be underutilized despite being one of the Falcons' best answers against pressure and making plays when targeted; even after the team prioritized him in the offseason, he remains an afterthought in the offensive scheme, limiting his fantasy upside despite his talent and effectiveness.PositiveUsageOct 18, 2026
Pitts was heavily involved in Atlanta's fourth-quarter comeback: wrestled away a would-be interception and rumbled for 15 yards, caught a touchdown pass when Chicago's reserves were in, hauled in another first-down reception, and laid out for a second touchdown, totaling two TDs and multiple first downs in the late-game surge.NegativeUsageOct 18, 2026
Pitts had minimal impact in the Falcons' loss; he caught a pass across the middle for about 6 yards and was targeted on a low throw that he couldn't quite scoop out of the dirt, showing limited offensive involvement and production.NegativeRoleOct 12, 2026
Pitts played 43 snaps in the overtime loss; the Falcons run a lot of two tight end looks, with Pitts and Woerner sharing significant snaps in the tight end rotation.PositiveRoleOct 12, 2026
Pitts was going to get involved, and after he lumbered to life a bit in Week 4, he arrived in Week 5. He had a nice grab and run in the second quarter that was a prelude to a touchdown grab to finish off that drive.NegativeUsageOct 12, 2026
Kyle Pitts was targeted multiple times by Marcus Penix; he took a short swing pass for about five yards, was targeted over the middle but didn't get him after contact with a defender that was initially flagged and then picked up, and was targeted on a play where a defender got away from him and the ball squirted out before being recovered.PositiveUsageOct 12, 2026
Pitts was a key target for Michael Penix Jr., catching a screen pass for approximately 15 yards and scoring a touchdown on a short route in the red zone; he was involved in multiple plays throughout the game.PositiveMatchupOct 8, 2026
Kyle Pitts is positioned as a key receiving target for the Falcons against the Ravens' weakened secondary; the source notes that Malaki Starks and Jaylinn Hawkins will have the tall task of covering Pitts, suggesting favorable matchup potential given the Ravens' safety coverage struggles.NegativeRoleOct 8, 2026
Pitts has been utilized as a fullback at various points in the Falcons' heavy 12, 22, and 23 personnel sets designed to punish opposing fronts and create space in the running game.PositiveUsageOct 7, 2026
Pitts was largely benched early in Week 4 but was more frequently targeted and productive as the game progressed, continuing the Falcons' heavy usage of all four tight ends in their offensive scheme.PositiveRoleOct 6, 2026
Pitts is part of the Arthur Smith/Terry Fontenot era acquisitions that are now thriving under the current regime; he is contributing to an offense that has been attacking opposing defenses effectively in back-to-back weeks.PositiveRoleOct 6, 2026
Pitts finally came to life and the offense finally put the ball in his hands. His three catches for 47 yards was easily his highest total of 2026, highlighted by a big catch and run where his wheels were on display. The source indicates he'll have a larger role going forward.PositiveUsageOct 6, 2026
Pitts recorded a significant 28-yard reception on a rollout play, showcasing strong post-catch run ability and demonstrating his value as a receiving threat in the Falcons' passing attack.PositiveUsageOct 6, 2026
Pitts joined Drake London and Jahan Dotson in the big play party during the Falcons' dominant offensive performance; got a quick rollout pass for nine yards early, then later picked up a first down on a catch over the middle. He was featured in the passing game as part of the Falcons' balanced offensive attack.PositiveUsageOct 4, 2026
Pitts has been an afterthought through three games in 2026, receiving just 13 total tight end targets for the entire Falcons offense (ranked 30th in TE targeting). Despite being extended this offseason and lining up inline on 43% of routes (consistent with his breakout season rate), Pitts struggles to thrive in the offense because his skill set as a 'power slot' receiver overlaps with Drake London's, creating a zero-sum dynamic where both players rarely produce simultaneously.NegativeProjectionOct 3, 2026
The source criticized the Falcons' decision to extend Pitts this summer because he was relatively unproven in the new offensive system under coordinator Tommy Rees and offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Through three weeks, Pitts has barely produced, validating concerns about paying him before proving himself in the new scheme.NegativeRoleOct 2, 2026
Pitts is featured in the photo caption turning upfield during the Falcons-Saints game on January 4, 2026, indicating his presence in the game, though the source does not provide specific fantasy-relevant analysis of his role or performance.NegativeRoleSep 30, 2026
Part of the Falcons' high-end core that GM Ian Cunningham wants to retain long-term; Cunningham is prioritizing long-term deals for Pitts, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Dexter, and Matthew Bergeron to keep them around in 2027 and beyond when the team has substantial resources to improve the roster.PositiveUsageSep 28, 2026
Pitts received 42 snaps in Week 3 and is getting a ton of run in the Falcons' tight-end-heavy offense under Stefanski and Rees, who frequently use three tight ends. The team's commitment to 13 personnel packages suggests sustained volume for Pitts.NegativeProjectionSep 28, 2026
Pitts' $53 million extension is not justified by his production despite improved blocking. While his growth as a blocker has been needed, it hasn't translated to receiving production. Kevin Stefanski was hired partly for his ability to get tight ends the ball, but that hasn't materialized yet. Week 3 was the first game with a functional quarterback, so there's still time for production to increase, but if it doesn't, his role will be questioned.NegativeUsageSep 25, 2026
Lightly targeted again despite the offense cooking, which doesn't matter in blowout wins. However, the source anticipates future weeks when Bijan is less productive and teams focus on Drake London, forcing the Falcons to get Pitts the ball more frequently so he can showcase his elite ability. The source notes this is the smallest sour note in a dominant performance but signals upcoming opportunity.NegativeUsageSep 25, 2026
The source notes that Kyle Pitts 'still not showing up in the box score' but is 'throwing some nice blocks.' With Austin Hooper being used more than anticipated and the Falcons' cast of playmakers drawing attention, Pitts has not yet produced receiving statistics in the early season, though he is contributing on the blocking side.PositiveRoleSep 25, 2026
Kyle Pitts continues to disappoint fantasy fans despite contributing a key block on the first rushing touchdown. His role remains limited in the red zone and goal-line situations, where the Falcons deployed heavy personnel packages instead of featuring him as a primary target.NegativeUsageSep 25, 2026
Kyle Pitts was targeted by Michael Penix Jr. on at least one occasion, catching a pass low for a few yards; he was part of the Falcons' receiving options but did not generate significant production in this game.PositiveRoleSep 24, 2026
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has stated he wants to get tight end Kyle Pitts going this week. Pitts faces scrutiny after the team decided to pay him this summer; he's no longer working on a prove-it deal under the franchise tag and is already proven to be worth the price tag in the team's eyes. Yet, he has only one reception in two games, far below expectations for the league's third-highest-paid tight end. The Falcons need to justify that price tag by making him a core part of their offense starting Thursday night. Penix's presence should help expedite things, as Robinson shined in Week 1 and Drake London was the star of Week 2, so it seems like the natural progression to get the third member of the Falcons' 'Big 3' more involved this week.NegativeUsageSep 24, 2026
Pitts was left dejected downfield where the ball was severely underthrown when the opportunity was there to produce an explosive play under Cooper Rush. The coaching staff needs to show they can build a game plan with more cohesion in utilizing playmakers to maximize the offense's potential, with Pitts needing to be more involved.PositiveRoleSep 23, 2026
Penix will open up the field for Atlanta and should ensure that Kyle Pitts and Drake London are not non-factors the way they largely have been the first two weeks—Pitts in particular. The Falcons' passing game has been so dismal under Cooper Rush and Jack Strand that Pitts has been unable to produce, but Penix's return should restore competence and the threat of an explosive play through the air.NegativeUsageSep 22, 2026
Pitts was pulled late in a blowout loss, recording only 26 snaps in Week 2; the source notes the Falcons withdrew him when the game was out of hand, suggesting limited offensive involvement and potential role concerns amid the team's offensive struggles.NegativeUsageSep 20, 2026
Pitts was targeted by Cooper Rush but had limited success, failing to reel in a pass with a defender's hand in the way and being hit with a false start penalty. He did catch a pass on the sideline for a first down, but overall had a quiet game in the Falcons' offensive collapse.PositiveUsageSep 17, 2026
Kyle Pitts will be a key target in the Falcons' offensive scheme designed to work around Cooper Rush's limitations; the source notes that quick hitters to Pitts, along with screens and short passes to Bijan Robinson and Zachariah Branch, will be necessary to keep Rush from getting killed given his lack of arm strength and mobility.NegativeUsageSep 15, 2026
Pitts played 38 snaps in Week 1 as part of the Falcons' heavy two tight end looks designed to protect Cooper Rush; the source notes this was an atypical scheme and expects more creative usage when a quarterback can spread the ball around more effectively.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Pitts was completely shut out in Week 1, a performance the source calls malpractice; aside from a missed block early, he wasn't given a shot to be a factor, placing blame on the coaching staff and Cooper Rush for failing to get a legitimate playmaker involved; this must change in Week 2 and beyond.NegativeUsageSep 14, 2026
Pitts was completely shut out with zero targets and zero catches in Week 1, which the source calls malpractice. Aside from a missed block early in the game, he wasn't given a shot to be a factor. This reflects more on the coaching staff and Cooper Rush's inability to get a legitimate playmaker the ball than on Pitts himself. This usage pattern will need to change in Week 2 and beyond.NegativeUsageSep 13, 2026
Pitts had limited impact for the Falcons, with Rush taking a deep shot to him that was broken up by Rayshawn Jenkins and thrown a bit short. He also missed a block on a toss to Brian Robinson that went nowhere, indicating both receiving and blocking struggles in the game.NegativeUsageSep 12, 2026
Kyle Pitts caught a touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins in the first half of the 2024 season opener against Pittsburgh, which was the difference in Atlanta having a slender lead at halftime before the offense suffered a complete second-half shutout.PositiveMatchupSep 11, 2026
Capable of exploiting matchups against Steelers safeties Jaquan Brisker and Rayshawn Jenkins, who are not really coverage assets at this stage of their respective careers; part of Falcons' offensive strategy to take advantage of Pittsburgh's secondary weakness with three new starters; key target in gameplan to mesh with Tua's quick, accurate short-to-intermediate throws and yards after the catch.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
Highlighted as a key receiving weapon for the Falcons' remodeled 2026 offense under new head coach Kevin Stefanski and starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa; shown scoring a receiving touchdown in preseason action, signaling early offensive production.PositiveRoleSep 8, 2026
Tight end who already has a stellar rapport with Tua. The source highlights Pitts as a key part of the Falcons' talented offensive arsenal that equips Tua with the tools needed to thrive in 2026.PositiveRoleSep 8, 2026
Part of a trio of elite offensive weapons (Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Pitts) that creates exciting fantasy possibilities regardless of quarterback starter; positioned to benefit from Stefanski's schematic reset and diversified run-game approach after years of predictable outside-zone reliance.NegativeRoleSep 2, 2026
Pitts, along with Bijan Robinson and Drake London, has never played a playoff game or been on a winning team; the Falcons are in Year 1 of a rebuild focused on identifying roster gaps rather than competing, meaning Pitts will operate in a losing environment without the benefit of winning experience or playoff exposure.PositiveBreakoutAug 29, 2026
Named Game MVP for preseason performance; described as 'looking like the caliber of player who is going to wreak havoc on the NFL this year,' signaling a potential breakout season after previous underperformance.PositiveProjectionAug 29, 2026
Pitts looked really good in the preseason finale, getting loose on a screen for a big pickup early on and easily leading the team in receiving yardage. He showcased those long strides that let him simply outrun defenders and the sure hands that give him an opportunity in the first place. In an offense built to showcase tight ends and looking healthy and sure of himself, Pitts could be headed for a monster season.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Kyle Pitts looks to be in line for a featured role in the Falcons offense. The source expects his target share to be a lot more consistent in Tommy Rees' offense compared to previous years.PositiveUsageAug 29, 2026
Pitts was targeted early and often by Tua Tagovailoa, catching a six-yard pass over the middle on third and 11, then taking a screen pass for 37 yards to the 10 yard line, demonstrating significant involvement in the Falcons' offensive scheme.PositiveUsageAug 27, 2026
Kyle Pitts was the target on Penix's first pass of the day, a well-executed throw to him in the flat, indicating early chemistry and involvement in the passing game during red zone drills.PositiveUsageAug 24, 2026
Receiving targets from Penix in practice with positive connection patterns. The source notes that MPJ (Michael Penix Jr.) looked very comfortable connecting over the middle with Pitts, suggesting a developing rapport between QB and TE. Coaching staff approach emphasizes getting the ball in Pitts' vicinity and letting him go up and get it, indicating confidence in his ability to win contested situations.PositiveRoleAug 20, 2026
Pitts expressed satisfaction with offensive progression and team continuity, saying joint practices were 'a great opportunity for us to come out here and compete with another team' and that the offense has 'been taking the right steps in the right direction' with emphasis on 'continuity, playing together, fighting for the man next to you.'NegativeDepth ChartAug 20, 2026
Kyle Pitts Sr. is listed as the starting tight end on the preseason Week 2 depth chart.PositiveRoleAug 20, 2026
Kyle Pitts (6'6) is positioned as a key receiving weapon for the Falcons alongside Drake London. His size and catch radius allow him to win contested or not-quite-on-target balls, making the quarterback's life easier. Atlanta's receivers and tight ends are expected to be a problem for defenses this year.NegativeRoleAug 19, 2026
Pitts is identified as one of three stud playmakers on the Falcons roster, though with a caveat that he must prove it further in 2026; the source frames him as a core building block for the franchise's offensive talent base, but his status as a proven stud is conditional on 2026 performance.NegativeUsageAug 15, 2026
Tight end was the primary target for Tua Tagovailoa in the preseason opener, receiving all three of Tagovailoa's completions for 22 yards across two drives. Limited sample size given the Falcons' offensive struggles and Tagovailoa's minimal playing time.PositiveRoleAug 15, 2026
Pitts looks lean, sure-handed, and ready to go; he was heavily targeted by Tua early on and made something of his targets when the rest of the offense was silent, suggesting he will be Tua's absolute favorite receiving option over the middle early in 2026 and will rack up targets.NegativeUsageAug 15, 2026
Pitts was targeted multiple times by Tagovailoa in preseason Week 1, including a dump-off pass for seven yards and a covered reception that he reeled in, showing continued involvement in the Falcons' passing game despite the team's overall poor performance.NegativeDepth ChartAug 12, 2026
Kyle Pitts Sr. is listed as the starting tight end on the Falcons' first unofficial 2026 preseason depth chart, with Austin Hooper and Jack Velling as backups.PositiveProjectionAug 11, 2026
High-Quality Starter tight end (Grade 81, Rank 112) who had an offensive explosion in 2025, his fifth year in the league. Pitts set career highs in targets, receptions, and touchdowns while playing over 200 snaps more than any previous year of his career. He showed growth in nuance in route running, using speed dilation and deception to get into space while still showcasing top-tier athletic ability after the catch. A true three-level weapon used by the Falcons to maximize their passing attack, though he is not a strong run blocker.NegativeUsageAug 9, 2026
Tight end Kyle Pitts caught a short pass from Tua Tagovailoa in first team 11-on-11 work, indicating he is receiving targets in the red zone and short yardage situations.NegativeProjectionAug 7, 2026
Pitts' production is heavily dependent on playing alongside an injured or depleted wide receiver corps. In 2021, his best season, Calvin Ridley stepped away after five games and Russell Gage didn't produce until after Thanksgiving, leaving Pitts to monopolize targets. In 2025, when Drake London missed the final seven games due to knee injury, Pitts averaged 2.28 yards per route run (exceeding Ja'Marr Chase's 2.23), but in the 10 games he played alongside a relatively healthy London, his yards per route run dropped to 1.36—marginally better than his 1.33 from 2024 and matching Noah Fant's 2025 production (who signed for $4.4M/year). The source contends Pitts needed to prove in 2026 he could produce at a high level while sharing the field with a healthy London before earning such a premium contract.NegativeValueAug 7, 2026
Pitts signed a contract averaging $18 million annually in June, making him the third-highest-paid tight end in football and paid higher than several No. 2 wide receivers including Michael Pittman, Romeo Doubs, and Wan'Dale Robinson. However, the source argues this contract was premature and undeserved, as Pitts' 2025 All-Pro bid was inflated by injuries to elite tight ends (Brock Bowers, Tucker Kraft, George Kittle, Sam LaPorta) and benefited from a depleted Falcons wide receiver corps.NegativeRoleAug 4, 2026
Was participating in drills but did not appear in team sessions on Day 6, resulting in no targets to speak of. His absence opened up reps for Austin Hooper and Charlie Woerner.NegativeProjectionAug 3, 2026
Had a down day with a couple of drops that could've been really nice plays; did put on some nice moves on a screen pass that picked up a nice chunk of yardage.PositiveDepth ChartJul 31, 2026
Kyle Pitts' job security is confirmed despite his polarizing new contract; the source explicitly states 'Is Kyle Pitts' job security still in doubt after his polarizing new deal? No.' This establishes Pitts as the locked-in primary tight end in the Falcons' offense under new coordinator Keven Stefanski's anticipated 12-personnel scheme.NegativeRoleJul 31, 2026
Kyle Pitts' job security is not in doubt following his new deal with the Falcons. However, the return of Austin Hooper has created a secondary tight end competition that will determine how the offense utilizes its 12-personnel package and whether Pitts operates primarily as a receiver or in a more diverse role.PositiveRoleJul 27, 2026
Expected to be the primary tight end in the Falcons' 12 personnel-heavy offense after the source's deep dive into the Browns offense. The team will mostly lean on 12 personnel, making a fourth tight end largely unnecessary.NegativeProjectionJul 26, 2026
Risk of another year of wasted routes for Falcons TE if Atlanta continues searching for franchise quarterback in 2026. Lumped with Drake London and Bijan Robinson as talented offensive weapons whose production may suffer due to ongoing QB instability.PositiveRoleJul 23, 2026
Kyle Pitts is a game-changing talent who has dealt with streaky, inconsistent passers throughout his career. If Penix wins the job, his ability to attack defenses deep opens up potentially devastating big plays for Pitts. His production could be significantly elevated if the Falcons settle the quarterback position effectively.PositiveRoleJul 22, 2026
The source identifies Kyle Pitts finally being featured in the offense as a potential sign of progress for the 2026 Falcons; increased role and usage would indicate the new regime is making better use of the roster.