Zach Ertz played all 17 games for the Washington Commanders in 2024, marking his first full season in three years and making him a viable streamer option at tight end. While Ertz no longer ranks as a high-impact player, his Zach Ertz fantasy football outlook suggests he could still serve as a dependable back-end tight end for fantasy teams in 2025.
From 2016 through 2019, Ertz consistently ranked among the top four tight ends in fantasy football, firmly establishing himself as an important contributor. However, by 2020, with age and injuries increasingly impacting his performance, he averaged only 7.1 fantasy points per game. His slight rebound in 2021 to 10.6 points per game and 11.6 points before a midseason ACL tear in 2022 raised some hope, but the injury seemed to signal an end to his fantasy relevance.
Despite returning for the start of the 2023 season, Ertz’s productivity dropped back down to 7.1 points per game, curtailed by another season-ending injury. Entering 2024 at age 34, many expected him to fall off fantasy radars entirely. However, his role as a “catch-and-fall-down” receiver, a player who focuses primarily on securing short passes and creating yards after the catch, proved enough to maintain some value at a weak position like tight end.
Examining Ertz’s 2024 Season Performance
In 2024, Ertz averaged 10.4 fantasy points per game and finished as the ninth-ranked tight end overall. Although his production was uneven—with eight games below 9.0 points and five under 6.0 points—he demonstrated renewed potential late in the season. In key playoff games, Ertz caught five passes for 28 yards and a touchdown during the Divisional Round, then recorded 11 receptions for 104 yards on 16 targets in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC Championship game. He participated in more than 85% of offensive snaps in both contests, highlighting the trust placed in him during critical moments.
His seven touchdowns during the season underscored his effectiveness, especially in the red zone. This is especially relevant given the limited number of tight ends who can consistently produce at a high level. Last season, only six players at his position averaged 12 or more fantasy points per game, while ten others ranged from 8.9 to 11.1 points. This distribution has not shifted significantly in recent years, reinforcing how difficult it is to find elite tight ends.
What Ertz’s Role Means for Fantasy Owners in 2025
The tight end position generally sees few difference-makers who deliver over 15 points per game, the benchmark for providing a competitive fantasy advantage. Because of this scarcity, it can often be more strategic not to invest mid-round draft picks on tight ends expected to average around 12 points per game. Instead, selecting a player like Ertz late in the draft or picking him up from waivers provides low risk and flexibility, especially for managers willing to stream the position week to week.
Ertz’s average draft position as the 20th tight end reflects this perspective, allowing fantasy owners to acquire him near the end of their drafts without sacrificing valuable early picks. According to expert rankings, Ertz is placed near the 21st spot among tight ends, favored for his upside but acknowledged as a moderate floor option. This makes him a suitable choice for those seeking dependable red-zone opportunities without the high cost.
Insights from Dan Fornek on Ertz’s Future Potential
Zach Ertz’s 2024 signing with the Washington Commanders initially generated little fantasy buzz due to his injury history and advancing age. Yet, he defied expectations by becoming a reliable target for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Over 17 games, Ertz caught 66 passes on 91 targets, amassing 654 yards and scoring seven touchdowns. His red-zone efficiency stood out, hauling in 13 of 20 targets inside the 10-yard line and securing five touchdowns there.
Ertz’s consistent double-digit fantasy points for a third straight season, combined with a top 10 finish among tight ends with significant playing time, set a positive tone heading into 2025. By choosing to re-sign with the Commanders, Ertz positions himself to continue as a productive red-zone option and a reliable check-down receiver for Daniels.
While the presence of dynamic receiver Deebo Samuel may reduce some target share, Ertz’s established rapport with Daniels and the Commanders’ expected offensive improvements should keep him relevant in fantasy discussions. Despite ongoing injury concerns, his role as a dependable option near the goal line offers a valuable weekly floor and a chance for touchdowns—all vital traits for fantasy teams looking for late-round tight end candidates.
Outlook for Zach Ertz’s Impact on 2025 Fantasy Football Strategies
Zach Ertz’s fantasy relevance in 2025 will likely remain tied to his specialty as a red-zone threat rather than a full-season workhorse. His ability to stay healthy and maintain efficiency over key plays will determine how much value he provides. For fantasy managers, Ertz represents a pragmatic choice at tight end: someone who can contribute steady, if not spectacular, numbers while carrying limited cost or draft capital.
Given the scarcity of elite tight ends, Ertz’s presence on the Commanders and his rapport with Jayden Daniels mean that he could outperform typical late-round tight ends on occasion, especially in touchdown scoring. However, his inconsistency and injury history caution against relying on him as a primary fantasy asset.
As the 2025 fantasy football season approaches, owners should consider Ertz as a strategic depth option—a player to draft late or claim from waivers who can bolster their roster with occasional red-zone production and contribute a steady scoring floor when needed.