The Los Angeles Rams operate a tightly focused offense that prioritizes a few primary weapons, leaving limited opportunities for others. Tyler Higbee, the team’s veteran tight end, once played a notable role in this setup but has since seen his fantasy football impact diminish. The question now is whether Higbee can reestablish himself as a worthwhile fantasy option in 2025 amid evolving team dynamics.
Higbee’s Past Performance and Recent Challenges
Tyler Higbee’s peak fantasy value traces back to a remarkable five-game span six years ago, when he consistently scored at least 18.6 fantasy points, positioning him as an elite tight end option. Beyond those games, however, his output has been modest, rarely breaking double-digit fantasy points per contest—his highest seasonal average was 9.8 points in 2021, excluding the 2019 season.
His 2023 campaign was severely limited by a late-season ACL injury, restricting him to just three appearances. Despite this, Higbee maintained an average of 8.9 fantasy points per game, indicating he remains a capable TE2 or viable streaming candidate when healthy.
Looking ahead, the Rams’ receiving corps sees a shift with Davante Adams replacing Cooper Kupp alongside Puka Nacua, but Higbee’s spot as the primary tight end is uncertain. The team invested a second-round draft pick in rookie Terrance Ferguson, signaling a long-term intention to develop savings at the position.
Competition at Tight End and Early Season Outlook
Although Ferguson is the future plan, the reality for 2025 is that Higbee should start the season as the primary tight end, given Ferguson’s rookie status and expected adjustment period. However, Higbee’s hold on this starting role depends heavily on his early-season performance and health; any struggles could open the door for Ferguson to assume greater responsibility.
Target share statistics also highlight Higbee’s diminished role: he commanded just a 14.2% target share in 2022 and logged a similar 13.8% in his limited 2023 appearances. This low involvement caps his upside considerably.
“Tyler Higbee enters his 10th season as Rams TE. My how time has flown by! Stafford & Higbee have had a good connection from game 1 against Chicago in 2021 to the present Higs will be joined by rookie TE Ferguson in what looks to be a very formidable group of pass catchers” —RAMS ON FILM
Fantasy Draft Implications and Higbee’s Projected Value
Higbee’s fantasy value in 2025 is modest at best. His average draft position (ADP) sits near TE37, well behind emerging rookie Ferguson at TE31. This indicates that most drafters are not considering Higbee a meaningful fantasy asset this year. Rather, he is seen as a low-upside veteran whose best-case scenario includes a handful of catches and a touchdown, typical of many non-impact tight ends.
For fantasy managers, Higbee functions primarily as a potential streaming option if his role outpaces Ferguson’s during the early weeks. Otherwise, his presence in drafts is mainly as a depth or backup tight end.
Frank Ammirante’s Perspective on Higbee’s 2025 Outlook
Analyst Frank Ammirante portrays Higbee as a “boring veteran,” reflecting a seasoned player entering his 10th <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season with limited fantasy appeal, especially following an injury-shortened previous season. Although the Rams’ offense remains productive, Ammirante suggests Higbee’s value is restricted to Best Ball formats where a safe floor pick for TE3 is desirable rather than as a redraft league contributor.
Ferguson’s second-round draft status denotes the Rams’ hope for the future, yet rookies at the tight end spot often require time to adapt, potentially giving Higbee some breathing room in 2025 as the starter.
Despite having past seasons surpassing 600 receiving yards, Higbee’s forecast for fantasy relevance depends largely on unforeseen factors such as injury to the Rams’ top receivers, including Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, which could increase his target share.
What Fantasy Managers Should Watch Moving Forward
Tyler Higbee’s story for 2025 revolves around opportunity and durability. His veteran experience and chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford provide some confidence for consistent production. However, with a crowded receiver group and a highly-touted rookie in Ferguson waiting in the wings, Higbee’s role is far from guaranteed.
Fantasy participants should monitor early-season usage closely. Should Higbee outperform Ferguson, his stock as a streaming tight end could rise, especially in matchups favoring tight end involvement. Otherwise, he remains a low-priority selection whose ceiling is capped by limited target volume and competition.
Overall, the Tyler Higbee 2025 fantasy outlook suggests a player on the brink: capable of contributing under the right circumstances but unlikely to return to elite TE1 status, making him a speculative option rather than a reliable starter in most fantasy drafts.