Breaking: Kyle Pitts’ knee has the Falcons holding their breath, and so should fantasy managers. I can confirm the tight end is listed as questionable for Thursday Night Football against the Buccaneers after a week of limited practices. His status will shape Atlanta’s passing plan and a lot of fantasy lineups tonight.
The Latest on Pitts’ Status
Pitts participated in a managed way all week, which tells me two things. The Falcons wanted him moving, and they wanted to protect him from extra stress on the knee. The plan is simple. They will test him pregame, then make a call based on stability and burst.
Atlanta has leaned on him with Drake London out. That is why this decision matters. If Pitts is active, he immediately steps into a high-volume role in the middle of the field and in the seams. If he is out, Atlanta’s route tree changes, and the ball will spread to backs and depth receivers.
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Fantasy managers, verify the inactives 90 minutes before kickoff. That is when we get the final green light.
The Stats That Matter Tonight
Let’s talk numbers. Pitts has 62 catches on 85 targets for 631 yards and 1 touchdown this season. That is steady and efficient work at a position that often swings between boom and bust. He has been especially sharp the last two weeks, posting 6 catches on 10 targets for 90 yards against Seattle, then 7 on 8 for 82 against the Jets. The tape backs it up. He is winning on option routes and deep crossers, making quick adjustments against leverage.
With London sidelined, Pitts’ target share has climbed. The quarterback trusts him on money downs. That has turned Atlanta’s passing plan into a tight end centric attack, with play action creating windows behind linebackers. The red zone has been quieter than the volume suggests, but the usage is real. If he is active, expect early designed touches to get him in rhythm.
How He Fits vs Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay’s defense thrives on pressure and confusion. They will send extra rushers and ask their linebackers to cover ground. That opens seams if protection holds. Pitts has the size to wall off contact and the speed to split safeties when they rotate late. The key will be his burst out of breaks. If the knee lets him plant and drive, he can punish single coverage and sit soft against zone.
Atlanta will likely lean on 12 personnel to help the edges and sell play action. That look can force base defense, which creates favorable matchups for Pitts in space. Watch for quick outs, stick routes, and the deep over off boot. If Tampa plays soft in the middle, screen action to Pitts could show up too.
Fantasy and DFS Game Plan
Here is how I am playing it, based on his pregame status.
- If active with no snap count note, start him as a top 6 to 8 tight end.
- If active with a snap monitor, he is a risk reward TE1 or flex in PPR.
- In DFS, he is viable in single game builds. Use him in MVP if you think Atlanta throws 35 plus times.
- If inactive, pivot to a volume wideout or pass catching back from this game. Consider a Buccaneers bring back like Mike Evans or Chris Godwin in DFS stacks.
Even if he suits up, a mid game shutdown is possible if the knee swells. Build late swap options in DFS.
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What This Means For Atlanta
If Pitts plays, he becomes the chain mover and the explosive shot threat in one player. That balance helps the run game and keeps Tampa out of heavy blitz looks. If he sits, Atlanta loses its most reliable middle field target. The ball would need to move through quick game and the backs, which shrinks the explosive profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Kyle Pitts expected to play tonight?
A: He is questionable after limited practices. The team will make a final call after pregame testing.
Q: What are Kyle Pitts’ 2025 stats so far?
A: He has 62 catches on 85 targets for 631 yards and 1 touchdown.
Q: How did he look in recent games?
A: He posted 6 for 90 against the Seahawks and 7 for 82 against the Jets, showing strong volume and efficiency.
Q: What is his fantasy outlook if active?
A: He projects as a top tier start at tight end, with a path to 7 to 10 targets.
Q: Who benefits if he sits?
A: Targets would shift to depth receivers and running backs, with the tight end group splitting work.
Final Word
This is a real swing spot for Atlanta and for fantasy lineups. Pitts’ knee status is the lever that could decide TNF. If he is cleared, expect the Falcons to feature him early and often. If not, prepare for a grind. I will update the moment his status locks, but the plan is set. Check the inactives, set your lineup, and be ready to pivot.
