by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)
How many tight ends can we truly trust on a weekly basis? Whether it’s due to health issues or simply a lack of production, the position appears to consistently be in flux. It makes having those truly top options that much more valuable, as we cross our fingers and try to predict which tight end is going to produce and which will disappoint. Let’s take a look and see how the rankings currently stand for Week 4:
- Rob Gronkowski – New England Patriots – vs. Carolina
- Zach Ertz – Philadelphia Eagles – at Los Angeles Chargers
- Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs – vs. Washington
- Delanie Walker – Tennessee Titans – at Houston
- Jimmy Graham – Seattle Seahawks – vs. Indianapolis
- Jason Witten – Dallas Cowboys – vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Eric Ebron – Detroit Lions – at Minnesota
- Jordan Reed – Washington Redskins – at Kansas City
- Cameron Brate – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – vs. New York Giants
- Jack Doyle – Indianapolis Colts – at Seattle
- Kyle Rudolph – Minnesota Vikings – vs. Detroit
- Jared Cook – Oakland Raiders – at Denver
- Evan Engram – New York Giants – at Tampa Bay
- Charles Clay – Buffalo Bills – at Atlanta
- Martellus Bennett – Green Bay Packers – vs. Chicago
- Jesse James – Pittsburgh Steelers – at Baltimore
- Benjamin Watson – Baltimore Ravens – vs. Pittsburgh
- Coby Fleener – New Orleans Saints – at Miami
- Julius Thomas – Miami Dolphins – vs. New Orleans
- Hunter Henry – Los Angeles Chargers – vs. Philadelphia
Thoughts:
- Zach Ertz has been targeted at least 8 times in each of the first three games, including 10 targets in each of the past two. We’ve long been waiting for the breakout to come, and finally we’re seeing it. He has 21 receptions for 245 yards and 1 TD and it’s only a matter of time before he finds the end zone a few more times. He’s going to be one of the elite each and every week.
- The New York Giants have allowed 23 receptions and 3 TD to opposing tight ends over the first three weeks of the season. While Cameron Brate hasn’t done much thus far this season, this could be the week that he finally puts up some strong numbers. Consider him a viable TE1 in all formats.
- After struggling over the first two weeks Jimmy Graham was one of the biggest benefactors of Russell Wilson’s breakout performance turning 11 targets into 7 receptions and 72 yards. With Doug Baldwin banged up there’s a good chance Graham posts another strong day.
- The Baltimore Ravens watched Mercedes Lewis score three TD in Week 3, and we know Jesse James has the potential to find the end zone (2 TD in Week 1). It seems like the perfect opportunity for a sleeper to emerge, though he’s still a pretty big risk. Consider him high risk, but high reward.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 4 rankings:
| Quarterbacks |
| Running Backs |
| Wide Receivers |
| Tight Ends |
| Kickers |
| Defenses |
Should I drop Martelius Bennett and pick up Charles Clay?
There are very close, so I can buy that one
Hi love your work, trade question. I have obj, demarius Thomas, desean and Corey Davis
Guy in my league has offered me Michael Thomas and Larry fitz for my
D Thomas and desean … good trade?
Rb I have hunt, fournette, Carson , Stewart and kamara and happy with my
Team thus far, but if that trade will help, let me know. Thank u!
I think you are improving overall, but how many WR do you start?
2 and we have a flex where we can start wr, rb or te. I can also have Crowell instead of fitz in above
Trade offer but thinking fitz will be good. I could drop eifert (currently starting Henry) or west to pick up
A flier at wideout, such as mike Williams or doctson. Thoughts? Thanks again, appreciate it
I am a big fan of buying low on Crowell, but for your team the WR makes sense. You def. have questions and this would help to solidify things
would you play Denver or Detroit in week 4?
Denver for me
Hey Prof, this one seems easy but I like to get a second opinion. Someone dropped jimmy Graham and I’m thinking of scooping him up in place of witten. What you think?
I could see that, he has the higher upside for sure
HI Prof, I can’t find a WR link, so I’ll post here… Richard Matthews or Sterling Shephard as my WR3? I’m leaning towards Matthews…
Oh, and Witten or Clay? Witten is at home, that is the only reason I’m thinking of starting him… Clay vs. Falcons? Just not sure.
I don’t really trust either, but I’d go Shephard.
As for the TE, ‘m going Witten
Hey Prof!
Which TE would you play: Watson (Q), Griffin or Serferian-Jenkins?
Thank you!
If that’s all you have, I’d gamble on Watson but I’d be looking elsewhere
jupp, struggling @TE – I stick with Watson. Thx!
Hi Prof, I’m agonizing over Clay or Witten… Why would you play Witten this week? Is Clay really going to struggle?
Def/ Witten for me