Let’s keep our Week 9 rankings rolling with a look at the best tight ends for the coming week. Who has the best matchup? Who has been struggling? Let’s take a look:
- Jimmy Graham – New Orleans Saints – vs. Tampa Bay
- Jason Witten – Dallas Cowboys – vs. Seattle
- Antonio Gates – San Diego Chargers – vs. Green Bay
- Jermichael Finley – Green Bay Packers – at San Diego
- Aaron Hernandez – New England Patriots – vs. New York Giants
- Rob Gronkowski – New England Patriots – vs. New York Giants
- Owen Daniels – Houston Texans – vs. Cleveland
- Fred Davis – Washington Redskins – vs. San Francisco
- Tony Gonzalez – Atlanta Falcons – at Indianapolis
- Vernon Davis – San Francisco 49ers – at Washington
- Kellen Winslow – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – at New Orleans
- Dallas Clark – Indianapolis Colts – vs. Atlanta
- Brent Celek – Philadelphia Eagles – vs. Chicago
- Dustin Keller – New York Jets – at Buffalo
- Jermaine Gresham – Cincinnati Bengals – at Tennessee
- Benjamin Watson – Cleveland Browns – at Houston
- Heath Miller – Pittsburgh Steelers – vs. Baltimore
- Ed Dickson – Baltimore Ravens – at Pittsburgh
- Jake Ballard – New York Giants – at New England
- Jared Cook – Tennessee Titans – vs. Cincinnati
Thoughts:
- According to nfl.com the New York Giants are allowing the second fewest points to tight ends this season (3.76/game). Then again, they haven’t faced the combination of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez who perform more like wide receivers. Gronkowski has 7 receptions in each of the past two games. Is he the better option than Aaron Hernandez, who is coming off a game with just 2 receptions and 9 yards? Don’t be so fast, as Hernandez has scored in each of his past two games (Gronkowski hasn’t scored since Week 3). Give Hernandez a slight edge, though both are fantastic options once again.
- Vernon Davis has more than 50 yards just once this season (114 yards in Week 3). Over his past two games he’s managed a total of 5 receptions for 35 yards and 0 TD. We all know what his upside is, but right now the 49ers are playing well. Do we think they are going to rock the boat? Consider him a mid-to-low end TE1 for the time being, though he has the potential to be one of the elite.
- The Cleveland Browns are one of the best pass defending teams in the league 171.9 yards/game), but we all know the Texans are going to throw the ball and it has to go somewhere. Look for Owen Daniels to be a major part of the offense even if Andre Johnson does return this week.
- In their first matchup this season Ed Dickson went for 5 receptions, 59 yards and 1 TD against the Steelers (his only touchdown of the season). Is he a must use option? Absolutely not, but he should be considered a good bye week fallback.
- Scott Chandler has 15 receptions yet 6 TD. It makes him look like an intriguing fantasy option, but does anyone really trust him? His value purely comes from his touchdown total and it’s too big of a risk to take.
Make sure to check out our other Week 9 articles:
Celek has 11/136/2 over the past two and this week he faces a Chicago D who is 28th in TE-y/g, 32nd in TE-td/g and 28th in TE-rec/g.
I’m starting Celek over Keller – and dropped Cook…
looks like Celek might be hurt(didn’t practice Thursday – hip)- ah well back to Keller…
Would you trade Shonn Greene for Chris Johnson or should I try to get more or just deny it? I also offered jackie battle and daniel thomas for CJ just to see if it will work.
Who would you start this week Fred Davis of Finley? And should I try to trade any one of them and what could I get? Would you make any moves or should I stay with my team?
My Team
QB-Newton, picked up Freeman for bye week
RB-Rice, Greene, Battle, Torain, Daniel Thomas, Ringer is on WW
WR-Fitz, S. Rice, Megatron, Mike Williams
TE-Finley, Davis
I think CJ stll has more upside than Greene and you do have the depth to take the gamble. I know CJ split carries last week, but part of me thinks that may be a wake-up call. How he performs this week would go a long way (and you having Ringer is a nice handcuff). I’m not sure I would trade both Battle & Thomas for him, though. That really hurts your depth at that point. Think the guy would take Torain and one of them?
I’d definitely start Finley at the TE spot
As for your roster, overall it is extremely strong. I love the WR group and at QB and TE you are in good shape. Obviously, getting a second elite RB to go with Rice would be nice, so I see the allure of getting CJ and taking that gamble. Does the guy need a TE? Maybe you can give Davis/Battle for CJ? (Assuming there’s a decent TE on waivers, just in case)
Hey Prof. Should I roll with a gimpy Hernandez, or plug in V.Davis?
Hopefully we get some news on Hernandez soon, but his upside is definitely higher than Davis’. He is the better option, but if you are worried about him not playing for any reason, then make the switch. Otherwise, with Hernandez appearing to the be the TE getting TD opportunities, he’s the one I’d go with.