Lineup calls: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
We’ve heard the complaints about the dearth of top-notch options at a number of positions this season.
We talk about the myriad questions that create large gaps between the tiers. That argument has not been applied to the tight end position this season.
Certainly, there’s a separation between the first five or six players on the list and the rest of the pack, but the number of potentially viable fantasy options has grown markedly. We’re talking about 20-25 players (and a few floating on the side) who may pop onto the radar for a given week.
In the spirit of that type of breakdown, I’m rolling out the first “Lineup Calls” piece of the 2010 season. As always, I exclude a number of the top options before weeding through the matchups to locate the good, bad and potentially ugly for the week ahead.
Let’s get it on.
Top 5 Tight Ends
(not named Antonio Gates, Jermichael Finley, Vernon Davis, Dallas Clark, Tony Gonzalez, Brent Celek or Jason Witten)
Chris Cooley vs. Dallas
The trusty tight end returns to reclaim his role as the top target in the Washington offense after missing the final nine games of the season. Donovan McNabb (expected to play) has long made great use of his tight end options, turning players such as L.J. Smith and Brent Celek into fantasy stars. With only one established receiver in Santana Moss, McNabb will lean on Cooley frequently here.
Visanthe Shiancoe at New Orleans
Where do young quarterbacks usually put the ball? That’s right. We’re looking at short passes and quick routes from Dennis Dixon (or from Charlie Batch, if he gets the nod). Miller quietly posted a strong season in 2009 with 76 receptions, and I expect to see him active in the passing game at the outset.
Greg Olsen vs. Detroit
Olsen’s role in Chicago remains up in the air, as does the potential for this squad given what we saw in the preseason. However, Olsen and Jay Cutler did establish a solid rapport in red zone drills during camp, and this duo did connect with some frequency in 2009. The Lions will try to bring the heat against Cutler given the issues on the offensive line, thereby forcing him to get the ball out quickly.
Zach Miller at Tennessee
Miller has become one of the darlings of the fantasy draft season following the arrival of Jason Campbell. Campbell excels in the short passing game, and without a true No. 1 receiver (Chaz Schilens is hurt again), Miller steps into that role. He caught three or more passes in 11 games last season. Miller will amass 8-10 looks in this one.
Tight End Sleepers
Jermaine Gresham and Rob Gronkowski, Cincinnati at New England
I’m putting both of the rookie tight ends on the board for immediate contributions to the respective teams passing attacks. Gresham creates a mismatch downfield against a suspect New England secondary, while Gronkowski clears out like a power forward in the red zone.
Anthony Fasano at Buffalo
With defenses operating to slow down Brandon Marshall, Fasano is finding ample space to operate over the middle. Fasano slipped off of the radar following an injury-plagued 2009 season, as he experienced a massive drop-off in production from his 2008 breakout season. He’ll be a key component of Chad Henne’s development, and I expect to see him active against the Bills (five catches for 74 yards in the second meeting with Buffalo last year).
Michael Hoomanawanui vs. Arizona
Hoomanawanui, a rookie out of Illinois, has developed a rapport with Sam Bradford and should see ample reps as a safety valve option immediately. Young quarterbacks count on their tight ends, and I suspect that this will be the case in the opener against an aggressive Arizona defense.
Tight End Flops
John Carlson vs. San Francisco
Matt Hasselbeck Tweeted earlier this summer that he was tabbing Carlson as a “sleeper.” I don’t know that he necessarily qualifies for the tag overall, but I’m definitely reticent to endorse him this week against the 49ers. He caught a total of seven passes for 53 yards in two games against the 49ers last year (one catch for seven yards in the second meeting), and this defense looks even better. Carlson will put up numbers during the course of the season. I’m just not banking on an explosive opener.
