Week 2 Lineup calls: Tight End's top starts, sleepers and flops
Lineup calls: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
As we anticipated, several rookie tight ends figured prominently in the opening week of the season.
Jermaine Gresham, Rob Gronkowski and Tony Moeaki all found the end zone for their respective teams in Week 1, with Moeaki leading the Chiefs in receiving yardage (not a tall order given Matt Cassel’s 68-yard effort).
That isn’t to say that the old standbys didn’t register solid totals for fantasy owners. Dallas Clark dominated the Texans in the Colts’ failed comeback bid. Visanthe Shiancoe was the Vikings’ leading receiver, and Vernon Davis did catch eight balls in the debacle against Seattle.
Some of our top options did flounder in Week 1, and fantasy owners are banking on huge rebound games in Week 2. Unlike years past, the pool of viable options is deep enough for owners to play the waiver wire matchup game.
There, I put those targets on notice for the fantasy community at large.
Let’s get into the Lineup Calls for Week 2.
Top 5 Tight Ends
Tight End Sleepers
Marcedes Lewis at San Diego
Lewis was one of the heroes of Week 1 against the Browns, as the former UCLA Bruins standout hauled in two touchdown passes from David Garrard. He’s on the radar in Week 2 against the Chargers, as the secondary works to erase Mike Sims-Walker and contain Maurice Jones-Drew out of the backfield. The probable return of Shawne Merriman does change the complexion of the heart of the San Diego defense.
Tony Scheffler vs. Philadelphia
I’m not expecting a grand performance from the Lions with Shaun Hill at the helm. I do anticipate that the short passing game takes centerstage and that Scheffler and the other check-down targets receive a ton of attention. Scheffler caught six passes in the opener, and we have to anticipate that the Eagles try to get after Hill early and often. I like Scheffler’s chances for a big day for owners in PPR leagues.
Tight End Flops
Greg Olsen at Dallas
Olsen was in a glorious spot in Week 1 against Detroit, but finished with just four receptions and 37 receiving yards (and a crushing lost fumble). This is a much more difficult matchup against a defense that will force Olsen to participate more as a blocker. It’s possible that Olsen accrues more looks as a hot read for Jay Cutler, but I can’t anticipate huge production in this spot.
Dustin Keller vs. New England
We felt for Keller when he was drilled by Ray Lewis over the middle on Monday night. His fantasy owners cursed him when his momentum took him out of bounds instead of up the field following a short reception at game’s end. He’s a difficult play for Week 2, as owners can’t begin to trust Mark Sanchez just yet. The running game has a difficult matchup on tap against Vince Wilfork and company, thereby putting Sanchez in disadvantageous passing situations. It may take the return of Santonio Holmes to get this offense in order.
