Lineup calls: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
The tight end position may be deep this season, but consistency has certainly been an issue.
Injuries have sent the tight end world into tumult, with season-ending injuries claiming top options Jermichael Finley and Dallas Clark.
Fantasy owners received several big efforts from Marcedes Lewis (seven touchdowns) and Dustin Keller in the early going. Unfortunately, a bevy of other veteran options have left owners wanting. Red zone specialist Rob Gronkowski has scored more touchdowns than Brent Celek, Chris Cooley, Heath Miller, Visanthe Shiancoe, Kellen Winslow or Owen Daniels.
Top 5 Tight Ends
(other than Antonio Gates or Jason Witten)
Jacob Tamme at Philadelphia
Tamme stepped into the starting lineup and became an immediate Indianapolis hero. He caught six passes for 64 yards with a touchdown on nine targets, including a huge first-down reception in the fourth quarter.
Tamme’s target count may dip moderately this week with Austin Collie set to make his return to the lineup (barring a late-week setback), but Philadelphia’s aggressive scheme will force Peyton Manning through his progressions more quickly. Manning showed great confidence in Tamme last week.
Zach Miller vs. Kansas City
Miller injured his foot in Week 8 and finished the game without one reception for eight yards. He didn’t practice on Wednesday, but the Raiders are optimistic that their top receiving option will be available for the divisional showdown with the Chiefs. Miller has established himself as one of the most reliable tight end options this season, as he averaged 4.7 receptions and 64.7 receiving yards per game with four touchdowns prior to last week’s injury-shortened effort.
Benjamin Watson vs. New England
Watson’s streak of six games with at least three receptions ended with his one-catch, 18-yard performance against the Saints in Week 7. He’d recorded five consecutive games with at least 45 receiving yards. I’m expecting to see more of Watson against his former team this weekend with Colt McCoy once again under center. New England has been generous to opposing tight ends. Perhaps he can have the happy reunion on the field that Randy Moss didn’t last week.
Aaron Hernandez at Cleveland
Hernandez has yet to find the end zone this season (the aforementioned Rob Gronkowski gets those looks), but he’s been a solid target for Tom Brady. He’s recorded multiple receptions in six consecutive games, including three efforts of at least 60 receiving yards. The Browns allow opponents to move the ball through the air and have surrendered 13 passing touchdowns. Gronkowski may get the red zone love, but Hernandez rules between the 20s while defenses keep Wes Welker at bay.
Todd Heap vs. Miami
Heap recorded back-to-back three-reception games with a total three touchdowns before the Ravens’ Week 8 bye. He’s the No. 2 option for Joe Flacco behind Anquan Boldin and continues to pile up targets. Heap has caught three or more passes in six of seven games while averaging 45.4 yards per game. He’s a top play coming out of the bye week.
Sleepers
Greg Olsen at Buffalo (Toronto)
Olsen has been a hit-or-miss proposition for fantasy owners (and salty Chicago fans) this season. He’s caught three or more passes in four games this season, but has also been shut out twice (one reception in Week 2 against Dallas, a 39-yard touchdown). The Buffalo pass defense ranks in the upper-tier in terms of yardage, but the sieve-like run defense has put them in terrible positions (15 touchdowns surrendered).
Kevin Boss at Seattle
I’m looking deep here for a spot play against a Seattle pass defense that ranks 29th against the pass (267.1 yards per game). Seattle has averaged three sacks per game, so Eli Manning may be forced to get the ball out quickly. He’s caught multiple passes in three games this season with two efforts of at least 40 receiving yards.
Andrew Quarless vs. Dallas
Quarless sustained a shoulder injury last week against the Jets, but Mike McCarthy is reportedly optimistic that the rookie tight end will be available. He did not record a catch in the game after posting his first touchdown reception in Week 7. Given the number of bye weeks and underperforming options on the board, fantasy owners are seeking a spot play on the wire. If cleared, he represents an intriguing option against the struggling Dallas pass defense.
Flops
Brent Celek vs. Indianapolis
Celek was limited to two receptions for eight yards in the Eagles’ last outing against the Titans. He’s failed to eclipse 50 receiving yards in a single game this season (32.7 yards per game) with two touchdowns. Sorry. I’m not buying.
Owen Daniels vs. San Diego
According to reports from Houston, Daniels aggravated his hamstring injury and has been unable to practice this week. Fans and fantasy owners were wondering why Daniels was so little-used on Monday night (one catch for eight yards). Even if he suits up, Daniels represents a difficult play against the top-ranked San Diego pass defense.
Visanthe Shiancoe vs. Arizona
Shiancoe stands as one of the chief beneficiaries of Moss’ departure. He caught 10 passes for 162 yards in the Vikings’ first two games, including his lone touchdown of the year. As such, it’s difficult to place him here under the flops. This is a case of "managing expectations." I anticipated that Shiancoe would remain a red zone beast in 2010, but that hasn’t happened to date. Fantasy expecting to party like it’s 2009 may be disappointed. Take your 6-8 looks and roll.
