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Posted by Paul in Fantasy Advice, Ranks, Tight Ends on Jan 14th 2010 (Print This)
Here We Go!
With the wild card round in the rear view mirror, we can look forward to this weekends divisional match ups. The tight end position is stacked at that top but thins out very quickly after the first four options. We know what we’re getting out of Dallas Clark. He is the unquestioned top option for tight ends and a threat to post gaudy numbers every time he steps on the field. He is the only guy in these ranks that I totally trust. He’s in a tier all by himself. The second tier starts with Gates. He is a safe and consistent option at a position that is as important as any other in fantasy football. Rivers trusts him and looks his way often. Shiancoe has emerged as one of Favre’s favorite red zone target and also doubles as a safety net in the passing game. He’s almost always a sure bet to find the end-zone. Witten rounds out the second tier. Although he doesn’t score many touchdowns, he’s a reception machine who has the trust of his quarterback.   Dustin Keller kicks off the third tier. His numbers will remain inconsistent because of the up and down play of his quarterback. He’s immensely talented and has the ability to stretch the field, something coveted out of the tight end position. If he get’s his targets he could have another solid outing. After Keller it becomes kind of a crap shoot. Both David Thomas and Jeremy Shockey play for one of the best offenses in football. The problem with them is that they’re fourth or fifth options in the passing game. If I had to choose one, I would probably go with Thomas. While Shockey was out, he filled in nicely and gained the trust of Drew Brees. Todd Heap is worth mentioning because he scored four touchdowns in weeks 15 and 16 (2 in each). I don’t necessarily think it’s a trend that will continue, but the numbers don’t lie. Good luck to everyone this weekend who continues to play Playoff Fantasy Football.
Also be on the look out for our dynasty ranks that will be dropping over the next few weeks. Feel free to ask any questions you have regarding your fantasy teams. It’s free and we love doing it. It’s always nice to be able to bounce your thoughts and ideas off of someone.
1) Dallas Clark – IND – TE
Clark is the best tight end in football and one of Peyton’s first reads. He’s the #1 tight end option this weekend and has the ability to put up big numbers every time he steps on the field.
2) Antonio Gates – SDC – TE
With all world corner back Darrelle Revis being assigned to cover Vincent Jackson, we can expect Rivers to look towards Gates all day long in this one. Gates is a solid option that is has played his best football down the stretch. He’s a solid option this weekend.
3) Visanthe Shiancoe – MIN – TE
Shiancoe has been limited in practice with a leg injury (quadriceps) this week. We don’t think it’s serious so feel free to use him this weekend. He’s been one of Favre’s favorite targets in the red zone all year and we expect that continue throughout the playoffs. It also worth noting that he’s recently emerged as one of top options in the passing game regardless of were they’re lined up on the field.
4) Jason Witten – DAL – TE
Witten only caught 4 passes for 27 yards in the wild card round against the Eagles. He’s had trouble finding the end zone this year (2 TD’s) but remains one of Romo’s favorite targets. The Cowboys face a tough Vikings run defense so we can expect Romo to throw quite a bit in this one. That’s good news for Witten owners this weekend. We can expect 5-6 catches and 60-70 yards.
5) Dustin Keller – NYJ – TE
The second year tight end has progressed nicely throughout the year. Although the Jets are a run first team, quarterback Mark Sanchez has developed a solid relationship with the versatile tight end. Against the Bengals Keller had 3 receptions for 99 yards with a touchdown. He might not be able to produce the same yardage totals but 3-4 catches and 50 yards should be expected.
6) David Thomas – NOR – TE
Thomas has emerged as a legitimate option in the Saints high powered passing attack. He missed week 17 with a calf injury, but probably would have played if the game had been significant. In weeks 15 and 16, while filling in for an injured Jeremy Shockey, he caught 13 passes for 102 yards. It will be interesting to see what his role is this weekend. Both Saint tight ends are shaky options at best, but if I had to use one it would be Thomas.
7) Jeremy Shockey – NOR – TE
Shockey has been bothered by a toe injury but will play this weekend. Unfortunately, with so many options in the passing game coupled with the emergence of David Thomas, Shockey’s overall production could suffer. He’s a hit or miss option this weekend.
8) Todd Heap – BAL – TE
Heap was on the Ravens injury report with back and neck problems, but he hasn’t missed any practice time. He’ll play this weekend against the Colts. The Ravens are a run first team and even when they do throw it’s usually not in Heaps direction. However, it’s worth noting that he caught 2 touchdowns in both week’s 15 and 16. He’s not a great option this weekend but he could find the end zone.
9) Ben Patrick – ARI – TE
Patrick is a block first tight end and an afterthought in the Cards high powered passing attack. In last weekends shootout with the Packers he caught 3 passes for 42 yards. He’s not an option this weekend unless you have to choose an Arizona tight end. If that’s the case then Patrick is your best bet.
10) Martellus Bennett – DAL – TE
Bennett is an extremely talented but raw tight end. With the emergence of Miles Austin and the presence of Jason Witten he’s an after though in the Cowboys passing attack. He’s not an option unless your desperate to fill a roster spot and have know one else on this list.
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