2009 Fantasy Football PPR Rankings, TE

Jason Witten

One might argue that creating a separate ranking list for tight ends in a PPR league is a waste of time. They are the weakest scoring of the three offensive areas, and whether they get an extra point per reception changes them all about equally, right? Not necessarily so, my fantasy friends. Grab a beer, sit back and I’ll explain the oh so subtle differences. All quarterbacks have their favorite red zone targets, and all have their favorite short-pass targets. Quite often those are the tight ends. Some tight ends only get the nod when they reach the end-zone while others are great at moving the ball down the field, but seldom get the rock at the goal-line. Not unlike RB tandems. More important at the tight end position is how frequently the player is targeted each game. Actual receptions and scores can vary from season to season, but what matters most is who the QB is going to look to most often. Last season, Tony Gonzalez was targeted 154 times; far more than the next closest TE. Who will it be this year?

–2009 PPR Tight End Rankings–

Jason Witten, DAL – Witten had 121 looks last season and converted 3/4ths of them. With T.O. gone and an emphasis on two tight end packages in Big-D, I think Witten’s going to have a career year.

Tony Gonzalez, ATL – He won’t see as many targets from his new QB because he’s no longer the only worthwhile weapon on offense. However, I still expect 120+ targets and 80+ receptions.

Greg Olsen, CHI – In 2008, Olsen was targeted 82 times by former QB, Kyle Orton. Jay Cutler is now slinging the pigskin for Da Bears, and he has an affinity for quick passes to his tight ends. Noise out of the Bears camp is that he and Olsen have already developed a solid chemistry on the field. This bodes well for a high target season. Cutler’s arm is more accurate than Orton’s so I expect a higher rate of conversion from target to reception. I’m thinking 130+ receptions is within reach, plus 900-1000 yards and at least 7-8 TDs.

Dallas Clark, IND – Clark has one of the league’s best QBs throwing him the ball, and until some of the younger WRs develop a bit more, Clark will fill some of the void left by Peyton Manning’s former favorite target, Marvin Harrison. I think there’s every possibility he and Olsen could swap places here, but I’m fonder of Olsen’s situation.

Antonio Gates, SDG – Gates had a miserable year in 2008 for a guy who is a perennial top two TE pick. He just can’t seem to shake the injury bug. He could very well vault back to the top position this season, but I’m not wasting a high pick to find out.

Antonio Gates - Worth the price of admission?

Any of these first five guys are the league’s elite at the position, but if you will still find quality PPR producers in the mid to later rounds.

Kellen Winslow, TBB – The former stud TE is mercifully out of Cleveland and should be the primary reception threat for the Buccaneers this season. If he had a solid quarterback I’d predict 100 catches and push him up the board, but right now none of the Bucs QBs are raising the fantasy flag.

Chris Cooley, WAS – I like Owen Daniels a bit more, but Cooley gets targeted 100+ times each season. He didn’t do much in the end-zone in 2008, but he’ll certainly improve on last year’s lone TD.

Owen Daniels, HOU – Like Cooley, Daniels is a prime target in his offense, but also like him, he doesn’t find the end-zone much. But targets equal opportunity, and that’s what we’re looking for in a PPR league.

John Carlson, SEA – If Matt Hassleback can stay healthy, he likes to throw the ball…a lot. I expect Carlson to see 100+ targets in 2009.

Dustin Keller, NYJ – With Laveranues Coles gone, and blocking tight end Chris Davis added to the team, I like Keller’s chance for a big season.

Brent Celek, PHI – Similar to Keller, I see a world of opportunity for Celek in the Eagles offense this season. He’s not likely to go as one of the top 10 TEs, so he may be a very productive sleeper.

Zach Miller, OAK – Zach is target one in Oakland, which right now isn’t saying much, but the lack of deep wide receiver strength boosts Miller’s value.

Brandon Pettigrew, DET – Another murky QB situation is unfolding in Detroit, but Pettigrew was the top TE in the 2009 draft. He has great hands, is 6-5 and he should make an impact right away.

Vernon Davis, SFO – This is a boom or bust season for Davis who has not lived up to his early hype. I think this is the year he puts it all together. A new coach with a new point of view is going to right Davis’ ship by the bay.

Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN – Another guy almost labeled a bust before last season’s break-out performance. He is highly focused on besting last year’s numbers, and with Sage Rosenfels under center, I think he can.

Brad Cottam, KCC – My sleeper TE this season. He is stepping into Tony G’s spot, and while I don’t expect similar production, those 154 targets have got to be thrown to someone.

Kevin Boss, NYG – Eli Manning did not target Boss very often last season, but Kevin is expected to be more involved in his second full season as starter.

Jeremy Shockey, NOS – The shock factor is gone, but he plays in the league’s most explosive offense. That has to good for something.

Tony Scheffler, DEN – A new coach who likes to use TE’s and a QB with limited passing strength means Tony could be in for a nice season (if he’s healthy). So far I’ve heard opposing views in Denver. The first said Scheffler is likely to be shopped and traded while another says he’s building good chemistry with Orton and the coaches like what they see. It’s not improbable both are correct.

Heath Miller, PIT – He is one of Big Ben’s favorite red-zone targets. He missed three games last season and still saw 65 balls thrown his way.

–Guys to watch as sleepers or back up TEs–

Bo Scaife, TEN

Randy McMichael, STL

Marcedes Lewis, JAX

Ben Watson, NEP

Martellus Bennett, DAL