Onward to the playoffs! Or the consolation bracket for some of you, don't worry it happens. Anyway, week 14 brings with it the challenge of once again finding a tight end that will score some points for you. Don't worry Jimmy Graham owners, you probably won't see a fiasco like that again this season. There are a few quality options this week along with some potential clunkers, so follow along as we separate the gems from the junk.
Injury Concerns:Julius Thomas DEN (ankle), Dwayne Allen IND (ankle), Charles Clay MIA (knee), Austin Seferian-Jenkins TB (back), Jordan Cameron CLE(concussion), Garrett Graham HOU (ankle)
Also: Running Back Rankings Hot Off The Presses
The Elite Tier (Must Starts):
1. Rob Gronkowski NE @SD
Gronkowski goes up against a San Diego defense that is tough on tight ends, but I think that defensive coordinators would agree with me when I say that Gronk is no ordinary tight end.
2. Jimmy Graham NO vs. CAR
Graham was an afterthought last week, not even garnering one look from Drew Brees. I still start him in all leagues this week. You can't sit Jimmy Graham even after that disappointment.
Starter Worthy (Should Be Safe To Roll With These Guys):
3. Greg Olsen CAR @NO (Questionable)
I like Olsen's chances to put up numbers against a subpar Saints defense. It just depends on Cam Newton being able to stay on his feet long enough to throw.
4. Julius Thomas DEN vs. BUF (Questionable)
It sounds like Julius Thomas may return to the field this week. If not then obviously disregard this ranking, and continue avoiding Tamme.
5. Antonio Gates SD vs. NE
Gates has not been setting the world on fire of late but he had a decent number of targets last week. Look for him to score double digit fantasy points at home this week.
6. Jason Witten DAL @CHI
Witten did nothing last week, but in week 14 the Cowboys face a Bears defense that is SO bad against the pass. Number 82 should get in on the goodness to come on Thursday night.
7. Martellus Bennett CHI vs. DAL
Speaking of the Bears, Bennett should be a decent option as well as Cutler should be throwing a lot. We'll just have to wait and see if Jay can manage to get the ball to any of his own players.
8. Delanie Walker TEN vs. NYG (Questionable)
This ranking is lower if Jake Locker starts, but if Mettenberger can go then I think Walker should have a nice rebound week.
9. Travis Kelce KC @ARI
The Cardinals have not been able to cover tight ends this year. Enter a skilled young tight end in Kelce and the results could be favorable.
Kelce has a great matchup this week, but will it translate to fantasy points?Dangerous With Potential (Do You Feel Lucky?)
10. Larry Donnell NYG @TEN
Donnell may be in the doghouse a bit after his fumble versus the Jags, but the G-Men don't really have a viable alternative at the position. Play Donnell and expect TE2 numbers.
11. Dwayne Allen IND @CLE (Questionable)
The good news is, it sounds like Allen should suit up this week. The bad news...the Colts are heading to Cleveland to face a brutal Browns defense.
12. Jordan Reed WAS vs. STL (Questionable)
I feel dirty ranking Reed this high, but numbers don't lie. McCoy likes to throw to Reed a ton and as long as he can stay on the field that should continue.
13. Coby Fleener IND @CLE
Fleener may still be the healthier of the Colts tight ends, but the matchup is still very tough. Temper your expectations this week.
14. Jared Cook STL @WAS
I like Cook a little bit against a beatable 'Skins secondary. I don't think he sets the world on fire, but these days what tight end consistently does?
15. Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. NYJ
Rudolph is valuable when he scores touchdowns, that's it. The only reason that he makes it to the top half of the list is that it isn't very hard to score touchdowns against the Jets secondary.
16. Heath Miller PIT @CIN
These two teams are familiar with one another, but Miller still has a few moves. He could end up with a touchdown but I wouldn't gamble on it.
Waiver Wire Fodder (There Are Better Options):
17. Jordan Cameron CLE vs. IND (Questionable)
The eternally-questionable-one aka Jordan Cameron could produce if he plays, but just stay away if you can.
18. Charles Clay MIA vs. BAL (Questionable)
Clay has not played in a couple of weeks and may sit again in week 14. Avoid him or have a backup plan.
19. Vernon Davis SF @OAK
20. Owen Daniels BAL @MIA
21. Mychal Rivera OAK vs. SF
22. Jermaine Gresham CIN vs. PIT
23. Andrew Quarless GB vs. ATL
24. Tim Wright NE @SD
25. Eric Ebron DET vs. TB
26. Zach Ertz PHI vs. SEA
27. Scott Chandler BUF @DEN
28. Anthony Fasano KC @ARI
29. Luke Willson SEA @PHI
30. Marcedes Lewis JAC vs. HOU
In Case You Missed It: Wide Receiver Rankings
