Key Players On A Bye Zach Ertz, Austin Seferian-Jenkins
Injury Concerns: Jimmy Graham (shoulder), Joseph Fauria (ankle), Tyler Eifert (elbow) and Kyle Rudolph (groin), Zach Miller (ankle)
A Look Back - Tight End Rankings Week 6
The Elite Tier (Play With Confidence):
Gronk is heating up and ready to smash on a weekly basis.(Photo Courtesy AP)
1. Rob Gronkowski NE vs. NYJ
2. Greg Olsen CAR @GB
3. Julius Thomas DEN vs. SF
4. Antonio Gates SDG vs. KC
Gronk is getting close to full strength and it is apparent in his play. He is the most complete tight end from a receiving perspective with Graham injured. Greg Olsen is playing at a very high level and there are less threats to his targets than there are for Julius Thomas. That combined with facing the 49ers moves Thomas down to third. Gates can disappear at times, but he gets so many red zone looks that I think he puts up double digit fantasy points again.
Starter Worthy (Should Be Safe To Roll With These Guys):
5. Delanie Walker TEN @WAS
6. Jordan Reed WAS vs. TEN
7. Dwayne Allen IND vs. CIN
8. Travis Kelce KC @SDG
9. Vernon Davis SF @DEN
10. Martellus Bennett CHI vs. MIA
11. Jordan Cameron CLE @JAC
Delanie Walker falls just short of the elite tier as he has a nice matchup against a bad Redskins defense. Jordan Reed appears to be back to stay (until the next injury) and that means that he is a solid starter. Dwayne Allen is the better choice among Colts tight ends. Travis Kelce still is not getting a lot of respect and is available on a lot of waiver wires, grab him if you need some help. I'm worried about starting Vernon Davis still, but I think that against Denver the usage will be there and so will the points this week. Bennett gets downgraded with the improving health of Brandon Marshall. Jordan Cameron had a big game last week, but I think that the running game will dominate against the pathetic Jags limiting Cameron's upside in week 7.
Dangerous With Potential (Mixed Results, But It Could Pan Out):
12. Jason Witten DAL vs. NYG
13. Eric Ebron DET vs. NO
14. Larry Donnell NYG @DAL
15. Timothy Wright NE vs. NYJ
16. Jace Amaro NYJ @NE
17. Coby Fleener IND vs. CIN
18. Benjamin Watson NO @DET
19. Heath Miller PIT vs. HOU
20. Owen Daniels BAL vs. ATL
Witten finally scored in week 7, but it isn't likely to continue as he is the fourth option for the Cowboys offense. I think that Ebron will start getting some looks as Detroit needs some explosiveness. Donnell will probably see more targets this week but defenses are starting to key on him. Keep an eye on Jace Amaro, he could make some noise for the remainder of the season.
Hit Or Miss, But Mostly Miss (Do You Feel Lucky?)
21. Jared Cook STL vs. SEA
22. Ladarius Green SDG vs. KC
23. Andrew Quarless GB vs. CAR
24. Clay Harbor JAC vs. CLE
25. Jacob Tamme DEN vs. SF
26. Jermaine Gresham CIN @IND
27. Scott Chandler BUF vs. MIN
28. Josh Hill NO @DET
29. Garrett Graham HOU @PIT
30. Troy Niklas ARI @OAK
I don't feel good about this group of players, but watch Clay Harbor for a possible score as the Jags will likely throw the ball a ton again.
Good luck this week.
