Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings: Jimmy Graham Eyes Week 3 Rebound
Uncertainty is the name of the game at tight end for Week 3.
Jason Witten, usually a lock to start in fantasy football, is dealing with two sprained ankles and a sprained knee, according to ESPN’s Ed Werder. As a result, fantasy owners need to look into backup options for this week. Also, Martellus Bennett — another usual lock — now has Jimmy Clausen as his quarterback after Jay Cutler’s hamstring injury.
Here are the top 10 tight ends to target this week.
1. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
Week 3 Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
2015 Stats: 12 receptions, 207 yards, 4 TDs
Gronkowski is putting up ridiculous numbers so far this season, and chances are high that won’t change against the Jaguars and their 20th-ranked passing defense this Sunday.
2. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 3 Opponent: Green Bay Packers
2015 Stats: 10 receptions, 164 yards, 2 TDs
After a monster Week 1, Kelce came back down in the Chiefs’ crushing loss to the Broncos last Thursday. The Packers are not nearly as tough of a matchup as the Broncos are defensively, so Kelce should be more involved in the passing game Monday night.
3. Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals
Week 3 Opponent: Baltimore Ravens
2015 Stats: 13 receptions, 153 yards, 3 TDs
Eifert’s 104 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1 were more likely an outlier than the norm, but he’s still one of quarterback Andy Dalton’s top targets. The Ravens aren’t exactly strong defending the pass, either.
4. Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks
Week 3 Opponent: Chicago Bears
2015 Stats: 7 receptions, 62 yards, 1 TD
It’s been a rough start to the season for Graham and the Seahawks. However, this offense is due for a big game, and that could very well come in their home opener Sunday against the Bears.
5. Martellus Bennett, Chicago Bears
Week 3 Opponent: Seattle Seahawks
2015 Stats: 9 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD
The Seahawks have struggled against the pass without holdout Kam Chancellor at safety, which should be good news for Bennett. But he will have Clausen — not Cutler — throwing to him this weekend, which could hurt his fantasy impact.
6. Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins
Week 3 Opponent: New York Giants
2015 Stats: 13 receptions, 145 yards, 1 TD
The Giants are last in the NFL in pass defense, which is good news for Reed and the Redskins. Reed should have plenty of passes thrown his way Thursday with DeSean Jackson still sidelined with a hamstring injury.
7. Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers
Week 3 Opponent: New Orleans Saints
2015 Stats: 7 receptions, 81 yards, 0 TDs
Olsen is one of quarterback Cam Newton’s top targets. His stats have been troubling so far, but the Saints present a good opportunity for Olsen to find the end zone for the first time this season.
8. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 3 Opponent: St. Louis Rams
2015 Stats: 10 receptions, 99 yards, 1 TD
Miller’s role in the Steelers’ offense diminished in Week 2, but he still helped fantasy owners by finding the end zone. Also, the Rams have struggled against opposing tight ends this season, allowing 12 receptions, 133 yards and one touchdown.
9. Ladarius Green, San Diego Chargers
Week 3 Opponent: Minnesota Vikings
2015 Stats: 10 receptions, 121 yards, 1 TD
Antonio Gates is suspended for just two more games, so use Green while you can. Green took a step back against the Bengals in Week 2, but whoever is playing tight end always is a top target for Philip Rivers.
10. Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings
Week 3 Opponent: San Diego Chargers
2015 Stats: 10 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD
Rudolph leads the Vikings in targets and receptions, and he is a huge red-zone threat. Minnesota’s focus is on running the ball, but when the team does pass, there’s a good chance the play is designed for Rudolph.
Thumbnail photo via Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports Images
