Too Small to Be Linemen, But Big Enough to Make a Difference: TE Player Rankings

Wild Card Weekend WR Player Rankings

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Also, check out the rankings for QBs, RBs, and WRs

1. Jacob Tamme (vs NYJ)

The Jets have been pretty good in defending tight ends this year, but against teams that use their tight end as much as the Colts do (like New England and Houston), they faltered. 

Expect Tamme to come through with some real nice numbers this Saturday night.

2. Jimmy Graham (@ Sea)

Graham looks like he’ll be a game-time decision this Saturday because of his ankle injury, but I’m expecting him to give it a go. If he does, he’s become one of Brees’ favorite targets out there, and should have no problem getting open against this defense.  His red-zone prowess makes him a great option, assuming he’s active.

3. Dustin Keller (@ Ind)

The Colts have been pretty loose in guarding tight ends this year, giving up an average of five catches a game and a TE touchdown every other week.

Since the first four weeks of the season, Keller has been less than stellar to say the least, but the Jets got him the ball seven times for 79 yards in his last game, so look for him to build on the momentum as Sanchez’s dump-off guy this weekend.

4. Brent Celek (vs GB)

The Packers have had a tough time guarding tight ends this year, so even though Celek has been a big disappointment in the fantasy world this year, he might be able to redeem himself this weekend. 

In his last game in Week 16 against the Vikings (Philly rested its starters in Week 17), he had his best game of the year, catching 10 balls for 97 yards while tying for the most targets on the team with 12. Brent will be looking to work off of that momentum on Sunday.

5. Todd Heap (@ KC)

Heap had another strong season despite missing three games, and could be depended on a bit in this Wild Card showdown. With his 15.0 yards-per-catch average and red-zone ability, he might be able to do some damage against a Chiefs defense that has been strong against opposing tight ends all year.

Other than that, he also happens to be my girlfriend's cousin, so do it up, Todd!

6. Jeremy Shockey (@ Sea)

If Graham doesn’t suit up, Shockey should fill in for him just fine and climb the ranks a few spots here. Even if Graham does play, I’m still expecting at least a handful of targets for the playoff-savvy vet.

7. Andrew Quarless (@ Phi)

The Eagles tied for last in the league in allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Even though Quarless is no Jermichael Finley, he does have some skills as a receiver, so despite his rookie status, he might be able to grab a few balls and maybe even a TD if he’s lucky.

8. Tony Moeaki (vs Bal)

The Ravens are the best team in the playoffs at defending tight ends, so don’t expect too much here, especially with Tony being a rookie and all.

9. John Carlson (vs NO)

Carlson was supposed to be a major focus for the Seahawks offense this year, with the key phrase being “supposed to be”. He’s played a bit better as of late, but I still wouldn’t expect much, even with the Saints giving up five catches a game to opposing tight ends.

10. Donald Lee (@ Phi)

Lee is a grizzled veteran who will certainly see his fair share of action this Sunday, but his skills are more as a pass-blocker than a receiver. Despite his grabbing two touchdowns the last couple of weeks, don’t expect too much, as he only has 11 catches on the season.

11. David Thomas (@ Sea)

Thomas is a fine young tight end, but he won’t get much of a shot to show his stuff unless Graham takes a seat this weekend.

12. Ed Dickson (@ KC)

Dickson has a great future and will eventually take over for Heap, but it’s hard to depend on a rookie come playoff time.

13. Cameron Morrah (vs NO)

Morrah was good for a minute there a few weeks back, but has since disappeared.

Wild Card Weekend rankings for QBs, RBs, and WRs

Amber Heard Veronica Kay Mýa Natalie Imbruglia Patricia Velásquez