2009 Fantasy Football Start-Sit Advice: Ranking The Top TEs in Week Eight

There have been two distinct trends this year that have changed the face of Fantasy Football a bit, trends you should know about.

1. There has been increased activity in defensive backs. And although the safeties of the league really corner the market in interceptions, the DBs are shutting down receivers so well that some of the wideouts haven’t lived up to their much touted 2009 projections just yet.

2. Even more interesting is the play of the TEs. The TE position has always had some fantasy value, but this year they are providing fantasy points where every other position is lacking a bit.

Last year, a TE who finished the year with 497 yards and five TDs would’ve been an ok draft pick. Those stats currently belong to Owen Daniels of Houston, and it’s only week eight!

Make no mistake. As more and more attention is being paid to the stud receivers, it is the TEs who are stepping up and providing the offensive performance, and fantasy points, each manager strives for week in and week out.

Let’s take a look at the Top Five Starting TEs and Top Five TEs that should be benched.

Top Five Starting TEs

1. Owen Daniels, Texans

Daniels has been just sick with his yards and scores this year, and there is a bit of trouble with lead receiver Andre Johnson as he is dealing with a lung problem. Houston faces one of the worst defending teams against TEs in Buffalo this week, and you can bet Daniels will have a huge day.

2. John Carlson, Seahawks

The Seahawks travel to Dallas to face a Cowboy team that beat up on the Falcons last week. And considering the ‘Boys are finding new and exciting ways to cover the wideouts, Carlson—a fantasy surprise—will be primed to feast on the Cowboys horrible red zone defense.

3. Dallas Clark, Colts

There are two people right now in Indy that are primary end zone threats, and neither of them are named Reggie Wayne. Clark has raked in 38 catches and 485 yards with three TDs, and there is no reason to think he won’t continue against San Fran. He is a must start this week.

4. Greg Olsen, Bears 

A couple of weeks ago the Bears—offensive coordinator Ron Turner to be exact—stated they are committed to getting Olsen into the offense more, and it has shown. Olsen is on this list primarily because the Browns are really that bad, and the Bears will look to bounce back against a gratuitous defense with Olsen leading the way.

5. Antonio Gates, Chargers

The Raiders can only cover so many people. And even if they bring pressure it won’t matter since Rivers can pretty much throw against anyone, making Gates a huge must start this week.

Top Five TE Sits

1. Vernon Davis, 49ers

Yes, that’s right, Davis should be sat this week against a Colts team that allows the fewest yards per pass attempt per game.

2. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons

Gonzalez has been a mild disappointment this year with only 304 yards on 27 catches and three TDs. The Saints newfound stellar defense won’t afford Gonzalez owners anything but a headache.

3. Dante Rosario, Panthers

The Panthers aren’t saying how bad Rosario’s knee injury is, but it doesn’t matter as he has as much worth in fantasy as limestone does to a jeweler. Get rid of him.

4. Todd Heap, Ravens

The Ravens go up against the number one scoring defense in the league, and you can bet the Broncos will shut down Heap and Flacco. He is not worth the risk this week.

5. Robert Royal, Browns

Royal has literally checked out of the Fantasy Hotel, and it is safe to drop him completely. He won’t turn it around this season.

Well everyone I hope this helps. For a complete WR Start-Sit Ranking complete with over 25 receivers, please visit my column at Top-Fantasy-Football.

Good Luck this week everyone!