2012 Fantasy Football Week 1: Tight Ends (TE) Rankings/ Projections

The 49ers will be a run first offense again, but early in the season they may find themselves in situations where the game scripts suggest that they need to throw the football. Week one, in Lambeau, should be a situation where Vernon Davis has a chance to put up the kind of numbers we saw in the playoffs last year.

I do have concerns about San Francisco’s pass protection as Clay Mathews and Nick Perry will be tough to handle, especially with Dom Capers calling the plays.

Still, when Alex Smith does have time to throw, Davis should exploit a suspect secondary that is still trying to find it’s way, forcing Capers hand to explore using Charles Woodson as a safety.

Carolina’s Real No.2 Receiver

While Brandon LaFell has been talked up by the coaching staff as a receiver ready for a breakout season, I like Greg Olsen to be Newton’s No. 2 target after Steve Smith.

Smith is battling a foot injury and while I believe he will play in this game, he may start the season out slow. Expect Newton to target Olsen often, and the veteran should have success against the Buccaneers secondary.

Sean’s Watch List

We need to pay attention to both the Vikings' Kyle Rudolph against the Jaguars and the Bears' Kellen Davis against the Colts this week. Both tight ends have a chance to be productive fantasy options, especially Rudolph.

Until Adrian Peterson proves that he’s ready to play at full speed, I like Rudolph as the Vikings top weapon in the red zone and he has the skill set to be a force all over the field.

1	Jimmy Graham	Redskins
2	Rob Gronkowski	@ Titans
3	Antonio Gates	@ Raiders
4	Vernon Davis	@ Packers
5	Aaron Hernandez	@ Titans
6	Fred Davis	@ Saints
7	Brandon Pettigrew	@ Rams
8	Jermichael Finley (I)	49ers
9	Greg Olsen	@ Bucs
10	Jacob Tamme	Steelers
11	Jermaine Gresham (I)	@ Ravens
12	Kyle Rudolph	Jaguars
13	Tony Gonzalez	@ Chiefs
14	Jared Cook	Patriots
15	Jason Witten (I)	@ Giants
16	Kellen Davis	Colts
17	Brent Celek	@ Browns
18	Lance Kendricks	@ Lions
19	Dwayne Allen	@ Bears
20	Owen Daniels	Dolphins

Week 1 Rankings – QB | RB | WR | K | D |