2013 Fantasy Football Week 4 Rankings: Top 20 Tight Ends

Not only are there tight ends emerging around the league, but we also have some viable options finally returning to health.  It all adds up to there being numerous options for fantasy owners to chose from.  Who’s the best, though?  Let’s take a look:

1. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints—vs. Miami
2. Julius Thomas, Denver Broncos—vs. Philadelphia
3. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys—at San Diego
4. Jordan Cameron, Cleveland Browns—vs. Cincinnati
5. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots—at Atlanta
6. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers—at St. Louis
7. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers—vs. Dallas
8. Martellus Bennett, Chicago Bears—at Detroit
9. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers—at Minnesota (London)
10. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons—vs. New England
    
11. Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts—at Jacksonville
12. Owen Daniels, Houston Texans—vs. Seattle
13. Jared Cook, St. Louis Rams—vs. San Francisco
14. Brandon Myers, New York Giants—at Kansas City
15. Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings—vs. Pittsburgh (London)
16. Rob Housler, Arizona Cardinals—at Tampa Bay
17. Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins—at Oakland
18. Scott Chandler, Buffalo Bills—vs. Baltimore
19. Charles Clay, Miami Dolphins—at New Orleans
20. Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles—at Denver

Thoughts:

• Jason Witten hasn’t had a tremendous season yet, at least compared to some of the young tight ends who are emerging throughout the league (Witten has 16 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns).  With that said, his matchup with the Chargers is favorable, as they have been among the five worst defenses against TEs thus far, according to NFL.com, and have allowed a league worst 340.7 passing yards per game overall.  Don’t underestimate how good of a week he could have.
• While Jordan Cameron is coming off a three touchdown week, we obviously cannot anticipate him replicating that.  Still, it’s become clear that the Browns are going to be a pass-heavy offense, and Cameron is going to be one of the go-to options (along with Josh Gordon).  It’s hard to consider him anything but a top-five option in all formats.
• There’s obvious risk in Rob Gronkowski, because there’s no guarantee that he plays.  If he does, however, he instantly becomes the go to receiver for Tom Brady.  While he’s not a lock to produce, he’s well worth the risk.
• Will Vernon Davis play Thursday night?  It appears likely, though it is far from a guarantee.  If you plan on using him, make sure you have an alternative just in case.
• Tony Gonzalez has been a disappointment with 11 catches for 93 yards and one touchdown over the first three weeks of the season.  The Patriots have actually been the best team in the league at stopping opposing tight ends and overall have allowed two touchdowns and just 188.3 passing yards per game.  While you would think the Falcons passing game will be able to produce, Gonzalez is nothing more than a low-end option.
• Heath Miller had three catches for 35 yards in his first game of the season and also has an extremely favorable matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.  Look to him as a viable TE1 in all formats.

Make sure to check out all of our Week 4 Rankings:

• Quarterbacks (Top 25)
• Running Backs (Top 40)
• Wide Receivers (Top 50)
• Kickers (Top 15)