Pro Football 101 Fantasy Rankings: Tight Ends in Week One

Must Starts

1. Dallas Clark vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

While the Jaguars always seem to come up big when facing the Colts, Clark always comes up big against the Jags. And this year, he should to an even greater extent. With the loss of Marvin Harrison, Clark now becomes Peyton's No. 2 target (behind Reggie Wayne), so look for a big effort on Sunday. He ranks as the top fantasy tight end in Week One.

 

2. Antonio Gates vs. Oakland Raiders

Gates is once again healthy, and this presents major problems for defenses. While the Raiders linebacking corps is both solid and quick, it won't be able to keep up with Gates on Monday night. The long-time standout TE should eclipse the 80-yard mark with at least one touchdown and be a force in the red zone.

 

3. Tony Gonzalez vs. Miami Dolphins

This is a nice spot to unveil Tony G. to the football world in his new-high flying Falcons offense. While the Dolphins defense is much improved, there have been few (defenses) over Gonzalez's 13-year career which have been able to stop him. And it won't happen on Sunday.

 

4. Jason Witten vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This won't be an easy spot for Witten, as the Bucs have a quick defense, but he should be Romo's No. 1 target and have multiple opportunities to put up yards and possibly score a TD. The matchup for the 2009 top-ranked fantasy football TE isn't the most favorable, but he should still do well.

 

Sleepers

1. Jermichael Finley vs. Chicago Bears

With all of the receiving weapons the Bears will have to deal with (Greg Jennings, Donald Drier, Jordy Nelson, etc.), this is an excellent matchup for the up-and-coming second-year TE from Texas. Look for the rapport that he and Aaron Rodgers have developed since late last season and in the preseason to carry over to Week One. An excellent fantasy sleeper play.

 

2. Zach Miller vs. San Diego Chargers

Miller's had some strong games vs. the Chargers and is adept at getting open down the seam on this defense. In what should be a lopsided affair in San Diego's favor, look for the Raiders to be in pass mode and for Miller to get a lot of looks.

 

Others with Favorable Matchups

Todd Heap vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Until this unit begins to gel, the Chiefs defense is officially a mess. This is good news for Heap owners, as Flacco will target him often in Week One.

 

Jeremy Shockey vs. Detroit Lions

The Saints' offense should have a field day against the Lions, and you know Brees wants to incorporate the TE into the offensive game plan. Shockey says he's rededicated himself in 2009, and Week One is excellent opportunity to show if that's the case.

 

Visanthe Shiancoe vs. Cleveland Browns

Favre has always loved to target his TE in the red zone and we think until he becomes fully comfortable in the Vikings offense, he'll look at Shiancoe often. After establishing himself as a quality fantasy football TE in 2008, look for that to continue in 2009.