Fantasy Football Midseason Report Cards: Grading the Top 25 Flex WR/TE
Fantasy football owners constantly crave the most up to date information. Who's injured, who's starting, who's benched, etc. What you don't see enough of is mid-season positional rankings.
Sometimes you can be looking at your roster and see a guy has scored 60 points and think he's one of the best at his position. But you could be missing out on somebody better, and not even realize it. It's time for us to take a look at the last eight weeks of the season with Week 8 coming to an end.
We're going to go through a list of the top 25 Flex wide receivers and tight ends in fantasy football. We're not going to rank strictly on what they've done in the last eight weeks, but also what they are in line to produce. So take a look, enjoy the pictures, and let's talk fantasy football!
25. Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots
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First Half Production: 4/10
Hernandez came onto the scene sooner than we thought. He’s seeing anywhere between four to six receptions a game.
Hernandez’s potential is very high as he makes plays after the catch and has great hands. He can serve as a halfback as well, and can even be utilized on screens. His production would be a bit better, however he has yet to get into the end zone.
Second Half Potential: 6/10
Despite the acquisition of Deion Branch (after Randy Moss was traded), Hernandez should continue to see targets.
It’s just a matter of time before Hernandez see’s more targets in the red zone, but his explosiveness after the catch makes him a threat to take the ball into the end zone every time.
Why He Could Be Higher:
His value can be higher in PPR leagues, and the fact that he’s the number one receiving tight end in New England makes him valuable pretty valuable.
Why He Could Be Lower:
His lack of touchdowns really hurts fantasy owners. It’s great to have a tight end that gets you a few receptions and maybe 50 or 60 yards, but a touchdown can be the difference between a notch in the Win column.
24. Danny Amendola, WR, St. Louis Rams
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First Half Production: 6/10
Amendola found a way to be productive in a Rams system that features a slew of wide receivers to throw to. He played second string to Mark Clayton and managed five to seven catches a game.
His yardage was only mediocre, however, and he struggled to get in the end zone until Week’s 7 and 8. However, the lack of YAC was an area of concern, as he’s struggled to get past 30 yards in recent weeks.
Second Half Potential: 4/10
I like Amendola for PPR leagues, but he’ll maintain a mediocre wide receiver so long as he isn’t a threat after the catch. While Sam Bradford is improving, so are the other wide receivers in St. Louis.
Brandon Gibson and Danario Alexander will be seeing more looks, as well Mardy Gilyard when he’s 100%. But the lack of touchdowns is worrisome.
Why He Could Be Higher:
His consistent amount of catches makes him a guy you can rely on. There are a number of receivers out there who can catch 10 passes in one game and then zero in the next. He gives people a consistent idea of what to expect weekly.
Why He Could Be Lower:
The lack of touchdowns is a big factor in fantasy football.
When you don’t score touchdowns often and you’re struggling to get even 30 or 40 yards, it’s never a good sign, and doesn’t bode well for fantasy owners who are relying on a guy to produce.
23. Kevin Walter, WR, Houston Texans
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First Half Production: 4/10
Walter was a big sleeper for 2010, and his first three weeks made him look like he’d hold up to that status.
Unfortunately for Walter, he has yet to score since Week 3, after he recorded a touchdown in each of his first three games. Walter failed to have even one reception against Kansas City, and had just six combined receptions in his two games prior to that.
Second Half Potential: 6/10
The Texans will be a bigger passing team in the second half of the season, and Kevin Walter should be a good part of that. Walter is destined to rebound and play a bigger role in the offense.
Walter may not record many more touchdowns, but he should see more receptions from Matt Schaub as teams start to stack the box against Arian Foster.
Why He Could Be Higher:
His three touchdowns are evidence that he can get into the end zone. We know he can catch well, and he’s generally a sure handed target.
Why He Could Be Lower:
Lack of consistency. Walter’s inconsistency this season makes him a risky option going forward for your Flex spot. If he can start getting more than five catches a game, then he’ll be worth the start in your league.
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22. Chris Cooley, TE, Washington Redskins
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First Half Production: 6/10
Cooley has fared well statistically despite a few nagging injuries that have taken him out of some games. He continues to see a respectable amount of receptions from Donovan McNabb, and has nearly 400 yards receiving for the season. The yardage is solid for a tight end, but we wanted to see more touchdowns.
Second Half Potential: 7/10
Cooley still isn’t 100%, but his production remains consistent. The Redskins have a Week 9 BYE week that will allow him to rest up for the Redskins battle against the Eagles the following week.
The Redskins will utilize Cooley more in the red zone in the second half, and he should see a few more touchdowns.
Why He Could Be Higher:
He only had two games under 48 yards receiving, which shows that he can make plays after the catch and is a reliable option for McNabb. He only had three games in which he had less than five receptions as well.
Why He Could Be Lower:
The lack of touchdowns hurts his value, and his nagging injuries have kept him from going at 100%. When players continue to play through injuries, it generally doesn’t help their chances going forward.
21. Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots
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First Half Production: 5/10
Welker has been disappointing for fantasy owners who drafted him. He started the season with two touchdowns and a very nice game. However, since Week 1, he’s recorded just one more touchdown, and hasn’t scored since Week 2.
Welker hasn’t been nearly as exciting as he has been in recent years.
Second Half Potential: 8/10
The Patriots offense has been solid, but it’s been a part of too many close games. There’s no reason why Tom Brady won’t get back on track and start finding his more reliable wide receivers often.
Welker has seen the targets, but hasn’t been involved in as many big plays as we’d like to see. As long as he continues to see the targets, however, there’s no reason to believe that one of the NFL’s reception leaders of the past few years won’t get on track and start scoring.
Why He Could Be Higher:
Reputation. His reputation is great, and he still caught quite a few passes. He was just a bit unlucky not getting into the end zone.
Why He Could Be Lower:
He’s been virtually non-existent in just a few of the New England Patriots games this season, and fantasy owners have been too scared to bench him just in case he breaks out in the selected game.
20. Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay Packers
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First Half Production: 6/10
Driver was off to a slow start after not registering a catch longer than 13 yards in his first three games. He still saw the receptions, but was struggling making plays down field like he usually does.
However, despite not having a ton of YAC, he had three scores in his first four matches, he was still a top target for Aaron Rodgers. Unfortunately, he was shut down completely by the Vikings, and he was forced to leave early against the Jets after aggravating his quad injury.
Second Half Potential: 7/10
Driver is still a very good receiver, and his potential is as good as most WR2 options. With Jermichael Finley going on the IR, and James Jones unreliable, there’s a very good chance that Driver has a very respectable 2nd half.
The Packers have a very favorable 2nd half schedule as well, which only gives Driver a better chance to produce.
Why He Could Be Higher:
He still gets the receptions that you want to see out of your Flex, and he still scored three touchdowns.
Why He Could Be Lower:
The YAC hasn’t been very desirable. As fantasy owners, we don’t like to take chances on player that are struggling to get a 10 yard reception.
19. Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
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First Half Production: 6/10
I wouldn’t hesitate to give Marcedes Lewis a better grade if he caught more passes. Unfortunately, he only catches two to three passes a game. He’s had one game in which he caught five.
On the flip side, he’s scoring touchdowns and he’s one of the top red zone threats in the NFL.
Second Half Potential: 7/10
I think Lewis see’s a few more receptions in the second half and improves on his yardage while keeping the touchdown pace going. He’s going to become a bigger part of the offense.
The Jaguars have a favorable schedule in the second half in terms of pass defenses, and David Garrard is realizing just how valuable Lewis can be.
Why He Could Be Higher:
Touchdowns are HUGE in fantasy football. Even if a guy has just two catches, he can score a touchdown and match his projected fantasy points.
Why He Could Be Lower:
He’s not a guy who’s going to catch 60 balls a season, and his ceiling is limited. He’s not the greatest open field receiver, but he’s a great option inside the 20.
18. Braylon Edwards, WR, New York Jets
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First Half Production: 7/10
Surprisingly enough, Edwards has been a nice Flex option. His first game of the season, he was shut down, but he has bounced back and had four touchdowns, and has made a few big plays down the field.
He’s scored when he hasn’t made up the yardage, and he’s had the yardage when he hasn’t scored.
Second Half Potential: 5/10
There are a couple factors why Braylon’s value takes a hit. Mark Sanchez isn’t a quarterback who’s going to throw 250-300 yards every week, and sometimes struggles to get to 200, even. Add in the fact that Santonio Holmes is back, and the confidence of fantasy owners takes a big hit.
The other thing to remember is that Braylon is a very inconsistent wide receiver. One game he can catch seven passes and score two touchdowns, and the next three games he’ll be invisible. It hasn’t happened this year, but I don’t care for him in the 2nd half.
Why He Could Be Higher:
He scored touchdowns and made a few big plays, which bodes well for fantasy owners. He consistently found holes in the defense and got open.
Why He Could Be Lower:
He’s missed opportunities because of drops and his lack of receptions is scary for a guy who was the #1 wide receiver for the first four weeks.
17. Roy E. Williams, WR, Dallas Cowboys
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First Half Production: 6/10
Williams has surprised a few people as of late. He scored five touchdowns in three weeks, and hasn’t played as bad as many thought he would.
Unfortunately, he only has eight receptions in the other four games in which he did not score. In the game against Minnesota, he had just three catches. Two of them happened to be touchdowns.
Second Half Potential: 4/10
With Tony Romo potentially out for the season, there’s a good chance Williams struggles to catch two passes a game.
There’s always that chance, however, so never count him out.
Why He Could Be Higher:
The touchdowns made him a valuable option in the waiver wire. Those three weeks, fantasy owners were rewarded which very solid points.
Why He Could Be Lower:
The inconsistency kills Williams. He struggles to make an impact as much as fantasy owners expect out of him.
16. Lance Moore, WR, New Orleans
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First Half Production: 6/10
Moore seems to produce any time he gets the touches. The problem is, he sometimes doesn’t get the touches. He’s had one great game (Atlanta, Week 3), and has had mostly mediocre games.
He’s getting into the end zone, and that’s what fantasy owners like to see, however.
Second Half Potential: 5/10
Moore will see the same amount of receptions, but won’t get into the end zone as often. He’s a talented player, but he still plays for a Saints offense that has at least five other legit receiving options for Drew Brees.
Why He Could Be Higher:
He could be higher if he had more big games. He has a nice game and disappears for a game, and then follows it up with a mediocre game. We need more big games.
Why He Could Be Lower:
Had he not exploded against Atlanta in Week 3, he’d be significantly lower in scoring.
15. Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants
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First of all... How sweet does this picture look?
First Half Production: 6/10
Manningham came out of the Pre-Season with something to prove. He caught for 85, 75, and 78 yards in his first three games. Three touchdowns in his first seven games also make him a solid slot receiving option.
The reason why he’s not rated a bit higher than a six is because he disappeared for two games and didn’t have a reception in two straight games. So, there’s the whole inconsistency factor.
Second Half Potential: 6/10
He has excellent down field ability, and should only continue to produce so long as Eli Manning continues to throw the ball as much as he is.
Why He Could Be Higher:
Every game he’s had a reception in, he’s produced solid Flex stats.
Why He Could Be Lower:
Those two games without a reception hurt him.
14. Jabar Gaffney, WR, Denver Broncos
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First Half Production: 7/10
What’s not to love about Gaffney in 2010? Well, the fact that he doesn’t get into the end zone is just about the only thing.
Gaffney has been very productive with 45 receptions, and 512 yards receiving. He’s been a Flex dream for fantasy owners in PPR leagues.
Second Half Potential: 6/10
Gaffney is going to slow down. He’s on pace for over 90 catches, and that just won’t happen.
It’s not that I doubt his ability, it’s that there will be a time when Kyle Orton will stop producing like he is. I think he will get into the end zone a few more times, which will offset the lack of yardage and receptions, however.
Why He Could Be Higher:
This is about as high as Gaffney will probably ever be. He’s a reliable Flex receiver.
Why He Could Be Lower:
He will drop if he drops in production and still doesn’t find the end zone. He needs to get some scores.
13. Davone Bess, WR, Miami Dolphins
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First Half Production: 7/10
Bess and the Dolphins passing attack has came out of nowhere, and you should continue to love it. The former Hawaii Warrior standout has made a name for himself making plays in the middle of the field.
He’s been as productive as a Flex player should be in all but one game. He’s recorded 501 yards receiving and caught 39 passes in his first seven games.
Second Half Potential: 7/10
I expect about the same from Bess. He’ll get himself a few more touchdowns, but he’ll stay active in the Miami passing offense as long as Brandon Marshall is around. Chad Henne is playing very well also, and he seems to be grasping the offense more and more each time.
Why He Could Be Higher:
Consistent receptions make him a guy that should be higher in PPR formats. He’s getting five to six catches a game.
Why He Could Be Lower:
He has yet to have a 100+ yard week, and isn’t a huge play maker.
12. Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears
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First Half Production: 8/10
Some may argue the 8/10 ranking, but the fact that this guy’s only two unproductive games were when the backup quarterback was in, tells me that he’s legit.
You can argue that he doesn’t score touchdowns, and that is a flaw, but the yardage and the receptions are there.
Second Half Potential: 9/10
Even if Cutler continues to play at this frustrating pace, Knox will still see a lot of receptions. Knox is the only reliable receiver on that football team, and it’s only a matter of time before Knox starts to see more red zone looks.
If Cutler starts to improve, look out, because Knox will be his biggest target.
Why He Could Be Higher:
He’s got 478 yards on just 24 receptions. He’s a big downfield threat, and he’s been consistent doing it.
Why He Could Be Lower:
The lack of touchdowns hurts his value and is a reason why he’s not a guy you want to put in as your WR2 or better.
11. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys
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First Half Production: 8/10
Witten is seeing the receptions and seeing the yardage. He’s had just one game under 50 yards receiving, and that was in Week 1.
Witten isn’t putting up the flashiest numbers because he’s not finding the end zone. That will change in the second half of the season.
Second Half Potential: 10/10
Call me crazy, but Witten’s potential with Kitna in, is even better now. The wide receivers will suffer a bit of a hit, and Kitna will find the tight end more often than Romo.
Witten should find the end zone a few more times and Witten owners will be satisfied.
Why He Could Be Higher:
It’s not often that tight ends catch for over 50 yards nearly every game.
Why He Could Be Lower:
A big target like Witten should be dominant in the red zone. He just hasn’t seen the targets from Romo, however.
10. Mike Williams, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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First Half Production: 7/10
You have to love what Williams has done so far this year. He hasn’t been amazing, but he’s been one of the better Flex receivers.
His first NFL game he recorded a touchdown and just 30 yards. Since that game, he hasn’t had a matchup under 45 yards receiving, and he had his first 100+ yard receiving game in Week 8.
Second Half Potential: 8/10
Williams should only get better. Josh Freeman is throwing the ball well, and Williams can make plays in the short field, as well as down the field.
Williams has great hands, and doesn’t look to be slowing down at all.
Why He Could Be Higher:
He has four touchdowns so far this season, and almost 500 yards receiving.
Why He Could Be Lower:
He’s had a few key drops that have kept him from making bigger plays.
9. Dustin Keller, TE, New York Jets
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First Half Production: 7/10
Keller’s five touchdowns in the first half of the season is tied for 2nd among tight end’s. Only Antonio Gates has more.
Keller has shown a nice ability to get downfield and make plays on the entire field, and not just the red zone.
Second Half Potential: 7/10
I can see his stats dropping a bit thanks to Santonio Holmes’ arrival, but he still should get red zone scores and will be a critical part of Mark Sanchez’s offense.
Sanchez really loves his young tight end and Keller is a bruiser after the catch.
Why He Could Be Higher:
The touchdowns are great. But five of them are in three games.
Why He Could Be Lower:
He doesn’t get the receptions every week. He may have two or three receptions on one week, and six or seven the very next. He’s still a great option for fantasy, however.
8. Steve Smith, WR, New York Giants
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First Half Production: 7/10
Smith was one of the better wide receivers in 2009, and while he’s not on pace to repeat those numbers, he’s still having a decent season.
Smith has had two 100+ yard games and four games above 70 yards.
Second Half Potential: 6/10
He’s not a big YAC guy, usually not averaging many yards per catch. He’s also losing receptions to Hakeem Nicks, and doesn’t score touchdowns as much. I think he’ll keep getting the receptions and maintain a nice option in PPR leagues, but he’s not going to score much.
Why He Could Be Higher:
He still is one of the more targeted receivers in the NFL, and that leads to good yardage.
Why He Could Be Lower:
Lack of a deep threat and being a poor red zone threat could warrant a lower ranking.
7. Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
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First Half Production: 6/10
If Wallace would see more receptions, he would be a legit WR2. But the fact that he’s averaging just over 25 yards a catch makes your eyes pop as that doesn’t happen often in the NFL. He’s a big time down field threat and he’s got the deep touchdowns to prove it.
Second Half Potential: 8/10
Other than the game against Tampa Bay, his stats in the first four weeks weren’t that exciting. But remember, he had Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch throwing the football. You can’t expect big things out of that.
With Big Ben back, he’s had two touchdowns in Ben’s first three games. He’s going to score, and Ben has the arm to get it downfield to him.
Why He Could Be Higher:
Wallace being a speedy deep threat in the NFL makes his potential sky high. With a QB with an arm like Roethlisberger, he could easily be a great fantasy option.
Why He Could Be Lower:
The lack of receptions leaves a bit more to be desired. If he makes more catches and improves his hands, he could have over 500 yards receiving right now.
6. Santana Moss, WR, Washington Redskins
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First Half Production: 9/10
You can’t really say anything bad about Moss this year. He’s been fantastic for Washington, and a blessing for Donovan McNabb.
Moss goes into Week 9 with 604 yards receiving and 42 receptions. The only thing that keeps him from getting a 10/10 is the touchdown factor.
His worst contest was against Philly when he didn’t record a reception, otherwise he hasn’t had less than a 56 yard game.
Second Half Potential: 8/10
Moss is going to see the targets still, but with Anthony Armstrong playing well, and Chris Cooley still a stud tight end, he will most likely regress. It’s also possible that Donovan McNabb misses a bit of time if Shanahan for some reason thinks that Rex Grossman gives the Redskins a better opportunity to win.
It’ll be interesting to see if Moss can break his season record of 85 receptions, but I am confident that he’ll score more than he did in the 1st half of 2010.
Why He Could Be Higher:
The guy has 604 yards receiving. What more can you ask for out of a guy who’s had a sporadic career?
Why He Could Be Lower:
Like many of those wide receivers, his touchdowns are limited, and it’s hurting his fantasy stock at times.
5. Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys
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First Half Production: 7/10
Bryant’s a bit higher on this list than many would like to put him, but his return skills, and his ability after the catch is what makes him so special.
He has amassed 349 yards on 29 receptions with three touchdowns so far this season. Note that he also makes plays in the return game, in which he already has to return touchdowns.
Second Half Potential: 8/10
Most will also disagree with the thought that he will still succeed with Jon Kitna at quarterback. Kitna likes throwing the slants and quick routes to his receivers. With Dallas struggling, and Coach Wade Phillips looking for any way to get a win, you can bet that he’s going to get Bryant more involved with the offense.
Roy E. Williams will see a drop in production, and Bryant’s time on the field will increase. I like Bryant in the second half.
Why He Could Be Higher:
He’s so dynamic after the catch and his return abilities make him a fantastic talent with loads of potential.
Why He Could Be Lower:
He’s not seeing the receptions that you would want to see. But he is a rookie, and he’s not a starter. For the stats he’s put up, you’d think he was no worse than the #2 receiver in Dallas.
4. Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers
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First Half Production: 8/10
Davis has continued to be one of the most productive tight end’s in fantasy football. Despite poor quarterback play from Alex Smith, Davis has remained a big target in San Francisco.
With 32 receptions and 434 yards already, Davis looks to improve and have an even bigger second half. He’s not struggling in the touchdown department as he already has four on the year.
Second Half Potential: 7/10
His stats will take a bit of a hit with Troy Smith filling in for Alex Smith for a few more weeks, if not permanently. However, he will still be a good source for yards as he is excellent after the catch. Be cautious with Troy Smith in the game as he’s not a big fan of his tight ends.
Why He Could Be Higher:
He could be higher because he can score from anywhere on the field. He has the speed to take it 99 yards if he has to, and he can make people miss.
Why He Could Be Lower:
Lack of receptions potentially. If Troy Smith doesn’t get it to him, he can’t produce.
3. Zach Miller, TE, Oakland Raiders
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First Half Production: 9/10
It took Miller eight weeks to slow down, as he only had one reception against Seattle in Week 8.
Miller has been Oakland’s best receiving option. He’s reliable as he’s sure handed, can run a bit after the catch, and is a big red zone threat.
Miller has 461 yards receiving on just 33 receptions. Add four touchdowns to the mix, and you have a recipe for the #2 rated tight end in the league.
Second Half Potential: 9/10
It’s not easy for players to repeat first half success through an entire season, but Miller doesn’t seem like he’s slowing down. Even with mediocre QB play, Miller remains a top tight end and with enough luck could break 1,000 yards in 2010.
With Oakland showing they can move the ball into the red zone as of late, Miller should get more and more looks.
Why He Could Be Higher:
He was drafted by most fantasy owners close to the 12th round, and is the 2nd best tight end in scoring. His potential is outstanding.
Why He Could Be Lower:
There aren’t many reasons at all. He could have a few more touchdowns, but now we’re just nitpicking.
2. Steve Johnson, WR, Buffalo Bills
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First Half Production: 8/10
Johnson made some very nice plays in the first half of 2010. He’s got just over 400 yards receiving and a whopping six touchdowns.
The surprising part is that Lee Evans was thought to be the only legit downfield threat on the team. But Steve Johnson can make plays down the field, and in the short game, after the catch.
It’s important to note that he’s scored in his last five games.
Second Half Potential: 7/10
I do expect Steve to take a slight hit in the second half. I don’t think he’ll keep scoring the touchdowns, and it’s not because I doubt his ability.
While Ryan Fitzpatrick has made some nice plays as of late, it’s hard to imagine the Harvard grad can keep this pace up. I do see Johnson continuing to see receptions, however, and that makes him a solid Flex play as there’s always potential for him to score with his ability after the catch.
Why He Could Be Higher:
His six touchdowns are among the top of the line for all wide receivers in the NFL.
Why He Could Be Lower:
He could stand to have a few more receptions. But for him being the #2 wide receiver on the team, it’s hard to expect much more. If anything, he’s been a huge blessing to Bills fans.
1. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers
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First Half Production: 10/10
Gates has scored in every game but one, which was Week 6 against St. Louis. He’s pacing for over 1,000 yards, as usual, and his eight touchdowns are tied for the most in the league for a wide receiver or tight end, with Hakeem Nicks having eight as well.
Gates is the best tight end in the game. Rivers continues to find his #1 target nearly each week.
Second Half Potential: 10/10
There’s no reason to think that Gates will slow down. With a depleted wide receiving corps, Gates will only keep seeing balls throw his way. He’s great after the catch, in the red zone, blocking, whatever. He does it all.
Why He Could Be Higher:
#1 is as high as they go.
Why He Could Be Lower:
I don’t think it’s feasible to say that he could be, considering the only receiving option in the NFL to score more than him is Roddy White.
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