Fantasy Football Week 3 Rankings: Ranking the 5 Riskiest TE Plays

The TE position in fantasy football is arguably the trickiest of plays.

They're usually not the featured receiving target, but they can really rack up points against the right matchup.

On the flip-side, not starting the right one can be costly and prevent you from winning.

Therefore, here are the top five riskiest TE starts for Week 3.

5. Zach Miller (vs. Arizona)

From 2007-10, Zach Miller was arguably the best receiving weapon the Oakland Raiders put on the field.

He even earned a Pro Bowl selection last season, but is now with the Seattle Seahawks.

So far Miller has underperformed, but with Tarvaris Jackson under center, you can't expect too much.

In addition, Seattle plays host to the Arizona Cardinals this week. Although the Cardinals have a very susceptible pass defense, they are just too talented in the secondary (Adrian Wilson, Patrick Peterson, Kerry Rhodes) to keep underachieving.

Plus, it doesn't help the passing game much when your rushing offense is ranked dead last in the NFL.

4. Benjamin Watson (vs. Miami)

In 2010, Benjamin Watson was the most productive receiving target the Cleveland Browns had.

The interesting part was that the Browns started three different QBs and Watson still eclipsed 700 yards (a career high).

Through two weeks in 2011, not only have the Browns been disappointing (blew a lead at home in Week 1), but Watson hasn't been QB Colt McCoy's go-to man.

This week, the Browns host the Miami Dolphins, who may be lacking in the pass defense, but their LBs are still solid in coverage.

A lot of Miami's issues have been in the secondary, which obviously opens up more underneath routes.

In addition, it doesn't help that the Browns' first two opponents were New England and Houston, two teams that Cleveland is far behind offensively.

3. Owen Daniels (vs. New Orleans)

After three very productive seasons from 2007-09, Houston's Owen Daniels has slowed down the past couple of seasons.

Obviously, with a receiving core like Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones, it's hard for him to get some targets.

But during those three NFL seasons ('07-'09), Daniels averaged over 700 yards and 57 receptions.

This week it doesn't get any easier, as Houston travels to New Orleans to face a defense that has significantly improved since Week 1.

Don't be surprised if the Saints, led by LB Jonathan Vilma, blanket Daniels while double-teaming Andre Johnson elsewhere.

2. Dallas Clark (vs. Pittsburgh)

Right now, it's not certain as to whether Colts TE Dallas Clark is going to suit up on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

If he does, there won't be much production, as the Steel Curtain is going to dominate Indianapolis.

It won't matter who's under center because Indy's system is so complex that simplifying it only takes away from that very advantage the Colts have over Pittsburgh.

In addition, with Clark's status in question, he won't be 100 percent if he does start.

Keep an eye out for any TEs on the free agent list if you don't have a solid backup.

1. Brent Celek (vs. New York Giants)

Even if QB Michael Vick is a go on Sunday, he won't be 100 percent, which is a huge factor being that he moves around so much.

Even though the Giants pass defense is skeptical, with Vick on the fritz, running the football will be a priority for Philly in Week 3.

In turn, TE Brent Celek's ability to run-block will be utilized, which will allow the Eagles offense to still be effective, despite not operating at their normal level of excitement.

When they do pass, it will be play-action more than anything, which does help Celek, but the Giants LBs are solid enough to keep pace.

All in all, the Eagles should win, but finding another fantasy TE to start for Celek has to be considered.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.