Tight End Fantasy Rankings and Analysis: Can Anyone Stop Jimmy Graham?

Week 5 Tight End Player Rankings

Sneaky Sleeper:  Jermaine Gresham (@ Jax)

Jermaine is averaging seven targets a game this season and has become one of rookie QB Andy Dalton favorite weekly dump-offs. Expect him to look Gresham's way quite a bit again today with the Jaguars giving up the third most fantasy points to tight ends thus far.

10. Dallas Clark (vs. KC)

 Dallas is far too talented to start putting him down in the 20-25 range, but his talent isn’t the reason I have him in the top 10 this week—it’s Kansas City’s defense.

The Chiefs have given up the seventh most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season, and with Curtis Painter running the show once again, I’m expecting Clark to finally give fantasy owners a little bit of love on Sunday. 

9. Vernon Davis (vs. TB)

 After Vernon complained about the offense not getting the ball in his hands enough a couple of weeks ago, Alex Smith and the ‘Niners coaching staff have done him and his fantasy owners right by getting him double-digit fantasy points each of the last two weeks.

I expect them to show him some more love this weekend with the Bucs likely to try and pressure Alex Smith into making mistakes.

8. Rob Gronkowski (vs. NYJ)

 Read the write-up for Aaron Hernandez below, as it explains the reason for Gronkowski’s ranking this week as well.

7. Greg Olsen (vs. NO)

 Olsen is averaging almost seven targets a game, so you know Cam Newton realizes just how useful and valuable he is.

I expect Carolina to turn to the pass quite a bit again this week against the high-flying Saints, and with New Orleans giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, Olsen could be in for his best game of the season.

6. Brandon Pettigrew (vs. Chi)

 Stafford finally understands what Pettigrew is good for…the bailout dump-off pass.

Brandon has seen a combined 22 targets the last couple of weeks and caught 17 of them for 176 yards. He doesn’t have a TD yet in 2011, but against a Bears defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season, that could change real quick.

5. Tony Gonzalez (vs. GB)

Gonzo is playing outstanding in what could possibly be his final season and should definitely be starting for your team this week.

Green Bay will likely be doing their best to guard Roddy and Julio all game, so Tony should find himself open quite a bit today. Last season he had a TD in their first game against the Pack and I believe will do the same this weekend.

4. Aaron Hernandez (vs. NYJ)

Hernandez will be back this week, in case you hadn't heard.

Last year in their two games against the Jets, Hernandez was targeted 11 times and caught nine passes for 152 yards and a TD. Rob Gronkowski, on the other hand, was targeted just four times and caught only two of them for 26 yards and no TDs. The reason why is because of the type of defense the Jets run.

All year long, the Patriots would draw up a game plan against whatever defense they were facing and used those two tight ends within that plan to the best of their abilities. It just so happens that Hernandez's speed works better against the Jets than Gronkowski's size does.

The Jets also have that mentality of "kill the QB"—or specifically, against New England, "Kill Tom Brady." Gronkowski's blocking ability allows Brady to work longer in the pocket, thus letting Hernandez go out and do his thing.

I’m not saying Gronkowski will be shut out by any means, but I believe Hernandez has a better chance of doing damage than Big Gronk in this one.

3. Owen Daniels (vs. Oak)

 Owen looks like he has his swagger back this season after catching a TD pass for the third game in a row last weekend.

With Andre Johnson out, you know Schaub will be looking his way first on nearly every passing play, so the potential will certainly be there for a big-time fantasy week today against the Raiders.

2. Jermichael Finley (@ Atl)

 Finley should end up seeing a ton of targets tonight against the Falcons, as he’ll likely be able to get open at will with so many receivers that Atlanta needs to pay attention to.

Rodgers didn’t hook up with him for a TD last weekend against the Broncos, but since he’s the type of QB that likes to spread the love around, I expect him to get Finley at least one this week.

1. Jimmy Graham (@ Car)

 Jimmy Graham played basketball in college, just like Antonio Gates did, and it looks like he’s starting to play football like him now as well.

Last week at Jacksonville, Graham saw 14 balls thrown his way and caught 10 of them for 132 yards and a touchdown. That’s just plain ridiculousness. Brees obviously loves the guy and will continue to throw him the ball like crazy as long as the Saints are winning.

I expect Jimmy to put up another top-flight game against the Panthers this weekend.

Click here to see Tight Ends ranked 11-30

Complete Week 5 Rankings for QBs, RBs,  and WRs

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