Week 8 Fantasy Football Projections: More TE Sleepers Who Will Have Big Days

Tight ends on byes this week: Tony Gonzalez, Jermichael Finley, Dustin Keller, Kellen Winslow.

Odds are, you might need some help at the position this week.

Here's a look at three lightly owned tight ends who could help you out in Week 8.

Jared Cook, Tennessee Titans

Cook was targeted just two times last week against Houston, but the whole passing game struggled in that one. Still, Cook was able to pull in both of those targets, one going for a touchdown. 

He only has 13 catches on the season, but he has been much more involved in the offense since Kenny Britt was lost to injury.

Cook is pretty much the third option behind Nate Washington and Damian Williams. 

And against the Colts, I'm willing to bet on any third option, even if Cook is incredibly unpredictable. 

Before last week's stinker—which wasn't really a stinker after all because of the touchdown—Cook had gotten 15 targets in two games. Expect him to get back to that and have a nice day against this defense.

Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings 

Is there any question who rookie Christian Ponder's favorite targets are? Well, not anymore.

Ponder targeted Shiancoe and Michael Jenkings eight times each. The next-closest was Devin Aromashodu, with five.

Shiancoe pulled in four of those targets for 45 yards and a touchdown. It's a common notion that rookie quarterbacks love tight ends, and it appears that is true in Minnesota. 

Carolina has given up the 25th-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Roll with Shiancoe, who has returned back to fantasy relevance. 

Jake Ballard, New York Giants

Ballard put together three useful games in a row (33 YDS 1 TD; 72 YDS 1 TD; 81 YDS) before New York's Week 7 bye and he returns to a very favorable matchup. 

The Dolphins have given up the 31st-most fantasy points to tight ends. New York has a lot of options in the passing game, but Ballard hasn't really been affected.

Expect his consistency to continue with something like four catches, 60 yards and a chance for a touchdown.