NFL Week 11 Predictions: Projecting the Week's Top TEs

As the weather begins to take a turn for more difficult passing conditions, offenses will undoubtedly need to adjust. In a pass-happy league, those who are most effective in running the football have a distinct advantage late in the season.

To that end, if an offense wants to continue throwing the football, targeting the TE more often will be required. Tougher conditions will surely complicate things and going deep doesn't work every time. Here are Week 11's top four tight ends in fantasy football.

4. Jake Ballard, Giants (vs. Eagles)

The Philadelphia Eagles have a vast array of problems right now, but perhaps their biggest weakness lies within their linebacking corps, which has been underachieving all season.

This is good news for New York TE Jake Ballard, who's third on the Giants in receiving yards and TDs. Even better, he's caught at least three passes in each of the last six games and averaged almost 60 yards, including three scores.

Ballard is a solid start this week if your league starts two TEs and he's worth at least consideration in the flex spot if you only start one TE.

3. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (vs. Titans)

The future Hall of Famer leads the Falcons with six receiving TDs and is second with 45 receptions. He's obviously a start each week and arguably Matt Ryan's favorite target inside the red zone.

This week Atlanta plays host to the 5-4 Titans who rank No. 15 against the pass, allowing 225 pass yards per game. However, Tennessee allows just 125 rush yards per game, so expect Gonzalez to be blocking for RB Michael Turner quite often early on.

But thereafter, Tony G. will roll and get his numbers as the play-action pass will be set up nicely. It's not like the Titans have any LBs who can cover Gonzalez.

2. Jermichael Finley, Packers (vs. Buccaneers)

The Green Bay Packers have arguably the most prolific offense in the NFL because QB Aaron Rodgers dishes the ball to a diverse array of targets.

One of those targets is TE Jermichael Finley, who is third on the team in receptions, yards and TDs. Eight different players have 10 or more receptions, so for Finley to be third is a job well done.

Week 11 will prove to be a cakewalk as the Buccaneers rank No. 28 against the pass and No. 29 against the run. Green Bay will roll either way, but obviously Finley will be a great contributor.

1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots (vs. Chiefs)

Patriots WR Wes Welker may have over 1,000 receiving yards and 72 receptions, but TE Rob Gronkowski is proving to be just as reliable of a target for Tom Brady.

Gronk is second to Welker in virtually every receiving stat (except TDs, leading the way with eight), but is arguably the best TE in the game right now. His 52 receptions for 709 yards is exceptional and with Kansas City coming to town this week, he'll hit the averages to say the least.

The Chiefs may have a respectable pass defense in allowing just 230 yards per game without safety Eric Berry, but they will be no match to slow down New England. Gronk performs and dominates the Chiefs' soft pass defense.

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