Fantasy Football: Top 10 TE Matchups of Week 13

Early this season, it looked like a breakout year for the tight end, as eight to 10 were consistently scoring double-figures on a weekly basis.

Then, things flipped.

Since Week 4, only twice have more than five TEs scored double digits (ESPN standard), and it has been getting increasingly harder to get consistency unless you’re lucky enough to have Gronk, Graham or Gates.

Matchup play has become the norm at tight end, and no longer are guys like Vernon Davis and Jermichael Finley must starts week-in, week-out.

The following 10 TEs have terrific matchups in Week 13, and while this should not be treated like a weekly ranking, all 10 deserve lineup consideration.

It’s Week 13; no more messing around.

*note: If you have Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham on your roster, you have no business reading this article…you’re starting them.

1. Antonio Gates at JAX

Gates looked terrific Sunday afternoon against the Denver Broncos, collecting six catches for 49 yards including a six-yard score in the second quarter.

It was clear throughout the game that the Chargers were trying to get the ball into Gates’ hands in Denver territory, targeting the big No. 85 five times within 25 yards.

This Sunday, Gates squares off against a Jacksonville secondary/linebacker corps that is 26th against opposing TEs in fantasy scoring.

Coming off back-to-back games in which he’s scored a TD, Gates is one of the strongest plays of the week. If it weren’t for that probable tag, he would be a top my weekly TE rankings.

2. Fred Davis vs NYJ

Through 12 weeks, the New York Jets have given up the fourth most yards per game to the TE, largely a product of how stellar the Revis and Co. have been against opposing WRs. While WR1 Santana Moss returned Sunday for the Redskins, both he and WR Jabar Gaffney will likely be in fits this week, making Davis prime for a big game.

The 6’4” tight end has been a sure-handed target lately, catching 10 of 11 targets over the past two weeks, including a two-yard TD in the first quarter Sunday. It marked his third straight game with at least one red-zone target. While the Jets have only allowed three TDs to tight ends all season (two to Gronk and one to Gates), I think Davis gets one in this Sunday.

3. Kellen Winslow vs CAR

Since coming off the bye four weeks ago, Winslow has become a significant part of the Tampa Bay offense, averaging 7.5 targets per game, fifth among all TEs. While he gets the bulk of his fantasy value from being a possession TE, Winslow is seeing looks within the red zone lately, too, despite the fact that he’s pulled down just one since the bye.

In Week 12, he was targeted twice within the 20, and in Week 11, he actually had one called back AND was targeted on a two-point conversion. He’s due, and he’s got a great matchup this week.

While Carolina rates out as league-average against the TE from a fantasy perspective, Football Outsiders has the Panthers dead last by an extensive margin when it comes to defending the TE. Carolina gives up nearly 14 yards per reception to the TE, last in the NFL, and with Winslow’s increasing workload, he could be the breakout TE of the week.

4. Marcedes Lewis vs SD

As QB Blaine Gabbert continues to struggle as a starter in Jacksonville, he at least seems to be finding some comfort in his TE, Lewis, who received double-digit targets for the second straight week, Sunday against Houston.

More importantly for fantasy owners, the Jags looked to Lewis heavily in the red zone vs Houston, targeting him three times within the 20, while RB Maurice Jones-Drew just got one touch.

This week, Lewis faces a San Diego defense that has allowed five TDs to the TE this season, tied for 10th most in the NFL. If Lewis continues to see a high number of targets, I’d bet one goes for six.

5. Jake Ballard vs GB

While Giants TE Jake Ballard is third in the pecking order behind WRs Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, QB Eli Manning has made it more than clear that there is plenty to go around in New York.

Averaging six targets per game since coming off the bye, Ballard leads all TEs in yards per reception (16.3), setting up for a huge Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers, who allow 74.3 yards per game to the TE, second most in the NFL.

With the game likely to become a shootout much like Monday night’s affair in New Orleans, Ballard could very well go for 80 yards, maybe even more.

6. Scott Chandler vs TEN

Dating back to Week 4 (that’s eight games), the Tennessee Titans have allowed six total TDs and at least five receptions and 50 yards to opposing TEs. Football Outsiders have the Titans ranked second to last vs the TE, trailing only the Carolina Panthers. It would be a crime for the Bills not to exploit the matchup Sunday.

TE Scott Chandler has emerged recently as a legitimate second weapon to WR Stevie Johnson in the Bills offense, totaling 121 yards on 11 receptions (13 targets) over his last two contests. With Carolina ranking in the bottom eight in both yards and receptions per game allowed, expect the 5/50 trend to continue Sunday.

7. Brent Celek at SEA

Philadelphia Eagles TE Brent Celek caught five balls for 75 yards on Sunday vs New England and very nearly cashed in two of them for touchdowns. Since QB Vince Young took over duties two weeks ago, Celek has become one of his most reliable targets, effectively replacing the injured Jeremy Maclin.

This Thursday, Celek gets a tremendous matchup against a Seattle Seahawks defense that has allowed four TDs to TEs over the last four games. A great play in PPR leagues, Celek has as good a shot for six this week as anyone.

8. Jason Witten at ARI

Jason Witten is an elite TE, but after last Thursday’s lackluster performance against Miami, it’s understandable to have concerns.

While on paper this week’s matchup at Arizona is tougher, I expect Witten to come into Sunday hungrier than ever after being held without a catch in the first half each of the last two weeks. With an extended week for more film study and more time to talk to QB Tony Romo, Witten is primed to top this week’s TE leader board. 

9. Jermaine Gresham at PIT

Last time the Bengals and Steelers squared off, Cincinnati TE Jermaine Gresham was in his first game back after missing time with a hamstring injury. Immediately, the young TE reestablished himself as a top target, finishing with four receptions, including a third-quarter touchdown to tie up the game.

Since then, Gresham has become a focal point of the Bengals’ attack, leading the team with nine targets Sunday against Cleveland. With Steelers CB Ike Taylor looking to tie up teammate AJ Green this Sunday in Pittsburgh, Gresham will again see a ton of targets his way.

Earlier this week, the outspoken TE declared Sunday’s matchup a “must win” for the team. He’ll be expected to back his words.

10. Anthony Fasano vs OAK

For those in deep leagues, Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano has quietly flown under the radar this season as a decent TE2 in touchdown-dependent leagues. He has hauled in three touchdowns over his last four games, second most among TEs over that stretch. In the seven games since Miami’s bye week, Fasano has gotten at least one red-zone look in five including two straight.

Fasano and the Dolphins welcome the Oakland Raiders this week, who have allowed TDs to below-average tight ends Kyle Rudolph (MIN) and Kellen Davis (CHI) in back-to-back contests. Fasano could make it three.