/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51340807/usa-today-9598135.0.jpg)
The big story line out of tight ends from last week was Martellus Bennett posting a 30 point game after scoring three touchdowns. Now the question becomes: is he still viable in PPR leagues with Rob Gronkowski nearing full strength? I’ll give you my thoughts on Bennett after the rankings.
To that note, I’ll touch on the viability of Hunter Henry this week now that Antonio Gates is back from injury, which is imperative considering the Chargers plays later tonight.
BYE WEEKS: Minnesota, Tampa Bay
Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
1 | Greg Olsen | CAR | @NO |
2 | Delanie Walker | TEN | CLE |
3 | Rob Gronkowski | NE | CIN |
4 | Jordan Reed | WAS | PHI |
5 | Travis Kelce | KC | @OAK |
6 | Jimmy Graham | SEA | ATL |
7 | Martellus Bennett | NE | CIN |
8 | Zach Miller | CHI | JAC |
9 | Julius Thomas | JAC | @CHI |
10 | Zach Ertz | PHI | @WAS |
11 | Gary Barnidge | CLE | @TEN |
12 | Jason Witten | DAL | @GB |
13 | Coby Fleener | NO | CAR |
14 | Antonio Gates | SD | @DEN |
15 | Dennis Pitta | BAL | @NYG |
16 | Jesse James | PIT | @MIA |
17 | Tyler Eifert | CIN | @NE |
18 | Dwayne Allen | IND | @HOU |
19 | Eric Ebron | DET | LA |
20 | Charles Clay | BUF | SF |
21 | Hunter Henry | SD | @DEN |
22 | Virgil Green | DEN | SD |
23 | Jacob Tamme | ATL | @SEA |
24 | Will Tye | NYG | BAL |
25 | Clive Walford | OAK | KC |
Martellus Bennett - Sharing work with Gronkowski should not be a problem for Bennett going forward. I have him at #7 this week and I think he is a top-ten option for the rest of the year. It doesn't really take that much to be a TE1 in fantasy. A lot of these guys outside the top-tier are touchdown dependent to even have a decent showing. And out of all of them I think Bennett has the best chance to score each week, plus get some respectable yardage on top of that. New England is one of the few offenses that really likes to run through the tight end, so Bennett to me is a TE1 even though he is a TE2 on the Patriot's depth chart.
Hunter Henry - I have praised this young gun the last couple of weeks and he hasn't proven me wrong. But this week I'm concerned. Antonio Gates is back in the swing of things and should become one of Rivers' favorite targets. Even though Gate's played only 18 snaps last week, he was taken off of the injury report so he should see a dramatic increase in workload, which leaves me concerned for Henry who will mostly likely be second fiddle now. To make matters worse, the Chargers are facing Denver tonight who have been outstanding against tight ends averaging only about 50 yards to the position. I would leave Henry on the bench this week. For Gates owners, I think he's worth playing this week just because Rivers should be throwing his way often. He may not post a lot of yards, but he will make up for it in receptions and maybe even a touchdown.
Tyler Eifert - This is the first time all year that Eifert has made my rankings after missing the start of the season because of injury. But Eifert's return looks bleaker. He did not practice today, which leads me to believe a Sunday return is doubtful. We will get a better grasp on him tomorrow when the injury report comes out, but for now monitor his status and prepare to have him on the bench for one more week. But for now he will remain in my rankings because of the possibility of him seeing action. If he does it will be in a very limited capacity.
Have lineup questions? Ask me on Twitter @NickPetraccione.