Fantasy Football: Tight End Kind of Week

By Gabriella Rusk

(Getty Images/Chris Graythen)

Week 10 proved to be a week for the tight ends.  In particular, the Superdome in New Orleans was the place to be for two terrific tight ends: Tony Gonzalez and Jimmy Graham. With with two touchdowns and over 100 receiving yards each, these high-scoring fantasy players were in their own offensive matchup. Although Graham receives passes from Drew Brees pretty consistently, in this game he was targeted eight times, just one less than wide receiver Lance Moore.

However, it was Tony Gonzalez that celebrated his 100^th career touchdown reception.

“It was great. Of course I’d rather have it come in a victory,” Gonzalez told NFL.com.

While it wasn’t enough for the Falcons to continue with an undefeated season, Gonzalez definitely stepped up for the Atlanta offense that was missing wide receiver Julio Jones for part of the game.

Still, it wasn’t just this matchup where tight ends shined. Against the impressive defensive performance by the Denver Broncos, Greg Olsen was able to score the only points for the Panthers. He had 9 receptions for 102-yards, in which he scored the two touchdowns for Carolina. He was also targeted 10 times by Cam Newton. This was definitely a break-out showing for Olsen who has only scored just one other touchdown so far this season.

While nine other tight ends also found the end zone this week, including Kyle Rudolph (MIN), Dennis Pitta (BAL), and Rob Gronkowski (NE) who leads the league in touchdown receptions, it is Vernon Davis who hasn’t scored since week 3 against the Vikings. The 49ers seem to be using Davis more and more in the offensive line than to make offensive plays. Focusing his strengths on helping San Francisco win, Davis is playing for the sake of his team and not for anyone’s fantasy team.

On his role he tells CBSSports.com, “My main focus is just making sure I’m a team guy and just accepting the simple fact that coaches are giving me a certain role to play.”

Still, with seven games left in the regular season there are plenty more opportunities for not only Davis to capitalize on making offensive plays, but for all NFL tight ends to put up numbers. It’s is a passing league now after all.