Really Neat or Take a Seat: Week 10
Tight ends are becoming just as mysterious as kickers.
“Dude, I just picked up Dennis Pitta!” says Thomas after Week 1.
“Man, I’m really excited about Scott Chandler,” mentions Thomas after Week 4.
“Bro, check out my tight end I just got – Brandon Myers!” exclaims Thomas after Week 9.
The tight end carousel is moving at a speed faster than it ever has. While Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham have continued to have consistent success, other tight ends like Vernon Davis, Jermichael Finley and Brandon Pettigrew have not.
Tight ends aren’t vital to fantasy success. The amount of fantasy points the position inherently scores just isn’t worth it – even if you drafted Rob Gronkowski. (because you paid a high price to get him.)
It comes down to matchups. Which tight end is playing a defense that has, throughout the season, performed poorly against the position?
You can say what you want, but while some defenses are poor as a whole, those same defenses may defend well against tight ends well. A perfect example is Indianapolis. They may look like a good matchup on paper for your tight end, but they’re actually giving up the least amount of points to the position throughout this 2012 season.
Last week, one of my tight end recommendations was Jermaine Gresham. Over 100 yards later, it was clearly a good call. What made me like Gresham? He played against Denver – a team that, although 5-3, has struggled against the tight end position.
So what’s this mean for Week 10? Take a look:
Really Neat Week 10 Players
Greg Olsen is really neat.
The Panthers play Denver; the same team that allowed Jermaine Gresham to snag 6 catches for 108 yards. Denver has given up double-digit fantasy points to tight ends in 6 of their 8 games played. Whether this theory works out or not, at least logic was placed behind it. The Broncos have faced some good tight ends this year, to be fair.
New England running backs are really neat.
The last time New England played Buffalo, they rushed for 243 yards and 3 scores. Ridley is clearly a good play this week, but if you’re looking for bye week or injury help, look at some of the other New England backs.
Michael Turner is really neat.
I’m anything but a Turner fan, but it’s hard to go against him when he faces a New Orleans rush defense that has given up 390 rushing yards to running backs over their last two games.
Vick Ballard is really neat.
If last week’s game against the Lions was any indication as to how mediocre this Jaguars rush defense is, then start Ballard.
Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are really neat.
Is this the week the two connect to put up monster numbers? The struggling Minnesota defense points to “yes”.
Rashad Jennings is really neat.
While his numbers haven’t been ridiculously impressive, he gets to go up against a Colts’ rush defense that’s allowing the 5th most points to opposing running backs.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is really neat.
The Patriots defense has surrendered a passing touchdown in every game this season, including four to Fitzpatrick in their Week 4 shootout.
Cecil Shorts is really neat.
I never thought I’d write this ever in my life.
Ahmad Bradshaw is really neat.
While the Bengals held the Broncos last week in the ground game, I do think Bradshaw could find some holes against a below average Bengals’ defense.
Jerricho Cotchery is really neat.
If you’re choosing between Sanders or Cotchery, I think I’d go Cotchery. The reason is slightly a gut feeling, but also that Cotchery is more of a red zone target than Sanders is.
Scott Chandler is really neat.
If the Patriots / Bills game ends up being a shootout, Chandler could get in the end zone at least once.
The Colts defense is really neat.
The Jaguars had trouble scoring against Detroit last week, and have allowed three defensive touchdowns over their last four games. Now, to be fair, two of them came against the Bears, but the Jaguars offense just isn’t much without Maurice Jones-Drew. The Colts this week are a sneaky play.
Other really neat players: Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin, Willis McGahee, Julio Jones, AJ Green, Roddy White, Brandon Marshall, Victor Cruz, Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham, Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez, Heath Miller
Take a Seat Week 10 Players
Matt Schaub should take a seat.
Against the Bears? I’ll pass.
Michael Vick should take a seat.
I will never again place him in the “really neat” category, even if he still posts 17 fantasy points. Against Dallas, I fear for Vick owners this week.
Russell Wilson should take a seat.
If you’re looking at a Rodgers fill-in, I’d be hesitant to start Wilson against a 6th ranked pass defense.
St. Louis running backs should take a seat.
The 49ers don’t give up much yardage to anyone on the ground, let alone Steven Jackson and Daryl Richardson.
Jamaal Charles should take a seat.
I’m having a hard time trusting anyone on the Chiefs. The fact that they’re playing in Pittsburgh, a team that has completely stopped the run at home this year, doesn’t help.
Sidney Rice should take a seat.
Again, the Jets are good against the pass. I’d bench Rice in most league formats.
Dwayne Bowe should take a seat.
The Steelers, again, have been playing great defense over the past few weeks. They held Giants receivers to just 6 catches for 77 yards last week. That’s telling enough.
Jeremy Maclin should take a seat.
His inconsistent numbers should make all owners cringe. I’d bench him given the matchup against Dallas.
Dwayne Allen should take a seat.
While the matchup may appear strong, Jacksonville has actually given up the second fewest points to tight ends this season.
The Chargers defense should take a seat.
After having a nice day against Kansas City, the Chargers travel to Tampa Bay for a 1:00PM EST matchup. The Bucs are hot, and the Chargers should struggle.
Other take a seat players: Carson Palmer, Ben Tate, Fred Jackson, Michael Bush, Brandon Gibson, Chris Givens, Lance Moore, Jeremy Kerley, Steve Smith, Denarius Moore, Marcedes Lewis, Brent Celek