Fantasy Football Week 5 Rankings: Top 10 TE to Start

Sep 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) fights off Miami Dolphins strong safety Chris Clemons (30) on his way to scoring a touchdown in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

Another Gronkless week in week 4, left the spotlight for Jimmy Graham to once again dominate on Monday Night Football with another monster game. If you own Graham, your all set at your TE position and can move on to the rest of your lineup. While Graham owners celebrate, Gronk owners again play the waiting game to see if he can get back on the field

If you are questioning who to start, here’s the top 10 for week 5.It’s a simple composite rankings of mine and my Fansided colleague Leo Howell’s. If you have any roster or lineup questions feel free to fire them at me on twitter @ZT_Sports or in the comments at the bottom of the page.

1. Jimmy Graham-New Orleans Saints

If it wasn’t for a guy named Peyton rewriting the record book in Denver, Graham would be the best player in fantasy football so far this year. He’s been absolutely dominant and looks to be setting up shop at #1 here for a while.

2. Jordan Cameron-Cleveland Browns

If you can’t have Graham, Cameron is your best option as he’s exploded onto the scene. For a full breakdown of his matchup against Buffalo, check our Thursday Night Preview on our fantasy page.

3. Tony Gonzalez-Atlanta Falcons

Sep 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) is tackled by New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty (32) after a catch in the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /

Last week, Gonzalez tapped the fountain of youth and had a throwback game against New England. His 149 yards on 12 catches for a pair of scores made owners quickly forget the firs three weeks of the season where his high was 36 yards. This week he faces the Dolphins on a short week who were just thrashed by Graham last week. Gonzalez is a great start this week.

4. Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys will need all their weapons to keep up with Peyton and the Broncos. Denver’s D is middle of the pack against TE but did allow over 100 yards to the Eagles’ TE last week. If the Broncos are able to load up on Dez Bryant and get pressure, expect Romo to throw the ball Witten’s way plenty this week. Witten was targeted a season-high 10 times last week, and he has at least six targets every game this season.

5. Rob Gronkowski-New England Patriots

Will he or won’t he? That’s the question with Gronk. He’ll be huge when he gets back, but when exactly will that be? The Patriots could use him with their receiving woes, but they’re also taking a conservative approach since they’re 4-0 without the big fella. If he’s back and you have one of the four options above him, you can wait if you want. However, feel free to get him in if he’s active since Tom Brady needs weapons on offense and Gronk is a great one.

6. Julius Thomas-Denver Broncos

Can the Broncos keep spreading the wealth and making so many people fantasy starters? Thomas ticked down a bit last week which was his first game without a touchdown. If you have him, it may be a time to sell high since he’s only gotten four targets each of the last two games. That being said, Thomas is still a TE1 this week against Dallas who have allowed the sixth most points per game to opposing TE

7. Antonio Gates-San Diego Chargers

Sep 29, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) gets past Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Sean Lee (50) on his way to a 56-yard touchdown during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Antonio Gates is a legit TE1 again this year. He had a huge game against Dallas last week catching 10 passes for 136 yards and a TD. He’s found the endzone in each of the last two weeks and still has plenty of confidence from Philip Rivers. Rivers leads San Diego against Oakland late on Sunday. The Raiders have allowed three TD’s to opposing tight ends, so Gates is worth a start this week.

8. Greg Olsen-Carolina Panthers

Olsen and the Panthers are fresh off their bye as they take on Arizona who has allowed the second-most points to opposing tight ends. He gets plenty of looks from Cam Newton especially in the red zone so start him with confidence this week against the Cards.

9. Coby Fleener-Indianapolis Colts

Fleener has emerged as a weapon for his former college teammate Andrew Luck. He had a good game last week against Jacksonville scoring a TD and adding 77 yards. He doesn’t get looks every week, but he has been converting chances into yards when they come his way. I think Luck will continue to work him into the offense this week in a tough matchup against Seattle.

10. Martellus Bennett-Chicago Bears, Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers

Tied for our final spot is Vernon Davis of the Niners and Martellus Bennet of the Bears. Bennett was targeted 12 times last week and finished with 90 yards on eight catches while Davis found the end zone in his first game back from injury as the Niners took on the Rams. The two have fairly even matchups as well as the Niners face Houston and the Bears take on the Saints both of who have fared well against opposing TE. I give the slight nod to Davis while Leo goes with Bennett. Make your pick, either one is a fringe TE1 this week.

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