Fantasy Football: Replacing Gronkowski-5 TE Pickups off the Waiver Wire

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Dec 8, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) looks at the ball he was unable to catch a pass to convert a fourth down against the Minnesota Vikings at M /

1. Dennis Pitta-Baltimore Ravens (1.4% owned)

Pitta came back off the IR/PUP list just in time for Gronk owners. After what initially looked like a season-ending injury, Pitta played against the Vikings last week and looked solid even though he was on a snap count.

He co-led the Ravens with 11 targets and converted six catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. It’s not usual to be able to just grab a top-ten tight end talent off the wire this late in the season, but that’s the case with Pitta. He’s fully integrated into the Ravens offense and is one of Joe Flacco’s favorite targets, so he should see plenty of passes thrown his way in the coming weeks.

His remaining schedule is a mixed bag with the Lions and Patriots before finishing with Cincinnati. The Lions have been beaten through the air, but they have actually defended tight ends pretty well. Week 16 at home against the Patriots is a much better matchup since the Pats have given up three touchdowns and over 50 yards to opposing TE in their last four games. If you can get Pitta for week 16 and a week 15 matchup you like better, grab a pair of tight ends if your roster can hold them.

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