Best Tight Ends, Team Defenses, and Kickers-Fantasy Football Week 2
Sep 16, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Dante Rosario (88) moves before the snap during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE
Having big names at the skill positions is definitely important in fantasy football, but it’s also important to make sure your other positions are giving you solid points. A great week from your team defense or even kicker can help cover a down week for a big name. It’s important to know who’s hot at every position to make sure there’s no dead weight and that you’re getting every point from your team possible.
Earlier today, we posted the top five quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers (Click here for the post). Here’s the top five tight ends, team defenses, and kickers from week 2:
Top 5 Tight Ends
Dante Rosario-San Diego Chargers: Rosario did his best Antonio Gates impersonation and finished with four catches on four targets for 48 yards. The reason he’s at the top of this list though is that three of his four catches resulted in touchdowns as he lead tight ends in scoring in most formats. He’ll probably be relegated to second-TE duty going forward with Gates expected to return, but Rosario could have value since the Chargers offense needs pass-catchers. Keep an eye on his production next week to see where he fits when Philip Rivers has all his weapons back as the Chargers host the Falcons.
Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers: Davis’ jump shot celebration after his failed dunk attempt is classic. His production will make his owners completely forget any “misses” on touchdown celebration. He had two more chances to celebrate after a pair of touchdown catches as part of his five catches and 73 yards against the Lions last night.
Brent Celek-Philadelphia Eagles: Celek didn’t find the end zone but finished with eight catches on 11 targets while amassing 157 yards receiving. He’ll be a number one option next week at Arizona especially if Jeremy Maclin misses the game as expected.
Jimmy Graham-New Orleans Saints: Graham had another solid, if not spectacular, game with 71 yards on seven catches and his second TD of the season. He hasn’t had a week where he’s flat out won the week for you but has had two weeks of consistently good production.
Rob Gronkowski-New England Patriots: Gronk has had much the same start as Graham with two solid games of six catches and a TD in each of his first two games. Yesterday he collected 75 yards receiving and possibly more important lost his teammate Aaron Hernandez to an ankle injury. Whether that will enhance or limit Gronk’s value is still yet to be determined but we’ll know next week as the Pats head to Baltimore for an AFC Championship rematch with the Ravens.
Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (38) intercepts the pass intended for Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (back) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
Top 5 Team Defenses
Green Bay Packers: The Packers had four picks, allowed just 10 points, and sacked Jay Cutler seven times. They were the leading scorer from the Thursday Night Football game which many expected to be a shootout and the highest scoring defense in most scoring systems from this past weekend. They’ll travel to Seattle for their week three matchup which doesn’t set up to be a huge or horrible week.
Seattle Seahawks: Speaking of Seattle, they allowed just seven points while forcing a pair of turnovers and had a sack while shutting down Tony Romo and the Dallas offense. They’ll have a harder time with the Packers, but they will have the Qwest Field advantage once again.
Buffalo Bills: Showing again the volatility of fantasy defenses the Bills had a great game against Kansas City after getting crushed by the Jets. Buffalo picked up five sacks and forced three turnovers against the Chiefs. Buffalo visits Cleveland next week, but perhaps more importantly the Chiefs visit New Orleans.
Houston Texans: The Texans defense has had two good weeks allowing just a touchdown and forcing a turnover at Jacksonville yesterday. They’ll get a much stiffer test as they head to Denver next week.
Chicago Bears: The Bears defense actually did fairly well against the tough Packers offense causing two turnovers and picking up a handful of sacks. They’ll host the Rams next week which looks like a tougher matchup after the Rams big win yesterday.
Top 5 Kickers
Stephen Gostkowki-New England Patriots: Gostkowski scored 12 points making four field goals including two field goals of over 50 yards. Do you think the Patriots fans will forgive his missed field goal at the end of the game because he was the highest scoring kicker in standard scoring?… Yeah, I thought not.
Justin Tucker-Baltimore Ravens: Tucker was three for three and knocked in a pair of extra points in the Ravens loss to the Eagles. He remains perfect on the season. He’s only owned in 16.2% of leagues and he’s probably the best avilable if you need a kicker upgrade.
Jason Hanson-Detroit Lions: Hanson made four of five field goals while adding an extra point last night against the 49ers.
Lawrence Tynes-New York Giants: As part of the Giants’ comeback, Tynes made all four field goals he attempted and added three extra points.
Adam Vinatieri-Indianapolis Colts: In a throwback performance, Vinatieri hit the game-winner as part of his 3-3 night while adding two extra points. Last week, Vinatieri missed his only attempt so expect his big performance yesterday to be the exception not the rule.