Unfortunately, Jimmy Graham can only be owned by one team in most fantasy football formats. The options at tight end do go a little deeper than that, but he’s clearly emerged as the clear number one option. Gronk is expected to return this week, but Tony Gonzalez is on a bye, and smart fantasy owners are always in search of depth.
If you’re looking for a tight end on the waiver wire, here are my top 5 options that are available in over half of ESPN leagues (ownership percentages included). If you need help, these are the guys to get on your roster:
1. Sean McGrath-Kansas City Chiefs (0.5%)
In the last three weeks, McGrath has caught at least four passes ever game and has been over 50 yards in the last two while drawing more and more targets from Chiefs’ QB Alex Smith. This week he and the Chiefs try to stay unbeaten as they welcome Oakland to Arrowhead Stadium. The Raiders have allowed over 40 yards to opposing tight ends the last four weeks and over 65 the last two. McGrath is worth a look since he’s developed such a connection with Alex Smith.
2. Brandon Pettigrew-Detroit Lions (34.3%)
After a horrible start to the season, Pettigrew has put together two solid games over 50 yards since the Lions lost WR Nate Burleson as a target. He has 11 catches the last two weeks for 113 yards. This week he faces the Browns who are pretty good against opposing TE, but Matthew Stafford looks committed to passing him the ball regularly, so add him if you can.
3. Charles Clay-Miami Dolphins (28.2%)
Even though he’s on a bye, Clay makes a good pickup for the future since he continues to get targets, yards, and touchdowns in the emerging Miami offense. He’s found the end zone in three of the last four weeks and has a nice connection with Ryan Tannehill. As long as you’re covered for this week, Clay is a good pickup for the rest of the season.
4. Tyler Eifert-Cincinnati Bengals (9.0%)
It’s never good to have a tight end in a time share, but Eifert is showing he has value even while sharing looks with Jermaine Gresham. He was targeted a season-high seven times on Sunday against the Patriots and finished with a season highs in catches with five for 53 yards. This week the Bengals face the Bills in Buffalo who have played fairly well against opposing tight ends, but he’s still worth a grab and stash if your roster can hold him.
5. Brent Celek-Philadelphia Eagles (7.1%)
Celek had a solid fantasy day on Sunday thanks to his late touchdown finishing with three catches and 47 yards. The touchdown came from Nick Foles who starts on Sunday against Tampa Bay. The Bucs are the sixth-worst team in the league against the tight end, and if you only need a one-week stop-gap Celek may be the best name on this list due to his mathcup.
This list of TE’s is part of my weekly waiver wire focus. If you need further help constructing your team, check out my top ten waiver wire picks of the week as well as my top waiver targets at each of the following positions: QB, RB, WR, D/ST.