Once a fantasy football afterthought, tight end is now a vital position to get production from on a weekly basis. If you need an upgrade or an emergency start for week 12, here are five options who aren’t locked in as weekly starters who should put up good numbers in their matchups this weekend.
They are in the general that I would play them this week although it definitely depends on who is available in your league. If you have roster specific questions for this week, find me on twitter @ZT_Sports
Garrett Graham-Houston Texans
Graham finally came through last week against the Raiders catching seven passes for 136 yards and a touchdown. Now, he and the Texans patchwork offense get what should be a solid matchup against Jacksonville. The Jags allow the second most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, so he should have another solid week with Case Keenum back as the starter.
Charles Clay-Miami Dolphins
Clay and the Dolphins host the Carolina Panthers in a tough matchup. However, the Panthers have actually struggled a bit against opposing tight ends allowing them to find the end zone in five of their last seven games while Clay has four touchdowns in his last seven games. Clay should get plenty of targets and be in the top ten tight ends this week.
John Carlson-Minnesota Vikings
Carlson is a bit of a roll of the dice since the Vikings continue to get inconsistent play from all their quarterbacks. However, in the last two weeks Carlson has been targeted 14 times while starting for Kyle Rudolph. He’s had a total of 12 catches, 167 yards, and a touchdown in those games and should have another solid outing at Green Bay Sunday.
Heath Miller-Pittsburgh Steelers
Miller is a trusted target in a high-volume passing attack, so you would think he’s put up great numbers all year. However, he’s been inconsistent and only found the end zone once. Since the Steelers throw so much, I think he has a shot to have a good game every week, but he definitely carries some significant risk.
Mychal Rivera-Oakland Raiders
If you really want to take a chance, Rivera and the Raiders host Tennessee this week after the Titans were carved up by Coby Fleener last week. This week, it’ll be Rivera in that matchup coming off his best week of the year last week when he caught five passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. He gets consistent targets and Matthew McGloin won’t hesitate to use him in the red zone and all over the field against Tennessee.
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