Each week with the positional rankings, I’m going to offer Dallas Cowboys centered Fantasy Football information. I’ll offer you a breakdown of the matchup for your and my tight end. Make sure you go to InsideTheStar.com to get the breakdowns on all the important match ups for the coming week.
Your Dallas Cowboys Tight End
Jason Witten
Expert Consensus Ranking: 9
My Ranking: 7
It’s unlikely Jason Witten is going to see 14 targets again in week two against the Washington Redskins. I do think he continues to see 8-10 targets a game.
The veteran still has the ability to get open regularly and is a sure-handed pass catcher (when he doesn’t have to look into the sun).
In week one against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Washington Redskins allowed second year tight end Jesse James to catch five passes for 31 yards. James had a long of eight yards. Seems like he and Jason Witten work in the same part of the field; the short to intermediate areas.
In 24 starts against the Washington Redskins, Jason Witten averages:
- 7.1 targets
- 4.95 receptions
- 55 yards
- 0.33 touchdowns
I see Witten as a must-start this week across all formats. With Dak Prescott looking his way often, Witten could be up for a really good day.
One to Start
Jesse James, Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals
Expert Consensus Ranking: 14
My Ranking: 13
The above mentioned Jesse James has really gained the trust of the coaching staff in the last couple of months. With Ladarius Green hindered by nagging injuries, James has taken advantage of his opportunities.
Ben Roethlisberger will often look to the second year tight end in the short passing game.
In week one, Jesse James saw seven targets, catching five passes for 35 yards. Not gaudy numbers, but in his first career start, they are serviceable.
I expect the Cincinnati Bengals will put more effort into taking Antonio Brown out of the game. They’ll shade a safety over the top or a linebacker underneath, which will open things up for James.
Flawless Forecast: nine targets, six catches, 75 yards, one touchdown.
One to Sit
Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Expert Consensus Ranking: 7
My Ranking: 13
Things have certainly changed for Antonio Gates over the last couple of years.
On Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs, Gates only saw four targets. He caught three passes for 20 yards, and zero touchdowns.
Health and declining ability have been concerns for him over the last several years. Antonio Gates is now 36 years old, and the athleticism that has allowed him to win for years in the NFL is fading.
He wasn’t the primary target in San Diego before or after star wide receiver Keenan Allen was lost for the year.
For his career against the Jacksonville Jaguars (eight games), he averages 4.6 catches on 6.5 targets for about 50 yards and almost one touchdown. The last time he played them was in 2015, but he has had health issues and is another year older now.
I’m looking for another option to start at tight end in week two.
Flawless Forecast: three catches for 35 yards, and zero touchdowns.
The Tight End Rankings
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