Fantasy Football Rankings 2012, Week 1: Tight Ends In Standard & PPR Leagues

Below are my week 1 TE rankings for both Standard and PPR leagues. Note that these rankings are not in any way related to what my year-long predictions will be for the position. It takes into account a number of weekly factors such as injuries, opponent, offensive game plan, and likely targets.

Notes:

• Antonio Gates is going to have a monster game this week, especially in PPR leagues. The Chargers are taking on a woeful Oakland Raiders defense and Philip Rivers will be slinging the ball all over the field. Without a top reliable wide receiver option, Rivers will look early and often to his always reliable, and finally healthy tight end.
• There is going to be a shootout in the Bayou. We all know what kind of points the Saints can put up, but last season they were also the third-worst team against the pass. Robert Griffin III and the Redskins will be throwing the ball all over the field and Fred Davis stands to have a big game. He is one of the few serious weapons that the Skins have in the passing game. Over the course of the season, Davis should be close to a top 10 tight end, but this week he will be in top five territory.
• Similar thoughts for Jared Cook in his matchup with the porous New England secondary. Cook is a virtual lock to put up at least 60 yards and a touchdown with rookie quarterback Jake Locker. Cook will be inconsistent all season, but I expect week 1 to be a good one.
• Coby Fleener will have a solid game in quarterback Andrew Luck's pro debut. Chicago will pressure Luck and force him to dump the ball off quickly. Luck has a comfort level with Fleener and won't hesitate to get him the ball when the blitz pressure gets there. Fleener especially has value in PPR leagues as he should total around 6 catches for 65 yards.
• I don't quite know what to think of Brent Celek yet. Last year really was a tale of two halves. He was a legit fantasy contributor in the second half, but was a total non-factor through Week 8. He is a player I will be watching closely to see if his ranking goes up or down. For now I am staying conservative and keeping him out of the top-10.
• Many experts have put Jacob Tamme on their pre-season TE sleeper lists. I think Tamme will have a nice season as Peyton's security blanket but I just don't see him having a good week against the Steelers. There might be a buy-low opportunity with Tamme if he starts the season slowly

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