Fantasy Football 2012, Week 13: Tight End rankings

Vernon Davis, Heath Miller, Antonio Gates. These are just a few of the big names that fantasy owners have had a hard time deciding whether to start or bench over the last few weeks. In a week that is most likely do or die for fantasy playoff hopefuls, choosing the right tight end can be the difference between playing for the big prize, or going home early. Tune in to my weekly tight end rankings, and read your way to fantasy domination.

Notes:

• Jermaine Gresham has been a surpriingly good option and has very quietly snuck into top 10 territory. The Bengals offense led by Andy Dalton has played very well over the last 4-5 weeks and Gresham has really reaped the benefits. What is especially promising is how often Gresham is getting targets down in the red zone. With AJ Green being so effective in that area, teams are electing to double and even triple team Green when the Bengals get down close. This is creating more space for Gresham to operate, and Dalton hasnt been shy about getting him the ball.
• Enough is enough. Aaron Hernandez is finally going to break onto the fantasy landscape and have a serious impact on this week's game. Hernandez has been very slow coming back from an injury, but he has now had a number of weeks to work his way into game shape. I have been writing about Hernandez for a number of weeks and I strongly believe he will be a top five tight end down the stretch into the fantasy playoffs.
• Brandon Myers will never trick you into thinking he's a fantasy stud. But there just arent that many more reliable options out there where you know what you are getting from week to week. Since before week 5, Myers has only failed to reach 5 catches in a game one time. While he wont overwhelm you in yardage or touchdowns, he is a reliable guy who will give you positive points on a weekly basis.
• I just cant trust Heath Miller while Charlie Batch is taking the snaps from center. Miller has been a breathe of fresh air this year for many fantasy owners, but his production wont continue with Batch. It is the hardest thing to do at this time of the year, but managers cant get too attached to the big name. The move is to bench him until Big Ben is back at QB. There is a reason why Batch is third QB on this team.
• When Coby Fleener went down with an injury I was really excited to see what Dwayne Allen could do as a full timer. In fact, last week in one of my leagues I started Allen against a porous Buffalo Bills defense. While Allen did show some promise, he will be relegated to nothing more then a TE2 with the news that Fleener will be returning from injury.
• What to do with Antonio Gates and Vernon Davis? It is simple: If you have another top 12 tight end then roll with them and sit Gates and Davis. Otherwise you have to play these guys rather then roll with a low end option like Jermichael Finley or Jared Cook.

For more fantasy info, head over to the SB Nation Fantasy War Room 4-8:30 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. Check out SB Nation's own Fantasy Football game, Pick 6!