One of the surprises of the ‘09 NFL season is the resurgence of TEs. The usual suspects are represented with Antonio Gates, Dallas Clark and a few others; there’s also been an influx of new fantasy producers, guys like Vernon Davis and Brent Celek.
Don’t Pick On TEs, Pick Up TEs
Even with all the guys at the top, there are still some weapons available in leagues across the globe.
This week, a guy who was not being targeted found favor with his QB and produced. Brad Evans reminds us about the talented but underutilized Dustin Keller. (Caution: Jets are on a bye this week)
A colossal waste of talent in recent weeks, the underutilized Keller finally attracted numerous targets last Sunday against Miami. Lined up in the crosshairs 13 times by Mark Sanchez, he caught a season-high eight passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. Up until Week 8 the popular late-round sleeper, largely dormant since Week 2, was burdened by Sanchez’ struggles. But with the rookie’s confidence once again on the upswing, Keller should be the focal point of the Jets vertical game moving forward. Remember tight ends are the ultimate safety valve for any developing QB. Though on a bye this week, the Jets clash with TE-friendly Jacksonville in Week 9. Oversized targets have scored 12.4 percent above the league average against the Jags this season. Devastated Owen Daniels(notes) owners should pluck the second-year target off the wire immediately.
Then there’s a guy who’s been getting it done for years at TE, but has kind of been forgotten by a lot of fantasy players. Ben Watson doesn’t catch a lot of balls, but in the redzone he’s a target for Tom Brady. He could fill in for any bye week issues or injury problems.
This Sunday, Watson faces a Miami team that has been scorched by opposing tight ends in consecutive weeks. First, it was the Saints’ Jeremy Shockey lighting them up for a game high 105 receiving yards, then it was the Jets’ Dustin Keller with eight catches for 76 yards and a TD. The Dolphins linebackers are more aggressive than they are smart. They’ll consistently bite on the play-action fake and give up easy lanes for tight ends to exploit. If there’s one thing the Patriots know how to do, it’s capitalize on an opponent’s weakness. With blood in the water, look for Watson to play the shark this weekend.
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