Fantasy Football 2012: Week 4 Tight End Rankings

For the elite fantasy manager, the tight end position has made a difference through the first 3 weeks. If you were smart enough to start Tony Gonzalez, Martellus Bennett, or Dennis Pitta in the first 3 weeks you had a huge leg up on the competition. Take a look at some general notes followed by weekly rankings for both Standard and PPR leagues.

• Tony Gonzalez looks totally rejuvenated this year. I don't know whether he is in great shape or if it's just because the offense has opened up to air the ball out, but he is approaching that must start, top-5, regardless of matchup territory. Through three games he is a averaging a robust seven receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown per week. The presence of two great wide receivers on the outside is making his job over the middle much easier. He has a great matchup this week against a week Carolina Panthers defense.
• I am really worried about Antonio Gates. I was very high on him in the preseason mostly because he seemed healthy for the first time in a while. But the guy just can't seem to stay healthy. Nobody questions the talent, athleticism or special connection with QB Phillip Rivers, but health remains a huge concern. It might be time to try and sell high on Gates if you have another good lower end option at TE.
• I missed the boat on Kyle Rudolph. Early in the season a reader took issue with my lowish ranking of Rudolph and I defended it vigorously. Most of my argument revolved around a lack of confidence in QB Christian Ponder, but this guy has taken a really nice step forward. I have zero shares in Rudolph in any of my leagues, and I congratulate anyone with better foresight then myself. Rudolph is a must start in all 12-team leagues, regardless of matchup.
• Jason Witten is another guy I really worry about. I just don't think he can stay healthy, and in the meantime, Tony Romo is going elsewhere. I know that three games is a small sample size, but the time has come to cut bait.Witten has eight catches for 76 yards on the season. Those are numbers you would expect out of him on a weekly basis. Much like Gates, nobody doubts the skills, but Witten just isn't of use to fantasy owners if he can't get healthy quickly.
• Now is the time to take advantage of Aaron Hernandez owners. Do whatever you can to get him in a trade because his value will never again be lower than it is right now. All reports are saying that he is recovering quickly and it will only be a matter of a few weeks before he is back into top 6 territory. If the Hernandez owner has a capable replacement at TE go make the offer RIGHT NOW!
• One guy I haven't spoken a lot about is Oakland Raiders tight end Brandon Myers. He has quietly been very useful in deep or start two TE leagues. While he has yet to reach the end zone, Myers has averaged about five catches for 70 yards per game for the season. You could do a lot worse in a league where a second TE actually matters. While he is questionable for this upcoming week, this a guy that should not be ignored.