Consider this tight end guide Gronk-free.
With Rob Gronkowski and the New England Patriots playing the Thursday night regular-season opener against Pittsburgh, the league's top tight end won't be in the vast majority of Week 1 daily fantasy contests. Here's a look at the tight ends who are in play to start the 2015 campaign:
Value Rankings
QB | RB | WR | TE
Top 3
Bennett and Olsen both benefit from the absence of an injured wide receiver; Bennett is the better value here with the Bears expected to air it out all day against the Packers. Olsen will still see his share of targets as Cam Newton's only reliable holdover option in the pass game, but his ceiling is slightly lower than that of Bennett. Kelce is a top-3 option as Alex Smith's safety valve, but could be in for a long day against a stout Texans defense.
Next 3
Graham is the highest-priced tight end on the board - and it would surprise no one to see him return value. But with his role in the passing game unclear - and a difficult opening-week matchup in St. Louis - Graham finds himself a tick below the top tier. Walker should emerge as a favorite in the Marcus Mariota-led Titans offense, while Witten will see his share of targets in the Cowboys' shootout with the Giants.
Best of the Rest
| # | NAME | OPPONENT | RISK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Zach Ertz (PHI) | @ ATL | Medium |
| 8 | Jordan Cameron (MIA) | @ WAS | Medium |
| 9 | Ladarius Green (SD) | vs. DET | Medium |
| 10 | Owen Daniels (DEN) | vs. BAL | Medium |
| 11 | Charles Clay (BUF) | vs. IND | Medium |
| 12 | Kyle Rudolph (MIN) | @ SF | Medium |
| 13 | Coby Fleener (IND) | @ BUF | Medium |
| 14 | Dwayne Allen (IND) | @ BUF | Medium |
| 15 | Richard Rodgers (GB) | @ CHI | Medium |
In a group of solid mid-range options, Green represents the most intriguing play. The Chargers intend to use him in the same role as the guy he's replacing, suspended veteran Antonio Gates. If that's the case, Green becomes a great tournament option with the potential for multiple TDs against the visiting Lions. Also, avoid the Colts' tight end situation altogether - there's no way of knowing which TE will have the better week.
Nothing to See Here
| # | NAME | OPPONENT | RISK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Benjamin Watson (NO) | @ ARI | High |
| 17 | Larry Donnell (NYG) | @ DAL | High |
| 18 | Tyler Eifert (CIN) | @ OAK | High |
| 19 | Jordan Reed (WAS) | vs. MIA | High |
| 20 | Jared Cook (STL) | @ SEA | High |
| 21 | Vernon Davis (SF) | vs. MIN | High |
| 22 | Eric Ebron (DET) | @ SD | High |
| 23 | Josh Hill (NO) | @ ARI | High |
| 24 | Maxx Williams (BAL) | @ DEN | High |
Reed may be the best of the bunch, but there's no guarantee he'll be able to stay healthy for long. Eifert is a boom-or-bust optionwhile Watson and Hill will likely negate each other's fantasy value until one of them steps up. Donnell's prospects have improved after the confirmation that Victor Cruz is indeed out; look for him to play a more prominent role in the passing game.
