Fantasy Football: 2014 Tight End Rankings

Dec 22, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) is defended by Oakland Raiders lineacker Nick Roach (53) in the first half against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

7. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers – Gates has been a top tight end for several year now especially in fantasy football but age could finally be creeping up on him…or has it? Gates had almost 900 yards receiving last season but only 4 touchdowns. We are getting to the point now, though, where younger tight ends could be taking bigger roles in the Charger offense which means less playing time for Gates and fewer points for fantasy owners who have him. Still, its Antonio Gates, and if you are needing another tight end and Gates is still on the board, take him and hope the young guys do not step up this season.

6. Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers – Who do we have as the wide receiving group for the Carolina Panthers? Yea, I’m not sure either. So, with Greg Olsen being the primary guy in Carolina, Olsen becomes a very safe pick in fantasy football this season. Olsen had 73 receptions, 816 yards, and 6 touchdowns last season. I would expect similar numbers again this season which will make any fantasy football owner very happy.

5. Martellus Bennett, Chicago Bears – Bennett has been a talented athletic tight end for a few year now. With Bennett joining the Chicago Bears last season, Bennett racked in 759 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. What is more impressive is how Bennett did this even with a deep receiving core for the Chicago Bears. Nothing changed for the receiving group this season except for the addition of Santonio Holmes. So expect similar numbers again this season and, if a receiving happens to go down with an injury, Bennett will get more opportunities. Even if you do not draft Bennett, or nobody does, consider adding him later in the season if players begin to go down for the Bears.