1. Antonio Gates (SD) – Many experts think that the acquisition of WR Chris Chambers from Miami will cut into Gates production. We believe it will more likely help Gates. Until now, opposing secondaries have been able to focus the majority of their attention on him, but with a deep threat like Chambers in the line up, some of that attention should be diverted, making it a win win situation for both players. Gates should have a big week against a very shaky Texans defense. He is a must start.2. Kellen Winslow (CLE) – The Browns offense has been on fire lately, and a big reason for that has been the play of Winslow. He should have a monster game at St. Louis.
3. Dallas Clark (IND) – He has been a solid and consistent performer all season scoring 6 TD’s in 6 games. He should continue to roll against a mediocre Panthers defense this week.
4. Jeremy Shockey (NYG) – Shockey is finally starting to get in the offensive mix with consistency for the Giants. He faces a Miami defense that loves to give up TD’s through the air, and is a strong candidate for a score. He is a quality starter for your fantasy squad in week 8.
5. Heath Miller (PIT) – He is starting to increase his role in the Steeler offense, and has made the most of his opportunities, scoring 3TD’s in his last 2 games. Miller should have another nice game in a promising match up against a really bad Bengals defense. (Check injury report: chin)
6. Chris Cooley (WAS) – Cooley is coming off of his worst game of the season. It seems unlikely that he would bounce back against a defense as good as the Patriots, but Cooley should see plenty of touches as the emergency read for Jason Campbell. He will likely be the only bright spot for the Redskins offense this week and is worth the start.
7. Greg Olsen (CHI) – Despite sharing TE duties with Desmond Clark, Olsen has been a solid and steady contributor each week. He has a very promising match up against the Lions 30th ranked pass defense.
8. Owen Daniels (HOU) – He was not up to par last week with only 2 catches, but Daniels is too important to the Texans offense right now to be held in check two weeks in a row. He should rebound with a decent game at San Diego.
9. Kyle Brady (NE) – He will likely fill in for the injured Ben Watson again this week. He probably won’t set the stat sheet a blaze, but he will be a strong candidate to find the end zone for the second straight week. Brady is a little risky as a starter, but he may pay off nicely for you in week 8. There is a slight chance that Watson will play, in which case Brady would not be a good option for you.
10. Eric Johnson (NO) – Johnson runs very hot and cold. Fortunately for his fantasy owners, he has been pretty hot of late, and actually led the Saints in receiving last week. There are no guarantees, but he should be in your line up for week 8 unless you have a better option.
11. Desmond Clark (CHI) – He still has to share the TE duties with rookie Greg Olson, but Clark remains a decent fantasy option at the TE position. He has a great match up, and always has the potential to find the end zone, especially against a poor pass defense like the Lions.
12. Donald Lee (GB) – He will be facing one of the top pass defenses in the league in Denver this week. The good news is that if the Broncos have a weakness against the pass, it is against TE’s. Lee is not a bad option for your fantasy line up, and may actually have a big day.
13. Vernon Davis (SF) – He was far from spectacular, but Davis did manage to haul in 4 passes in his return from injury last week. Davis has not lived up to his billing, but he is talented enough to pull off a big game any week. The reward could be worth the risk with Davis against the Saints.
14. Bo Scaife (TEN) – He is starting to heat up, and actually led the Titans with 6 receptions in week 7. Scaife is a small liability for your starting line up, but he makes a great bye week fill in.
15. Randy McMichael (STL) – He will almost certainly provide some points for your fantasy team this week, but even with the great match up against a poor Browns defense, you should keep your expectations low.
16. Tony Scheffler (DEN) – Scheffler has been banged up for much of the season, but he returned last week, and quickly became a top target for Jay Cutler. It is uncertain if Scheffler will continue to play a big role in the Denver offense, but all signs point to yes. He is a little risky as your starting TE this week, but Scheffler could be a sleeping giant.
17. Zach Miller (OAK) – Miller has put together consecutive solid weeks with Culpepper under center. If Culpepper remains the Raiders starter at QB, look for him to continue to target Miller on a fairly regular basis. At this point, he should be considered a bye week fill in, but if he can continue to increase his production, Miller may be worth a look as your regular starter if you are in need of a TE.
18. David Martin (MIA) – He should continue to increase his role in the Dolphins offense with the departure of WR Chris Chambers. Also, Martin appears to be a potential favorite target in the red zone for QB Cleo Lemon. If he is healthy, Martin may not be a bad week 8 fill in for your roster. (Check injury report: groin)
19. L.J. Smith (PHI) – He has rarely been healthy this season, and even when he has been healthy, Smith has been quiet. He has a really great match up this week against the Vikings, but until Smith can prove himself, he should be considered a liability for your starting roster. (Check injury report: hernia, full participation in practice on Wed., probable for week 8)
20. Jeff King (CAR) – King is unlikely to provide any substantial value to your fantasy line up this week, but he may provide a few needy points for someone desperate for a bye week replacement.
If you have any questions or comments about our Week 8 Fantasy Football TE rankings, e-mail us at themacbros@yahoo.com.
