NFL Fantasy Betting - Tight end class top-heavy this year
If your NFL fantasy betting strategy is to get your hands on a good tight end, you’ll have to draft early. Online betting handicappers and fantasy players know that the crop of premier tight ends thins out very early, and if you miss four or five guys, then you’ll be throwing darts at the board.
NFL fantasy betting: Gates ready for bounce-back year
- Witten, Gates, Gonzalez headline top tier
- How will former Hurricanes like Winslow Jr., Shockey fare?
- Olsen ready to breakout
1. Jason Witten – Dallas Cowboys
With Terrell Owens gone and the Cowboys lacking depth at wide receiver, Jason Witten appears to be in line for another big fantasy season. NFL fantasy betting handicappers know that Witten is the favorite in the sportsbook to lead tight ends in yardage, which makes him the most valuable at his position. He’s Tony Romo’s favorite target and should be Pro Bowl bound again this year.
2. Antonio Gates – San Diego Chargers
NFL fantasy betting fans know that Gates struggled last year, but that was in large part to a toe injury. He’s completely healthy now and since the offense around him has developed, he won’t face as much defensive attention as before. He could be the most productive player at his position.
3. Tony Gonzalez – Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons acquired Hall of Famer-to-be Tony Gonzalez and he figures to be a great fit for sophomore quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan needed a check down option and Gonzalez is exactly that. Considering he scored 10 touchdowns and racked up nearly 1100 yards playing for the talent-less Chiefs last year, teaming with a Pro Bowler to be in Matt Ryan could mean even better numbers.
4. Dallas Clark – Indianapolis Colts
NFL betting fans know that Dallas Clark thrived in his position last year as Marvin Harrison faded out of the Colts offense. Considering the Colts haven’t really replaced Harrison, Clark should be in line for the same. The Colts running game figures to be better this year, so don’t be surprised if the Colts lean on it a little more and pass a little less.
5. Owen Daniels – Houston Texans
The NFL fantasy betting players are aware that the Texans could have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. That’s great news for a guy like Owen Daniels – if he stops holding out. Daniels could a contract player if the Texans don’t sign him to an extension, which means he’ll have plenty of incentive to put up a good season. He only scored two touchdowns last year, though, which has to be taken into account.
6. Chris Cooley – Washington Redskins
Chris Cooley is fading as an elite NFL fantasy betting tight end, but he’s still solid. You’ll get some consistency from him, but don’t expect the electric numbers we’ve seen from him at times. The Redskins are also developing their young wide receivers, who are supposed to play a bigger role this year.
7. Kellen Winslow – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kellen Winslow Jr. has never really played with a capable quarterback, and he won’t again in 2009. On one hand, it means he won’t play to the potential we all know he has, but at the same time, he might be a great safety valve. He’s the best and most reliable receiving option for the Bucs, which is always a plus.
8. Greg Olsen – Chicago Bears
NFL fantasy betting handicappers are hoping that Greg Olsen can break out this season, and there is plenty of reason to expect that to happen. Olsen is a vertical threat, and now that he’s working with a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback in Jay Cutler, he should be in line for a career year.
9. John Carlson – Seattle Seahawks
John Carlson had a breakout season as a rookie, but a lot of NFL fantasy betting fans are cautious drafting him this year. With the acquisition of T.J. Houshmanzadeh, draftniks feel that a lot of the possession passes that went to Carlson will go to him. With a healthy Matt Hasselbeck, though, Carlson is easily a Top 10 tight end with Top 5 potential.
10. Zach Miller – Oakland Raiders
Zach Miller racked up the yards at the end of last season and he’s still a great buy-low candidate this year. The Raiders don’t have many options in the passing game but Miller is a big target that is easy to find. Whether it is Jeff Garcia or JaMarcus Russell starting, expect Miller to be targeted regularly.
11. Dustin Keller – New York Jets
12. Visanthe Shiancoe – Minnesota Vikings
13. Jeremy Shockey – New Orleans Saints
14. Tony Scheffler – Denver Broncos
For more fantasy news and analysis on sports betting lines, check out the betonline.com Betting Edge daily.
Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions?
