Must-Starts
1. Tony Gonzalez vs. Cincinnati Bengals.
Both teams have nothing to play for except pride and numbers. And we like the Thigpen to Gonzalez combo to put up nice ones (numbers) in this one. Top fantasy TE this week.
2. Jason Witten vs. Philadelphia Eagles.
This is a game of desperation for Dallas, and you know that Romo will look for his safety outlet—Witten—plenty in this one. There are only a few DBs and no LBs that can cover him and the mismatches he presents are daunting for a defensive coordinator. Look for a big fantasy effort in this one.
3. Antonio Gates vs. Denver Broncos.
Gates came to life last week catching a few TDs in the win over Tampa Bay, and we see that trend continuing this Sunday when they take on the Broncos. Similar to Witten, Gates’ hands are excellent and he creates mismatches for any defense he plays. Look for another visit to the end zone on Sunday.
4. John Carlson vs. Arizona Cardinals. Carlson was a second round steal for the Seahawks this season. He has really come on of late. One team that hasn’t is Arizona who appears to be sleepwalking their way into the playoffs. Look for another big football game out of the young TE in the finale.
Sleepers
1. Visanthe Shiancoe vs. New York Giants.
We don’t see the Giants taking many chances on their key starters in this one and Minnesota is playing for their playoff lives. So look for the Jackson to Shiancoe combo to be in full effect on Sunday.
2. Greg Olsen vs. Houston Texans.
Without any real weapons on the outside, Orton has to look to the TEs more in this offense to move the ball through the air, and when he does, we like him to target Olsen for about five passes and possibly a red zone score.
Others with Favorable Matchups
1. Tony Scheffler vs. San Diego Chargers.
The Chargers have been anything but formidable on defense this year, and Scheffler is great at finding room to work with. Look for Cutler to target Scheffler on short to medium range passes and the TE should be able to rack up quite a few catches and yards in the process.
2. Anthony Fasano vs. New York Jets.
The Jets have been vulnerable to the TE (Carlson caught a TD last week) this season because their strong point is on the outside, at the CB position. So look for Pennington to locate Fasano in his short passing game and then again near the end zone.
3. Owen Daniels vs. Chicago Bears.
If the Bears employ the same strategy as Oakland did—doubling Andre Johnson, then look for Schaub to turn to his second read and hit Daniel for a lot of passes and yards. And when they get near the end zone, look for Daniels to have his number called a few times.
