By Dan O’Shea
Back in the preseason, I was in love with the idea of drafting legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez. He was headed into the final year of his career as a still strong option in a prolific offense. I felt the Falcons would get him the ball often, especially near the end zone.
Many weeks later, Gonzalez does have respectable numbers for his position – 505 yards receiving and four TDs – but more than 20 percent of his yards and half his TDs came in one game.
Out of nine games played, he has had one week with the stats I expected for him all year, and two more weeks in which he delivered decent fantasy value.
And now, there is a good chance that in Week 11, he will miss his first game in seven years with a foot injury, or will at least be very limited.
With very little fantasy regular season left, I’ve decided to dump him on the waiver wire. But at a thin position, is there any way to come up with something better?
Here are a few ideas, all available in more than 40% of Yahoo! leagues:
Jordan Reed, WAS: I mentioned him last week as a potential second-half star. When RG3 is throwing, Reed is often the target.
Tyler Eifert, CIN: The rookie is starting to play a larger role; he was targeted 10 times last week.
Coby Fleener, IND: The Colts’ leading receiver Reggie Wayne is done for the season, and though they have some other flashy options at WR, Fleener is a good bet to get more chances, particularly in the red zone.
Delanie Walker, TENN: Really didn’t do much until last week, when he collected 62 yards and a TD. The Titans favor him on third downs.
Expert Wire
* SI.com says a Buc and a Dolphin are hot pick-ups after starring on Monday Night Football.
* ESPN recommends the NYG defense against the Packers this weekend – that’s how bad the Packers are without Aaron Rodgers (or Seneca Wallace).
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Dan O’Shea is our man in fantasyland. He welcomes your comments.
Posted on November 14, 2013