High-Cost Option: Antonio Gates $5,000
What else is there to say about the Oakland Raiders defending tight ends that hasn't been said before? Owen Daniels aside, Oakland has been a complete travesty defending opposing tight ends, giving up the most fantasy points to the position in the league -- even with Daniels' goose egg! Antonio Gates has been on fire since his return, picking up 18 receptions for 187 yards and a pair of touchdowns. If looking to save on Gronk's price increase -- he was just given a $500 price increase, despite four straight weeks of declining receptions and yards -- Gates looks to have the best matchup of the other high-cost options.
Mid-Cost Option: Jason Witten $4,800
The Cowboys return from their bye week with Matt Cassel under center, a quarterback who without many weapons on the perimeter. They will need to utilize Jason Witten if they hope to shed the 3.5-point underdog label. In their Week 1 matchup, Witten had his best game of the season, scoring a pair of touchdowns while hauling in 8 of 9 targets for 60 yards. The Giants are susceptible to the tight end, giving up the third-most fantasy points and the third-most yards to the position. If looking to pivot off the masses going towards Gates this week, Witten is a very viable solution as he's averaged the eighth-most fantasy points per game of tight ends playing this week (13.6).
Low-Cost Option: Eric Ebron $3,000
This play is contingent on the health of Eric Ebron, but if he's good to go, he faces a pretty nice matchup against the Vikings this week at home. Prior to injury, Ebron averaged 13.6 fantasy points per game in his first three contests, scoring two touchdowns and providing a reliable outlet for Matthew Stafford. Minnesota hasn't necessarily succeeded defending tight ends, ranking 10th against the position in fantasy points allowed, and with the volume the Lions throw, Ebron could be a nice cheap play this week.
GPP Wildcard: Ladarius Green $2,900
If Stevie Johnson misses time again this week, Ladarius Green could warrant some attention at the tight end position. San Diego has been running some two-tight end formations while their main slot receiver is sidelined. Against the Raiders this week, Green could see some extra attention his way as he caught three receptions for 35 yards and a score last week despite playing alongside Gates. On the season, Green has the fourth-highest Target NEP of all tight ends with 10 or more receptions, meaning even if we see his volume decrease, Green has been making the most of his chances with high efficiency production. Green is certainly a GPP wildcard play, but could be a sneaky one if he finds the end zone against Oakland.