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Where Does Jimmy Graham Fit Among Fantasy Tight Ends Now?

Scott Engel at RotoExperts.com gives his weekly Fantasy update, focusing on the tight end position for Week 4.

In 2012 and 2013, Jimmy Graham was the best Fantasy tight end on NFL.com. From 2011 to 2014, he never ranked lower than third overall at the position. After his performance in Week 3 of the 2016 season, it's pretty apparent that the Seahawks tight end is back among the very best at his position, and has regained must-start status at a position where this often a lot of uncertainty.

It may seem reactionary to reward Graham with such status again after one big game, but those who witnessed his six-catch, 100-yard performance against the 49ers, saw seemingly the same Graham that dominated the position along with Rob Gronkowski just a few years ago. Graham caught a 40-yard jump ball from Russell Wilson, using his height and strength to win a battle in the air with San Francisco defenders. He also caught an 18-yard touchdown pass, and it was clear that he has regained much of his classic form. Going forward he must be in the conversation with Gronkowski, Jordan Reed and Greg Olsen as the best Fantasy tight ends in the game. No other players at the position could possibly be ranked ahead of him this week. This week's opponent, the Jets, allow 8.30 NFL.com standard points per game to the position, and Graham could surely surpass that total, as Wilson is definitely developing more reliance on him on key passing downs. The two certainly looked to be more comfortable than ever last week in terms of timing and on-field rapport.

The Raiders allow 10.17 Fantasy Points Per Game on NFL.com to tight ends, so consider Dennis Pitta, another resurgent player at the position, another quality tight end start. Kyle Rudolph is also back among the Top 10, and is a regular scoring threat. Start him against the Giants. The Lions allow the most Fantasy points to tight ends (17.87), and Chicago's Zach Miller scored twice last week.

Russell Wilson is on track to play in this week's road game, and the Jets have allowed 18.50 Fantasy PPG on NFL.com, the 10th-most in the league. Wilson certainly has the weaponry to challenge the Jets pass defense, but New York has a very formidable defensive line that will make this one of Wilson's more challenging road matchups this year. You should definitely use him in two-QB formats or in 14 to 16 team leagues. In 10 and 12 teamers you should keep an eye on returning him to your lineup after the Week 5 bye for more statistical upside.

The Raiders pass defense has allowed an NFL-high 340 passing yards per game, so consider Joe Flacco a strong streamer this week, especially if you have Aaron Rodgers on a bye. The Browns allow 18.12 Fantasy PPG on NFL.com, and Kirk Cousins should see a lot of volume against them this week. He is another viable streamer as well. Philip Rivers is a strong start against the New Orleans pass defense (18.19 FFPG allowed) and Matthew Stafford should be prolific against Chicago (17.59 allowed).

After three weeks, Doug Baldwin is displaying his Fantasy breakout 2015 form again, as he is the sixth-best Fantasy wide receiver on NFL.com with 39.20 points. He'll face superstar cornerback Darrelle Revis, but Baldwin has earned must-start status in all Fantasy formats. Keep the faith in Tyler Lockett, as he has the gears and playmaking ability to burn any defense at any time. The Jets have allowed 26.97 FFPG to opposing WRs, so Lockett is indeed a viable WR3 play this week.

Mike Wallace is a terrific WR3 start against the Raiders, who have allowed the most Fantasy PPG to opposing wide receivers (32.50). The Browns have allowed 31.80, so also consider Jamison Crowder, who is off to a good start, especially as a PPR option. The Saints defense has been very vulnerable in every dimension of the game so far, so start Travis Benjamin as a WR2 and Tyrell Williams as a WR3. Atlanta allows 25.07 FFPG to wide receivers, so look for a nice rebound week from Kelvin Benjamin. Keep your confidence in Julio Jones (vs. Carolina) and Brandin Cooks (vs. SD).

Christine Michael has arrived as a regular Fantasy starter. He had a career-best Fantasy game in Week 3 against the 49ers, registering 23.10 points. The Jets have the best rush defense in the AFC, having allowed 71.7 rushing yards per game so far, with just one touchdown surrendered. Michael will have to work very hard for his yardage this week, but should still be started with anticipation of a heavy workload. Keep him in your lineup as a RB2. Rookie Alex Collins is the prime Fantasy handcuff to Michael right now.

The Steelers are allowing 25.70 FFPG to opposing RBs, so continue to roll with Spencer Ware this week. Tampa Bay is allowing 22.40, and you will see C.J. Anderson stand out against them. The Bears allow 21.80 FFPG to running backs, and this may be the week when rookie Dwayne Washington emerges as a more dependable and useful performer as he seizes an opportunity in the Detroit backfield. The Bills allow 21.50 FFPG to running backs, so count on LeGarrette Blount for another quality performance. Jordan Howard takes over as the starting running back for the Bears, and deserves some flex consideration, especially if you are dealing with some injury issues or want a player with more guaranteed touches vs. another risky option.

The Ravens have the sixth-best Fantasy defense on NFL.com (27.00 points) and may be able to keep the Raiders offense in check enough to be a viable stream play. Houston should still be useful against Tennessee, and the Giants are a respectable option vs. Minnesota.

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The Seahawks face off against the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. Take a look back through history at the Seahawks' matchups against the Jets.

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