Rob Gronkowski

Antonio Gates comes into his week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans listed as questionable. Antonio Gates suffered a rib injury in week 1 against the Oakland Raiders. Gates was able to finish the game despite the hit to his ribs, but sat out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Gates’ history of injuries has fantasy owners concerned, but don’t be overly worried yet. It was a foot injury that has plagued Gates the last three years. This was merely a shot to the ribs that caused some soreness.

Gates was able to return to practice on Friday, although it was limited. Gates informed media outlets that he’ll physically and mentally ready to go this Sunday when his Chargers take on the Tennessee Titans, but he’s still experiencing some soreness in his ribs. During practice, Gates wore a protective vest.

I’m an Antonio Gates owner and willing to keep him in my starting lineup. If Gates is a last-minute scratch you should pick up Heath Miller on the waivers. Miller had 50 yards and a TD in week 1 and should be a quality tight end to pick up last minute since the Steelers face the Jets at home at the 4:00 spot.

Another plus for Antonio Gates is his matchup against the Titans D who didn’t have an answer for the Patriots tight end duo last week. The Titans gave up 12 receptions, 119 yards, and 2 TDs to the Patriots Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.…

Which TE do I draft first? Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski?

I expect Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski to go in the beginning of round 2. I think these players do deserve to go where they’re getting drafting. A lot of people are saying these players are getting overdrafted. I disagree. After Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, and Julio Jones, I put both Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham over any other wide receiver. Both will have over 1,200 receiving yards and at least 8 TDs.  In 2011, both Graham and Gronkowski had over 1,300 receiving yards and over 10 TDs. Gronkowski edged Graham out in both categories: 1,327 yards and 17 TDs compared to 1,310 yards and 11 TDs.

2011 Statistics

ROB GRONKOWSKI (16 games)
90 receptions, 1,327 yards, 17 TDs (124 targets)

JIMMY GRAHAM (16 games)
99 receptions, 1,310 yards, 11 TDs, (149 targets)

2012 Fantasy Rankings

NFL.com’s composite rankings has Ron Gronkowski ranked #13 and Jimmy Graham ranked #15 with Julio Jones in between. Yahoo has Jimmy Graham ranked #11 and Rob Gronkowski #13 with Larry Fitzgerald in between. Very interesting.

2012 Fantasy Outlook

The bottom line is you can’t miss with either of these guys with an early second round pick. You have to take them over the top WR and RB in the next class after the top 5 RBs, top 5 QBs, and top 3 WRs are off the board. If you’re sitting with the #14 or #15 pick in your fantasy draft, if Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski are there, you take them. I have them ranked #10 and #11 after Darren McFadden and Chris Johnson followed by Larry Fitzgerald and Julio Jones.

You can even make the debate that one of these guys is …

Question: Which WR should I start after Roddy White… Nate Washington or Deion Branch?

Which 2 wide receivers would you play? I have Roddy White, Nate Washington, Deion Branch, and Jabar Gaffney. Feel free to give your reason behind the choice as well.  Thank you.

Best answer:

I would go with Deion Branch. Now that he’s back with Tom Brady, he’s a much better option than Nate Washington and Jabar Gaffney. Nate Washington will get lots of looks with Kenny Britt out. However, I would still take the receiver that’s paired up with Brady although Brady will mostly throw to Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski.

Add your own answer in the comments!…