I missed it a couple of weeks ago when it came around, in fact, I didn’t even know it existed until the references throughout the Sunday action, but in honor of National Tight End Day, I thought I’d highlight the top five seasons I can remember from the tight end position.
I also have three plays from the weekend football schedule, whether you like it or not – as I went 0-3 ATS last week, and aside from the Bills, the two college plays weren’t even close. Not my finest hour clearly. That takes my overall record to 15-6 ATS on the season.
Antonio Gates (2004)
If there’s one thing that’s burned into my brain about Antonio Gates, it’s that he was a former college basketball player. That fact would be referenced ad nauseam by the broadcast team during Charger games. The other thing I remember is the guy was a scoring machine. He and Philip Rivers formed an impressive tandem throughout Gates’ career, starting in his second year in 2004. That season he racked up 13 TDsand established himself as one of the top tight ends in the game.
Mark Andrews (2021)
This one was only a few years back. Andrews had shown flashes of being a top tight end, with all the tools, but hadn’t been able to put it together…that is until the 2021 season. Whoever took him in the later rounds of their fantasy draft, was rewarded big time. He led the Ravens in receiving yards, and set the franchise record for yards caught by a tight end (1,361), becoming their most important pass catcher that year. He created mismatches for linebackers and safeties every week out on his way to a memorable campaign.
“Gronk’s 2011 campaign is the gold standard for tight ends, proving just how special he was at the top of his game.”
Travis Kelce (2020)
This is a good time to mention a small wrinkle to the criteria for choosing the top five seasons. I decided to add the rule that a player could only take up one spot. I felt this was needed, I would have had two Travis Kelce seasons, two Gronk seasons, mixed in with the one below. So with that rule being adhered to, Kelce slides into the number three spot.
HIs 2020 season was a master class in consistency. He put his stamp on every game, converting third downs, scoring TDs (he had 11 TDs in 15 games), and averaging over 10 catches per game (105 catches in those 15 games). Think of that – averaging over 10 catches per start. And he also rang up 1,416 receiving yards, setting a new single-season record for tight ends.
Jimmy Graham (2013)
Jimmy used to be really good…until he was traded to Seattle. Then it all went to hell. But before that, in New Orleans, he put up numbers, and none better than his 2013 season. Like each of the athletes on this list, Graham was a problem for opposing defenses. He was hyper athletic in a way not many tight ends were in the league at that time, resulting in clear matchup problems for defenses. QB Drew Brees looooved him. Especially in the red zone. He finished the 2013 campaign with 16 touchdowns (the most in the NFL).
Rob Gronkowski (2011)
2011 Stats: 1,327 receiving yards, 17 touchdowns on 90 catches with 124 targets
Who else? You knew Gronk would settle into the number one spot. Anyone that’s been watching football, betting on football, or even playing fantasy since 2010 or 2011, remembers this season. It was his sophomore season, and he booked in what is inarguably the best season by a tight end in the history of the game (not hyperbole). He led the league in TDs scored (17), and was top five in receptions and 6th in receiving yards. Gronk’s physicality, agility, and chemistry with Tom Brady made him nearly impossible to defend, as he made big plays week after week. Gronk’s 2011 campaign is the gold standard for tight ends, proving just how special he was when at the top of his game.
My Week 10 Plays
BYU at Utah
The Cougars had a bye last week, as did the Utes. Two rested teams, with Utah off a rough loss, to go along with the others as they’ve now dropped their last four, both straight up and against the spread. The Utes have struggled to get any kind of running game going, and keep up offensively. BYU can score. They should get out fast and not let up in this in-state rivalry game.
Pick: I’m on BYU -4
Washington Huskies at Penn State
Penn State’s offense stalled last week vs. Ohio State, failing to score a TD in that 20-13 loss and letting down their defense that did their job. Both sides should have solid outings vs. a Huskies team they match up well with. UW’s defense can get very leaky, and give up points in bunches. The Huskies are off a win over USC, and face UCLA and Oregon on deck after this one. Worth noting is UW has a record of 0-13 ATS in their last 13 after a game vs. the Trojans.
Pick: I’m taking Penn State -13.5
Swing by the Winner’s Edge Patreon Saturday morning for two more college plays, and an NFL top play from the early Sunday games.