News:Tony Gonzalez told ProFootballTalk.com he is "100 percent" certain 2013 will be his final NFL season.
Analysis: Gonzalez said last year he was 95 percent sure he was retiring and he still came back. Maybe he's bluffing and something will draw him to play again in 2014. But let's not think long term on Gonzalez, who posted his best numbers since becoming a Falcon last year with 930 yards on 93 catches and eight scores. Though there might be some concern for taking an older player, Gonzalez has proven he can post good numbers, so using him for 2013 is a good move. Expect him to get taken around Round 6 in standard Fantasy leagues, Round 5 in PPR formats and potentially a Round 7-9 steal in dynasty/keeper start-up leagues.
News: Once Tony Gonzalez announced he was coming back for 2013, everyone assumed he'd ink a one-year deal. But the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Gonzalez signed a two-year deal, meaning the door is conceivably open to him playing in 2014. The total contract is worth $14 million with half of it guaranteed. $5.25 million is charged to 2013 salary cap.
Analysis: Gonzalez posted his best numbers since becoming a Falcon last year with 930 yards on 93 catches and eight scores. This is huge news for Fantasy owners as it deepens the tight end talent pool with a reliable player who can fit into lineups right away. Though there might be some concern for taking an older player, Gonzalez has proven he can post good numbers, so using him for 2013 is a good move. Expect him to get taken around Round 6 in standard Fantasy leagues, Round 5 in PPR formats and potentially a Round 7-9 steal in dynasty/keeper start-up leagues.
News:Tony Gonzalez announced on Twitter he intends to play in 2013. His agent is reportedly discussing the terms of his return with the Falcons. It will be his 17th NFL season. "I'm happy to say that after speaking with my family, I'm coming back," Gonzalez wrote. "The lure of being on such a great team and organization, along with unbelievable fan support was too good to pass up. We have a great shot to get to the Super Bowl, RISE UP ATLANTA!"
Analysis: Gonzalez posted his best numbers since becoming a Falcon last year with 930 yards on 93 catches and eight scores. This is huge news for Fantasy owners as it deepens the tight end talent pool with a reliable player who can fit into lineups right away. Though there might be some concern for taking an older player, Gonzalez has proven he can post good numbers, so using him for 2013 is a good move. Expect him to get taken around Round 6 in standard Fantasy leagues, Round 5 in PPR formats and potentially a Round 7 or 8 steal in dynasty/keeper leagues.
News:USA Today reported Sunday that free agent tight end Tony Gonzalez is expected to inform the Falcons that he'll be returning for his 17th season. Gonzalez won his first playoff game last season and fell one game short of the Super Bowl. It is believed he wants a big contract to go with lesser duties in training camp as part of the deal.
Analysis: Gonzalez, who at one point told reporters that he was "95 percent" sure that he would retire after the 2012 season, appears to be ready to make a final run at a championship. He ranks second all-time in the NFL in receptions (1,242), seventh in receiving yards (14,268) and 18th in touchdowns (103). Those totals are records for his position and were helped by Gonzalez's best numbers since becoming a Falcon with 930 yards on 93 catches and eight scores in 2012. The 37-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent, but has told reporters that he'll play with the Falcons if he does return for another season. Fantasy owners should keep an eye out for his official announcement moving forward. If he does return, then he'll be viewed as a solid starting option in Fantasy, worth a pick starting in the Round 7.
News: CBSSports.com NFL writer Pete Prisco has a hunch tight end Tony Gonzalez signs on to play in 2013 with the Falcons based on "things" he heard while at the NFL combine.
Analysis: It would be a welcome treat to have Gonzalez back for 2013 as the Fantasy tight end population is thin. If he returns Gonzalez would get attention as a No. 1 option worth a pick between Rounds 7 and 8.
News: ESPN reported Tuesday that tight end Tony Gonzalez was beginning to "waver" on retirement. The Falcons have been campaigning for Gonzalez to come back for one more year. One player told ESPN's Ed Werder "I think, if the circumstances are right, that Tony Gonzalez will return."
Analysis: Gonzalez, 36, ranks second all-time in the NFL in receptions (1,242), seventh in receiving yards (14,268) and 18th in touchdowns (103). Those totals are records for his position and were helped by Gonzalez's best numbers since becoming a Falcon with 930 yards on 93 catches and eight scores in 2012. Gonzalez is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent, but said that if he does return to play, it would be for the Falcons. For now assume Gonzalez is done with football, though we'd all be delighted if he ended up coming back.
News: Tight end Tony Gonzalez has said he’s 95 percent sure he’s going to retire, but Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff is more optimistic than that. Dimitroff said to NBC that he believes Gonzalez is wrestling with a tough decision about his future. “Tony has done so much for us on and off the field and I don’t believe, not stating that he would be lying to anyone, but I don’t believe the 95 percent,” Dimitroff said. “I want to believe it’s a lot closer to 50/50, to be honest with you, and we’ve had discussions. Obviously Mike Smith has had discussions with him. We’re all in a good place. Ultimately it’s up to Tony to decide if he wants to come back and potentially catch 100 balls again. I think it’s one of those situations that Tony was so effective for us down the stretch and I can’t imagine that his appetite wasn’t sort of whet from his contributions in the playoffs.”
Analysis: Gonzalez, 36, ranks second all-time in the NFL in receptions (1,242), seventh in receiving yards (14,268) and 18th in touchdowns (103). Those totals are records for his position and were helped by Gonzalez's best numbers since becoming a Falcon with 930 yards on 93 catches and eight scores in 2012. Gonzalez is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent, but said that if he does return to play, it would be for the Falcons. For now assume Gonzalez is done with football, though we'd all be delighted if he ended up coming back.
News: Falcons head coach Mike Smith told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the team has no timetable for tight end Tony Gonzalez to make a decision about his career. The Falcons want Gonzalez to come back for his 17th season but he has said he's "95 percent" and "97 percent" sure that 2012 was his last year. "I don’t that there is anything concrete in terms of a timetable," Smith said. "But I think that conversation will take place. I had a conversation with him the week after the season and we’ll probably have another here real soon."
Analysis: Gonzalez, 36, ranks second all-time in the NFL in receptions (1,242), seventh in receiving yards (14,268) and 18th in touchdowns (103). Those totals are records for his position and were helped by Gonzalez's best numbers since becoming a Falcon with 930 yards on 93 catches and eight scores in 2012. Gonzalez is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent, but said that if he does return to play, it would be for the Falcons. For now assume Gonzalez is done with football, though we'd all be delighted if he ended up coming back.
News: Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he remains hopeful tight end Tony Gonzalez will hold off on retirement and return for a 17th season. “He said it was 95 percent [he would retire], then 97 percent,” Dimitroff said. “But after you win a playoff game and see how close you were to being in a Super Bowl, it’s only natural to wonder if you’re going to be content.” Gonzalez told coach Mike Smith that he will need to take "some time" before finalizing a decision on whether to retire.
Analysis: Gonzalez, 36, ranks second all-time in the NFL in receptions (1,242), seventh in receiving yards (14,268) and 18th in touchdowns (103). Those totals are records for his position. Gonzalez is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent, but said that if he does return to play, it would be for the Falcons. But if he's done then start the clock now because he's headed for the Hall of Fame.
News: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the Falcons are still holding out hope that tight end Tony Gonzalez will hold off on retirement and return for a 17th season. Teammate Sean Weatherspoon said he thinks Gonzalez will come back, and coach Mike Smith said he still hopes Gonzalez will change his mind. “I’m hoping for the 5 percent,” Smith said, referring to Gonzalez’s season-long assertion that he’s 95 percent certain he will retire. “Tony handled this very well all season long. I don’t think he’s deviated from that. Tony and I will have a conversation over the next couple of weeks." Gonzalez, 36, was voted to the Pro Bowl for the 13th time. He said he probably won’t play in the All Star game Jan. 27 in Hawaii because he wants his last game to be “for a team I love and respect.” Gonzalez is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent, but said that if he does return to play, it would be for the Falcons.
Analysis: Gonzalez ranks second all-time in the NFL in receptions (1,242), seventh in receiving yards (14,268) and 18th in touchdowns (103). Those totals are records for his position. If he returns to the Falcons in 2013 he would be considered a Top 5 tight end in all leagues. But if he's done then start the clock now because he's headed for the Hall of Fame.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez tallied eight receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown during Atlanta's 28-24 loss to San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. Gonzalez, who secured his first career playoff win in 16 seasons last week over Seattle, hauled in every pass thrown in his direction for quarterback Matt Ryan and scored on a 10-yard catch in the second quarter. After the game, Gonzalez reiterated that he is highly unlikely to return for a 17th year. "It's probably the last time I'm going to wear that uniform," Gonzalez told the team's official website. "I didn't want to take it off, to tell you the truth. All good things come to an end and, like I said all season long, this is probably my last one. ... I've had such a great life. I wish it would've culminated with the Super Bowl, but it didn't."
Analysis: Despite never reaching the Super Bowl in his career with the Falcons and Chiefs, Gonzalez was adamant that he would have no regrets when remembering his career. "I don't want anybody out there to feel sorry for me," Gonzalez said. "I've had a great ride -- an unbelievable ride. A great career, from the Falcons to the Chiefs, it's been awesome. I have no regrets. Not one." Gonzalez, who will turn 37 at the end of February, will certainly be revered as the greatest tight end in history. He totaled more than 100 touchdowns during his career and his 1,242 catches are second in NFL history to only Jerry Rice. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on him during the offseason as he always refused to fully commit to retirement when questioned about it throughout the year.
News:USA Today reports that Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez never said he was 100 percent certain he would retire after this season. In fact, for accuracy's sake, he put it at "95 percent." But now that number could be changing. "He told me today he's moving up to 97-percent sure after that win last week," backup tight end Michael Palmer said Thursday. "From what I can get from him, if we win the Super Bowl, I think he'll ride off into the sunset."
Analysis: Gonzalez had a 93-catch season in 2012 and showed he could still get the job done at 36 years old. We'll see how he finishes this season, but Gonzalez would remain a No. 1 Fantasy tight end if he returned in 2013. As for his outlook Sunday in the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers, he could have more success. Gonzalez had six catches for 51 yards and a touchdown against the Seahawks last week, and the 49ers have allowed eight touchdowns to opposing tight ends this year. Consider Gonzalez a quality option in any Playoff Challenge leagues.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez recorded his third career playoff touchdown Sunday against the Seahawks. Gonzalez had a 1-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of a 30-28 Divisional Playoff win. He finished with six catches for 51 yards. Gonzalez was targeted seven times.
Analysis: Gonzalez had a 93-catch season in 2012 and showed he could still get the job done at 36 years old, but he has hinted he is strongly leaning toward retiring after the season. He's obviously leaving the door open for a return next season and it could come down to how the Falcons finish their playoff run. Up next in the NFC Championship game is San Francisco. Gonzalez is obviously a viable Fantasy option in playoff formats because he is one of the few premier pass-catching tight ends left.
News: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports tight end Tony Gonzalez remains "95 percent" certain he will retire following the season. Gonzalez and the Falcons will play vs. the Seahawks in the Divisional Playoffs on Sunday. The future Hall of Fame tight end has never won a playoff game in his 16 seasons and aims to do so this week. "I'm not going to lie to you: I really, really want to win this game," he said. "Not just for me, honestly, but for the guys on this team, how hard we've worked. This is the best team I've ever been a part of as far as environment and talent, too. I really feel we have a real good shot. If we go out there and play our game, we will like the outcome."
Analysis: The Seahawks have allowed just four touchdowns to tight ends all year including one to Logan Paulsen just last week. For the Falcons to pass effectively it would behoove them to lean on Gonzalez to soften up the middle of the field, but there's no guarantee Gonzalez will dominate. He has scored on defenses that have been strong statistically against tight ends over the year, so because of that and his role in the Falcons offense he's a pretty safe bet to use in Playoff Challenge leagues. As of now we are not counting on Gonzalez being there for Fantasy owners in 2013.
News: In what could be his final season in the league, Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is looking to have a successful postseason. Gonzalez, who has lost all five of his previous postseason games, averaged 31.4 yards per game with a total of two touchdowns through his first five playoff games, including two with Atlanta. He has not racked up more than 55 yards in a postseason game. The Falcons have a bye week before their first playoff matchup Jan. 13. “The reason we went through the regular season, especially for me, is to get to this point," Gonzalez said. "It’s the reason I came back. I was going to retire last year. But this is why you play the game and you always think about what you've been through in the past, the tough and heartbreaking losses that I've had in the playoffs. Hopefully, it is for a reason because it’d make it so much sweeter.”
Analysis: Gonzalez got off to a solid start this season before falling off a little at the end of the season. He found the end zone in four of his first five games and averaged 77.6 yards per game over that stretch. Gonzalez caught only four more touchdown passes and failed to top 65 yards receiving in his last 11 games while averaging 49.3 yards per game. Still, his 930 receiving yards were still the most he's had in four seasons with the Falcons. Though the 36-year-old has talked of retiring at the end of the season, he'll get to extend his Hall of Fame-worthy career at least a couple more weeks in the playoffs. Consider him a decent option in all Playoff Challenge leagues.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez had another modest performance Week 17 against the Buccaneers. He was targeted nine times but caught just five passes for 41 yards. He scored just two touchdowns over his final seven games, averaging 44.7 yards per game, after scoring six touchdowns over his first nine games, averaging 68.6 yards per game.
Analysis: Gonzalez looked like he might have one of the best seasons of his career at the start of 2012. Even with him falling off a little at the end, his 930 receiving yards were still the most he's had in four seasons with the Falcons. Though the 36-year-old has talked of retiring at the end of the season, he'll get to extend his Hall of Fame-worthy career at least a couple more weeks in the playoffs. If he has a change of heart and returns in 2013, he'll still deserve to be one of the top tight ends drafted, even if he doesn't quite measure up to elite options like Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez endured one of his worst performances of the season during Saturday's contest against the Lions in Week 16. Gonzalez was held without a target in the first three quarters but managed to haul in a catch in the fourth quarter. He was targeted just twice on the night as he caught just one pass for nine yards in a 31-18 victory.
Analysis: Gonzalez has only been held to just one catch in just 13 games in his 16-year career, which puts into perspective just how rare it is for him to have such a mediocre performance as he had on Saturday. The 36-year-old just needs 12 catches to become oldest player with a 100-catch season, as he has 88 catches for 889 yards and eight touchdowns this season. He'll try to get back on track against the Buccaneers at home in Week 17. He caught five passes for 62 yards in his previous meeting against Tampa Bay in Week 12. Fantasy owners should view him as a must-start tight end option for the final week of the regular season.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez will try to get back in the end zone again heading into Week 16 at Detroit Saturday night. Gonzalez finished with six catches for 49 yards with a touchdown on seven targets in Week 15 against the Giants. He has scored two times in the last three games. He will face a Detroit defense that has allowed four touchdowns to tight ends in the last six weeks. Gonzalez has only faced the Lions once since joining the Falcons, as he caught five passes for 62 yards last season. “I remember it being a tough environment and them playing extremely hard. That’s what I said. We’re going to be ready for that. We can’t go in there and think we can show up," said Gonzalez. "Their record goes out the window."
Analysis: Gonzalez is enjoying his best campaign since joining the Falcons and has 87 catches for 880 yards with eight touchdowns, his best numbers since 2008. His numbers have dipped a bit late in the season, averaging just 52.6 yards per game with a total of two touchdowns in his last five games. Opposing tight ends have scored an average of 7.4 Fantasy points per game against the Lions this season. Fantasy owners should view him as a must-start option in all formats heading into Week 16 at Detroit.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez scored for the second time in three games and the eighth time this season Week 15 vs. N.Y. Giants. Gonzalez outleaped Giants safety Will Hill for a 12-yard touchdown late in the first quarter. His eight touchdowns are the most he has had in a season since recording 10 in his final season with the Chiefs in 2008. Gonzalez finished with six catches for 49 yards on seven targets Sunday.
Analysis: Gonzalez now has 87 catches for 880 yards in 14 games, which are also the best numbers he has had in those two categories since '08. Gonzalez is having his best season with the Falcons and is proving to be an ageless wonder. Gonzalez remains a must-start Fantasy tight end heading into Week 16 at Detroit.
News: Dating back to his days with Kansas City, Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has never beaten the Giants, who will be Atlanta's Week 15 opponent. Gonzalez is 0-5 in his career against New York, which includes a 24-2 playoff loss last season. Gonzalez has totaled 27 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns in five games against the Giants. Tight ends average 59.1 receiving yards and 5.9 Fantasy points per week against New York, which is tied for the seventh-lowest average in the NFL. Tight ends have totaled two touchdowns in 13 games against New York.
Analysis: After a fast start to the season, Gonzalez has quieted down offensively. Gonzalez averaged 7.8 catches, 77.6 receiving yards and 12.4 Fantasy points through his first five games this season. Unfortunately, his averages have dipped in the last eight games. He is averaging 5.3 catches, 55.4 receiving yards and 7.4 Fantasy points in that span. Those aren't bad averages for a Fantasy tight end, but we have definitely had to curb expectations a bit since Gonzalez has cooled off after a torrid start to the season.
News: For the sixth time in his last eight games, Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez went without a touchdown Week 14 at Carolina. The performance upped his scoreless streak against the Panthers to four straight. His previous meeting with them back in Week 4 was the only one of his first five games this season in which he didn't score a touchdown, finishing with five catches for 51 yards. He was a little more productive than that this time out, finishing with eight catches (on nine targets) for 61 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez's owners in points-per-reception leagues should still be pretty satisfied with this performance. The eight catches were the most he's had in a game since Week 10 at New Orleans, when he had 11. He was once again quarterback Matt Ryan's go-to guy for tough yardage up the middle. It's just that those looks didn't happen to come in the end zone this time. Though the touchdowns have been lacking for Gonzalez in recent weeks, his upside from week to week, given all the targets he gets, is still too high for you to consider him anything less than a high-end tight end in Fantasy. Keep him active for Week 15 against the Giants.
News: Falcons tight end tony Gonzalez scored a touchdown in four of his first five games this season. Week 4 against the Panthers was the one time he didn't. In fact, he hasn't scored a touchdown in any of his last three games against the Panthers. He'll be looking to end that streak when the Falcons visit Carolina in Week 14. The Panthers rank eighth against the pass, allowing 218.9 yards per game. They're in the middle of the pack in terms of Fantasy points allowed to tight ends this season.
Analysis: The Panthers do have an excellent pass rush that allowed them to pile up seven sacks back in Week 4, so if they put the pressure on Matt Ryan again, Gonzalez might end up having a big game as the quarterback's primary safety valve. It's a nice thought, but for the most part, the big performances for Gonzalez this season have been impossible to predict. Because he's capable of them any given week, you can't afford to sit him in Fantasy.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez mad a big impact against the Saints yet again in Week 13, as he scored Atlanta’s only touchdown through the air in a 23-13 win. Gonzalez was targeted five times in the game, bringing in four passes for 58 yards. He scored on a 17-yard pass from matt Ryan in the second quarter, with a long reception of 18 yards. Gonzalez has scored three times in two games against the Saints this season.
Analysis: Gonzalez just refuses to age like the rest of his peers, as he has 770 yards on 73 catches through 12 games, while bringing in seven touchdowns. Gonzalez is on pace for 1,026 yards, which would give him five 1,000-yard seasons in his career. At 36, he is not showing signs of slowing down, so Fantasy owners know they can continue to rely on him. The Falcons take on Carolina in Week 14, a team he managed five catches for 51 yards against in a previous meeting this season. Keep Gonzalez active in all formats.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez enters Week 13 on Thursday night against New Orleans as one of the top tight ends in Fantasy over the last three weeks of the season. Gonzalez has one big game over that stretch and that came Week 10 at New Orleans. The last time Gonzalez met the division rivals, he caught 11 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Gonzalez has 32 catches for 356 yards and four touchdowns in his last five games against the Saints, including two 100-yard games.
Analysis: Gonzalez has certainly owned the Saints over the course of his career. He had his best Fantasy game of the season Week 10 against them. It is no wonder considering the Saints give up the 10th-most Fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends on the year. Delanie Walker of the 49ers went for 81 yards against them last week and Brandon Myers scored the week prior. We all know what Gonzalez did to the Saints the week before that, so they haven't been very good against the position. All signs point to Gonzalez having a huge Week 13, so get the TE active in all Fantasy formats.
News: Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez had a solid effort in the Week 12 win at Tampa Bay Sunday. Gonzalez did not get into the end zone in the game, but did catch five passes from quarterback Matt Ryan for 62 yards. He finished second on the team in receiving yards behind Julio Jones, who went for a career-high 147. Gonzalez did not score and was targeted five times overall in the game.
Analysis: Gonzalez has gone back-to-back performances without scoring a touchdown since grabbing two in Week 10 at New Orleans. That said, he's due to get back into the end zone with six on the season. Gonzalez plays against the Saints once again in Week 13 and that should mean an excellent opportunity to find pay dirt. Fantasy owners can consider Gonzalez a solid start in all formats for the Week 13 game. The last time he faced the Saints, Week 10, he went for 11 catches for 122 yards and the two scores.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez will be looking to get back on track heading into Week 12 on the road against the Buccaneers. Gonzalez, who was held to just 33 yards receiving his last time out against the Cardinals in Week 11, will try to bounce back against a Tampa Bay defense that has allowed three touchdowns in the last three games to tight ends.
Analysis: Gonzalez had to deal with a mediocre performance from Matt Ryan his last time, so we expect both of them to look like their old selves on Sunday. Gonzalez has not fared well against the Bucs since joining the Falcons in 2009 and has averaged just 41.5 yards per game in his last six meetings. Opposing tight ends have scored an average of eight Fantasy points per game against Tampa Bay this season. The Falcons are facing a weak pass defense, so keep Gonzalez active in all Fantasy formats heading into Week 12 at Tampa Bay.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez, who caught 11 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns last week at New Orleans, fell significantly short of those numbers Week 11 against the Cardinals, catching three passes for 33 yards. He had arguably the team's biggest catch of the game, though, grabbing a 9-yarder in between two defenders to set up the Falcons for a 1-yard, go-ahead touchdown run on their very next play. Gonzalez was targeted eight times by quarterback Matt Ryan, second-most on the team.
Analysis: Ryan wasn't at his best in this game, throwing five interceptions, so perhaps Gonzalez deserves a free pass for the down performance. He was still well-targeted, after all. Still, Week 11 marked the fourth time in five games that he's had less than 45 receiving yards. That one performance against the Saints is the only thing sustaining his Fantasy owners right now. Knowing he's capable of those performances, though, you couldn't justify starting too many tight ends over him. The Falcons are facing a weak pass defense Week 12 at Tampa Bay, so keep Gonzalez active in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez, who was listed as probable on Friday's injury report with a shoulder issue, is active for Week 11 against the Cardinals. He was able to practice in full both Thursday and Friday.
Analysis: Gonzalez's was never really in jeopardy of missing Sunday's game. He's coming off his best performance of the season last week at New Orleans, catching 11 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns, and remains an elite tight end at age 36. Keep him active in Fantasy.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (shoulder) was a full participant in practice for the second day in a row on Friday and is listed as probable for Sunday's contest against the Cardinals in Week 11. After busting out of a three-game drought with 11 catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns last week at New Orleans, Gonzalez is in for a tough test against Arizona. Not only do the Cardinals rank second against the pass, allowing 194.6 yards per game, but they've surrendered the fourth-fewest Fantasy points per game to tight ends this season.
Analysis: Then again, the Saints had allowed the seventh-fewest Fantasy points per game to tight ends prior to last week, so maybe with Gonzalez, you should just throw that stat out the window. Only once this season have the Cardinals faced a tight end of his caliber, and that was in Week 2, when they gave up 75 yards and a touchdown to the Patriots' Rob Gronkowski. As was the case in the second half last week, wide receiver Julio Jones figures to be nursing an ankle injury in this contest, which might require quarterback Matt Ryan to lean on Gonzalez more than usual. Even though this matchup doesn't look like the greatest on paper, you should continue to roll with the must-start Fantasy tight end.
News: After busting out of a three-game drought with 11 catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns last week at New Orleans, Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is in for a tough test Week 11 against the Cardinals. Not only do the Cardinals rank second against the pass, allowing 194.6 yards per game, but they've surrendered the fourth-fewest Fantasy points per game to tight ends this season.
Analysis: Then again, the Saints had allowed the seventh-fewest Fantasy points per game to tight ends prior to last week, so maybe with Gonzalez, you should just throw that stat out the window. Only once this season have the Cardinals faced a tight end of his caliber, and that was in Week 2, when they gave up 75 yards and a touchdown to the Patriots' Rob Gronkowski. As was the case in the second half last week, wide receiver Julio Jones figures to be nursing an ankle injury in this contest, which might require quarterback Matt Ryan to lean on Gonzalez more than usual. Even though this matchup doesn't look like the greatest on paper, you should continue to roll with the must-start Fantasy tight end.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez, who entered with no touchdown grabs in his last three games after having four in his previous five, had his first two-touchdown performance of the season Week 10 at New Orleans, giving him 101 touchdown grabs for his career. Both scores were in typical Gonzalez fashion, with defenders all around him. The second one was especially impressive. He reached over the heads of two defenders to haul in a 6-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Of course, the touchdowns weren't the only memorable part of Gonzalez's performance. His 11 catches and 122 receiving yards were both the second-most he's had in a game this season. He also led the team with 15 targets.
Analysis: The Falcons were without wide receiver Julio Jones because of an ankle injury for all of the second quarter and most of the third, which is one reason why quarterback Matt Ryan looked Gonzalez's way so often. Of course, another reason was Ryan's willingness to trust in the veteran in what ended up being a tight game. If nothing else, Gonzalez showed in this one that he still has plenty left in the tank even though he didn't bring much to the table statistically in his previous three games. Knowing he has the potential to explode for these kinds of numbers any given week, Gonzalez remains a must-start Fantasy option for Week 11 against the Cardinals.
News: Even though Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is averaging 3.7 catches for 35.7 yards in his last three games (after averaging 7.8 for 77.6 in his first five), the Saints still see him as a matchup problem. “He's the best, period,” defensive back Roman Harper said. “There's nothing else to say about it. He's been playing for a very long time. I've told everybody for years I would have hated to see him in years 3, 4 and 5. I've only caught him on the back end of his career, and he's still a tough matchup." Then again, who isn't a matchup problem to the Saints? They rank 29th against the pass, allowing 294.8 yards per game. Much of it has gone to wide receivers, though. They've actually allowed the seventh-fewest Fantasy points per game to tight ends this season.
Analysis: So what if the Saints have had some success against tight ends this season? If they make Gonzalez their emphasis, they'll just get burned on the outside by Roddy White and Julio Jones. One of those three is going to be neglected, and if Gonzalez happens to be the one, you'll be kicking yourself for sitting him. Don't let his last three games discourage you. He still gets more targets than the average tight end and remains a prime red zone threat. Keep him active in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez was not much of a factor in Week 9 against the Cowboys. Gonzalez finished with just four receptions for 36 yards in the 19-13 win but was unable to find the end zone. He did have a long of 15 yards but once again took a backseat to Julio Jones and Roddy White, who both finished with over 100 yards receiving. Gonzalez was targeted five times by Matt Ryan, which was tied with Jacquizz Rodgers for third most on the team.
Analysis: Gonzalez turned in his third straight underwhelming performance of the season Sunday night as the Cowboys did a nice job limiting his production. However, Fantasy owners may be starting to grow impatient with the veteran, who said earlier last week that this may be his final season in the NFL. After posting 39 receptions for 388 receiving yards and four scores over his first five games, Gonzalez has just 11 receptions for 107 yards over his last three games. Still, the veteran remains one of Ryan's favorite options in the passing game this season and looks to have a very favorable matchup in Week 10 against New Orleans. The Saints have been dreadful on defense thus far, so make sure to leave Gonzalez active in the majority of formats moving forward.
News: When Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez squares off against the Cowboys in Week 9, it could be the final time he plays them again in his career. Gonzalez, who is currently in his 16th NFL season, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday that he has considered retiring at the end of the year. "This is probably my last year. The way I am looking for it I am preparing for this to be my last year," he said. "I am not going to go all the way. I keep telling everybody the number I’m giving on it is 95 percent sure. There is no doubt I could keep playing for a couple more years at a pretty high level but it’s just almost that time for me."
Analysis: After a red-hot start to the season, Gonzalez will be looking to rebound Sunday against the Cowboys as he has been held out of the end zone in each of his previous two games while recording just seven catches for 71 yards in that stretch. The Cowboys have been tough against opposing tight ends recently and have not surrendered a touchdown to the position over their past four games while yielding an average of 5.6 Fantasy points as week. Still, Gonzalez remains one of Matt Ryan's favorite options in the passing game as he leads the team in receptions (46) and targets (54), and is ranked third in receiving yards (459). He should see plenty of passes thrown his way again this week so Fantasy owners should continue to roll with Gonzalez as a must-start option in all formats.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez will be looking to get himself back on track in Week 9 against the Cowboys. Gonzalez has been held out of the end zone in each of his last two games and has hauled in just seven passes for 71 yards over that stretch. However, that could be easier said then done this week as Dallas enters the contest allowing an average of just 188 passing yards per contest. The Cowboys have surrendered seven TDs through the air while yielding an average of 5.6 Fantasy points to opposing TEs on the year.
Analysis: Gonzalez got off to a red-hot start this season as he found the end zone in four of his first five games and hauled in at least five receptions in each of those contests. However, he has cooled off a bit over the past few weeks and now looks to have somewhat of a tough matchup on tap against the Cowboys, who have not surrendered a TD to an opposing TE in each of their last four games. Still, Gonzalez remains one of Matt Ryan's favorite options in the passing game as he leads the team in receptions (46) and targets (54) and is ranked third in receiving yards (459). He should see plenty of passes thrown his way again this week, so Fantasy owners should continue to roll with Gonzalez as a must-start option in all formats.
News: After jumping out to an early lead, thanks mostly to the big-play potential of wide receiver Julio Jones, the Falcons felt compelled to keep the ball on the ground once a steady rain began to fall in the second half, leaving tight end Tony Gonzalez with little opportunity to contribute. Gonzalez finished with just three catches for 29 yards, both season lows. His five targets tied him for the team lead with Jones and Jacquizz Rodgers, though.
Analysis: The fact no one on the pass-heavy Falcons had more than five targets shows just how different this game was. Nursing a comfortable lead, quarterback Matt Ryan attempted only nine passes in the second half. Despite the down performance, Gonzalez remains one of the most reliable tight ends in the game, with many of his receptions coming in the red zone. He's a must-start for Week 9 against the Cowboys.
News: Even though tight end Tony Gonzalez has gone without a touchdown reception in two of the team's last three games, the Eagles still know he's a force to be reckoned with when the Falcons come to town in Week 8. After all, he leads all tight ends in targets (54) and receptions (43) and is second in receiving yards (430). "Aren't you supposed to slow down after a while?'' Eagles safety Kurt Coleman asked. “This guy must not have heard that. He still kills people week in and week out. Maybe he doesn't have the speed he had when he was younger, but he's made up for that with his smarts." The Eagles rank in the middle of the pack against the pass, but they've allowed the ninth-fewest Fantasy points per game to tight ends this season.
Analysis: Though the Eagles have had success against tight ends this season, Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter hinted to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that throwing the ball to Gonzalez might be the Falcons' best course of action. "They definitely have two outstanding corners. Unless they are going to play three corners, they can’t put a corner on all three of our guys," Koetter said. "They have two awesome corners and they’ve been matching them on wideouts. I haven’t seen them matching them on tight ends this year, but anything is possible." Though we'll most likely never see another 13-catch, 123-yard performance like he had Week 5 at Washington, Gonzalez is a more consistent part of the passing game than most tight ends and remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez, who was coming off a season-best 13-catch, 123-yard performance in Week 5, had a season-worst performance in Week 6 against a Raiders team he had faced 22 times in his career. He finished with four catches for 42 yards -- both season lows -- and that was with him catching a 10-yard pass and a 13-yard pass on the team's final two offensive plays. He finished with seven targets, ranking behind Roddy White and Julio Jones, who each had eight.
Analysis: Gonzalez's struggles had less to do with him than with the Falcons' passing game as a whole. Quarterback Matt Ryan struggled with interceptions on the day, leading to some disappointing numbers for his receiving corps. Gonzalez's targets relative to everyone else's should be encouraging, but still, you were hoping for more against the defense that entered the weekend ranked 28th against the pass. A bad day for most tight ends would be far worse than four catches for 42 yards, though, so you should continue to think of Gonzalez as an elite option at the position. He'll remain an advisable start when the Falcons return from their bye in Week 8 at Philadelphia.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez, who is coming off one of the best performances of his Hall of Fame career, faces an opponent in Week 6 that has helped define that career. In 22 career games against the Raiders, who are traveling to Atlanta, he has 110 catches for 1,473 yards and eight touchdowns. He used to face them twice a year when he was with the Chiefs, and he enjoyed it. "I grew up in the Los Angeles area and grew up a Raider fan, so it's always been fun to go against them," he said. The Raiders aren't so much looking forward to facing him. In what he says is his final NFL season, Gonzalez has been as productive as ever, leading the league with 39 catches. He has scored a touchdown in every game but one. "He doesn't slow down," Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer said. "He catches the ball so fluidly and naturally, and then he's [6-feet-5] and got a phenomenal wing span so he's a huge target. The way he looks on film he could play for a couple more at least."
Analysis: Gonzalez couldn't ask for a better scenario to follow up on his 13-catch, 123-yard, touchdown-scoring performance of a week ago. The Raiders rank 28th against the pass, allowing 283.0 yards per game and have surrendered 10.0 Fantasy points per game to tight ends, fifth-most in the league. They've also given up four touchdowns to tight ends in four games. All signs point to Gonzalez continuing his monster production, so keep him active in all Fantasy leagues.
News: On a day when the Falcons relied mostly on underneath stuff, particularly in the first half, tight end Tony Gonzalez was the star of the passing game Week 5 at Washington. He caught 13 passes (the second-highest single-game total of his career) for 123 yards (the highest single-game total in his four seasons with the Falcons). He also out-leaped a defender for a 1-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter, giving him four in five games this season. He finished only second on the team with 14 targets, though, as the Falcons stretched the field with Julio Jones and Roddy White a little more in the second half. Nine of Gonzalez's 13 catches came before halftime.
Analysis: Gonzalez's big first half was great news for his Fantasy owners, but not so much for the Falcons offense. The reliance on wide receiver screens and short dump-offs over the middle led to only seven points in the first half. Stretching the field helped the Falcons put up 17 points in the second half, and Gonzalez went back to being a third wheel during that time. Still, he caught four passes for 37 yards as the third wheel, which is more than you can expect from most tight ends in only half a game. While in future weeks, the Falcons probably won't be as conservative in their play-calling as they were in the first half, especially since it didn't work, you can trust that Gonzalez won't ever disappear on offense. Keep him active in all Fantasy leagues for Week 6 against the Raiders.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez, who went without a touchdown for the first time this season Week 4 against the Panthers, has the perfect matchup to help him get back in the end zone Week 5 at Washington. The Redskins rank 31st against the pass, allowing 362.2 yards per game. They've also given up the fifth-most Fantasy points to tight ends this season, having surrendered a touchdown to the Bengals' Jermaine Gresham in Week 3, a touchdown to the Rams' Matthew Mulligan in Week 2 and a touchdown to the Saints' Jimmy Graham in Week 1.
Analysis: The only downside for Gonzalez is that he has to compete with both Roddy White and Julio Jones for looks, but he's such an important safety valve for Matt Ryan underneath that he rarely disappears in games. Chances are no one involved in the Falcons' passing game will disappear in this one. Not only do the Redskins struggle against the pass, but they score a ton of points -- fourth-most in the NFL, in fact -- which means the Falcons will be motivated to throw it from start to finish. Gonzalez is reliable enough that you should probably start him every week in Fantasy, but especially this week.
News: For the first time this season, Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez went without a touchdown Week 4 against the Panthers. In fact, on a day when quarterback Matt Ryan had a season-high 369 passing yards, Gonzalez finished with a season-low 51 receiving yards as he, like every other Falcons receiving option, took a back seat to Roddy White, who caught eight passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Gonzalez did have five receptions, though, capitalizing on each of his five targets.
Analysis: Gonzalez scored in both of his meetings with the Panthers in 2011, so most likely, you were hoping for another touchdown out of him this week. But it can't happen for him every week. The good news is that his 51 receiving yards were still more than he had in six of his 16 games last year, so even his worst in new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter's pass-heavy scheme is better than you had come to expect from him in recent years. Gonzalez's ability to catch the ball in traffic makes him an ideal red-zone target, which means he'll score consistently enough to remain among the top tight ends in Fantasy. Keep him active for Week 5 at Washington.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has scored a touchdown in each of the team's three games this season, but against the Panthers in Week 4, he'll be facing a team that he failed to score against in two games last season. He scored in both meetings with the Panthers in 2010, though. The Panthers rank 15th against the pass and have allowed the 11th-most Fantasy points to tight ends this season.
Analysis: Even better than Gonzalez scoring a touchdown in three straight games is the fact that his production has increased from week to week. His receptions have gone from five to seven to nine, and his yardage has gone from 53 to 70 to 91. The Falcons offense is geared toward the pass now, and Gonzalez is clearly a big part of it. Though he's 36, he's still as dependable as they come at the tight end position. Regardless of what he did against the Panthers last season, you need to keep him active.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez found the end zone for the third time this season during Week 3 against the Chargers. Gonzalez was on the receiving end of a 7-yard scoring strike from Matt Ryan in the second quarter, which capped off an impressive 17-play, 96-yard drive. He finished with a team-high nine receptions for 91 yards in the 27-3 victory and averaged 10.1 yards per reception. Gonzalez's longest grab went for 15 yards and his 12 targets were also a team-high.
Analysis: Gonzalez has been a scoring machine here in the early going and now has 98 career TD receptions. He continues to be a favorite target of Ryan, especially with all the short passes he throws in new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter's scheme. The 36-year-old has more than proved he has plenty of gas left in the tanks thus far and should remain active in all formats when the Falcons welcome the Panthers to town in Week 4. Carolina is allowing an average of 244 passing yards per game and Gonzalez has found the end zone four times in nine career meetings against the division foe.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez will be looking to extend his touchdown streak to three straight games during Week 3 at San Diego. Gonzalez has hauled in a touchdown in each of Atlanta's first two games this season and has racked up 26 catches for 315 yards and three scores in each of his last two meetings against San Diego. The Chargers are ranked 12th in pass defense, allowing 225 yards per game. San Diego has surrendered two touchdowns through the air while yielding an average of 7.0 Fantasy points to opposing TEs.
Analysis: Gonzalez has gotten off to a very nice start this season as he has been a favorite target for Matt Ryan thus far. His 16 targets are tied for second with Julio Jones and also has a bit of a touchdown history against the Chargers, albeit the last time he faced them was back in 2008. Still, the veteran is a major cog in new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter's offense and should continue to see plenty passes thrown in his direction this week. Fantasy owners should consider the 36-year-old a high-end start in the majority of formats against the Chargers.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez found the end zone for the second straight game in Week 2 against the Broncos. He hauled in a 1-yard scoring strike from quarterback Matt Ryan in the second quarter for the 97th touchdown grab of his career. Gonzalez finished with seven catches for 70 yards in the 27-21 win. He was targeted 10 times in the contest and finished second on Atlanta in receiving behind wideout Roddy White (102 yards).
Analysis: Gonzalez could have had an even bigger performance on Monday night had it not been for a couple of drops but he again had a productive game for owners. He has two scores through two games this season and is still proving to be a threat in the passing game at age 36. Gonzalez will look to keep things going when he faces the Chargers in Week 3 so continue to view him as a solid option in the majority of Fantasy formats. San Diego ranks 12th in the league in pass defense, giving up 225 yards per game.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez looks to have somewhat of a favorable matchup against his Week 2 opponent -- Denver. Gonzalez has scored a touchdown in each of his last three games against the Broncos and has found the end zone seven times in 23 contests against Denver. The Broncos surrendered 240 passing yards and two scores in the air to the Steelers in Week 1, including a 4-yard touchdown strike to tight end Heath Miller.
Analysis: While Gonzalez does have a bit of a touchdown history against the Broncos, Fantasy owners should be aware the last time he faced them was back in 2008. Still, Denver had some problems defending Pittsburgh's TEs last Sunday and Gonzalez is coming off of a very productive five reception, 53-yard performance in Week 1 that included a 7-yard TD reception. While Matt Ryan has a plethora of weapons at his disposal, Gonzalez his six targets were the third highest behind Roddy White and Julio Jones and he should continue to see plenty of looks this upcoming week. Consider Gonzalez a viable start in most formats against the Broncos.
News: Though Julio Jones was the star of the Falcons receiving corps Week 1 at Kansas City, he and usual stat hog Roddy White left a little something for tight end Tony Gonzalez, who scored a touchdown in his grand return to the city where he played his first 12 NFL seasons and established himself as one of the greatest tight ends ever. The touchdown came on a 7-yard toss from quarterback Matt Ryan in the third quarter. Gonzalez was targeted six times, finishing with five catches for 53 yards.
Analysis: Even at age 36, Gonzalez is one of the best at grabbing the ball in traffic, making several tough catches over the middle Sunday. Of his five catches, only one came in the second half, but that's because the Chiefs committed three crucial turnovers that put the Falcons in position for quick scores. In other words, if the Chiefs had kept it close, Gonzalez probably would have hauled in a few more passes and approached 80 yards. The visiting Broncos should do a better job of keeping pace with the Falcons in Week 2, which should bode well for Gonzalez. Even though he's no longer an elite tight end, he's still reliable enough to start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Tight end Tony Gonzalez will play as a visitor at Arrowhead Stadium for the first time Week 1 when the Falcons visit the Chiefs. The 12-time Pro Bowler has never played against his former team and will likely get a hero's welcome back at the home of the franchise with which he holds team records in receptions (916), receiving yards (10,940) and touchdown catches (76). "It's going to be a little weird being in a different locker room and coming out of that tunnel when we first come in," Gonzalez told the Chiefs' official website. "It's going to be a little weird, but I'm looking forward to it." The Chiefs ranked sixth against the pass last season, allowing just 201.3 yards per game, but they did allow the 10th-most Fantasy points to tight ends.
Analysis: The Falcons are supposed to rely more on the pass this season, which of course bodes well for Gonzalez, but he'd be an advisable start for a matchup like this one regardless. Evan at age 36, he's one of the most consistent players at his position, topping 50 receiving yards in 10 of 16 games last year. All he needs to do is score once to make him worth your while in Fantasy, and you can bet he'll be extra motivated to find the end zone in his old stomping grounds. You may not start him every week in what figures to be his last season, but this is one of those weeks when you definitely should.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is entering his 16th NFL season when the lights come on Week 1 at Kansas City. Gonzalez, who is unlikely to play in the preseason finale Thursday against the Jaguars, is hoping to prove age is nothing but a number as the 36-year-old is looking to duplicate his last season when he caught 80 passes for 875 yards with seven touchdowns. Gonzalez has caught at least six TD passes in four consecutive seasons for Matt Ryan and the Falcons.
Analysis: Gonzalez has never faced the Chiefs in his career and that is an extension of playing for Kansas City for his first 12 seasons. Fantasy owners have continued to make Gonzalez one of the first tight ends off the board as he's averaged being picked as the No. 10 Fantasy tight end in drafts. Gonzalez still has elite ability and should be active in just about all Fantasy leagues for Week 1 of the season against his former team.
News: Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez had a slow start early on, but got himself going in the third quarter of Friday's preseason game against the Dolphins. Gonzalez, who only caught one of three targeted passes during the first half, made some decent plays as Matt Ryan found him three times in the third quarter. He finished with four catches for 24 yards, averaging just six yards per reception.
Analysis: Gonzalez is entering his 16th season in the league and his fourth with Ryan and the Falcons. He may have had his best campaign with the Falcons last season, catching 80 passes for 875 yards and seven touchdowns. The veteran is hoping to stay consistently productive heading into the start of the season, making him a fine starting tight end in Fantasy, worth a pick between the sixth and eighth round come Draft Day.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez was involved early on during Thursday's exhibition game against the Bengals. Gonzalez caught three of the four passes targeted his way during the team's first three drives in a 24-19 defeat. He caught two passes in the first drive, including his longest gain of the night, a 21-yard reception to convert a third-down. Gonzalez finished with three receptions for 44 yards, averaging 14.7 yards per catch.
Analysis: Gonzalez was sharp early on as Matt Ryan found him often during the first three drives of the game. This could be his last season in the NFL as he has told reporters that he is 95 percent certain that he'll retire after this year. Despite playing at 35, Gonzalez still finished the regular season with his best numbers in three years with the Falcons, catching 80 passes for 875 yards and seven touchdowns. Because he's been consistently productive for so long, he's fine as a No. 1 Fantasy TE worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 8 in drafts.
News: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said Friday that he's 95 percent sure the upcoming season will be his last, but he wasn't ready to completely rule out a return in 2013. "I've had a great run," he said. "I don't want to be one of those players toward the end of their careers - and nothing against guys that have done it like that in the past - but I want to make sure that I'm at the top of my game when I do go out."
Analysis: Gonzalez has accomplished quite a bit in 15 seasons and last year surpassed Terrell Owens, Tim Brown, Cris Carter and Marvin Harrison to become No. 2 on the league's career receptions list with 1,149 catches. And despite playing at 35 years old last year, Gonzalez still finished the regular season with his best numbers in three years with the Falcons, catching 80 passes for 875 yards and seven touchdowns. Because he's been consistently productive for so long, he's fine as a No. 1 Fantasy TE worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 8 in drafts.
News:Tony Gonzalez said during a chat on ESPN that he intends to make 2012 his final season. But even he knows that promise might not easily be kept. "I said that last year though, and the year before. But I really do believe this is it. First of all, this is the first time my wife came to me and said, 'You’re only going to play one more year, right?'"
Analysis: Gonzalez will be 36 when the season starts, and while he definitely is an elder statesman in the NFL community, he's still very productive. He's done very well in two of three seasons with the Falcons and we've seen his production go up in some respects since arriving in Atlanta. He's fine as a No. 1 Fantasy TE worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 8 in drafts.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez was kept in check for just about the entirety of Sunday's NFL Wild Card playoff loss at New York. Gonzalez caught just four passes for 44 yards from QB Matt Ryan in the playoff loss, and most of that production came late in the game with the Falcons trying desperately to come back. Gonzalez did not score in the game as the Falcons managed just two points on a safety. Gonzalez's season came to an end Sunday.
Analysis: Gonzalez signed a one-year extension with Atlanta and will be back next year after catching 80 passes for 875 yards with seven touchdowns this season. The 35-year-old continued to be one of the better pass-catching tight ends in the NFL once again this season for Atlanta. The Atlanta passing game should even be more improved next season, so Gonzalez should once again be considered a No. 1 Fantasy TE heading into Draft Day.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez was held to one catch for eight yards during the Falcons' 45-24 rout of Tampa Bay in Week 17. Gonzalez and several other Atlanta starters were replaced late in the second quarter in order to prevent an injury as the Falcons prepare for another trip to the postseason. "The main thing we wanted to do was flush out of our system last week," said Gonzalez, who posted one catch for the second time in three games.
Analysis: Before the game, Atlanta announced Gonzalez, 35, had signed a one-year contract extension, ending speculation he might retire after this season. Despite the team's lower seed, Gonzalez said the Falcons are prepared for a longer postseason run. "Honestly, I've said it all year: I think we're a better team than we were last year," he said. Gonzalez's scoring production has dipped recently and he's failed to reach the end zone in six straight game -- a season-long. Consider Gonzalez a strong option in upcoming Fantasy playoff formats.
News: The Falcons announced on Sunday that the team has signed tight end Tony Gonzalez to a one-year contract extension. Gonzalez, named to the Pro Bowl for the 12th time in his career, is entering the regular-season finale with 79 catches for 867 yards and seven TDs this season. Gonzalez has been among the league's most premier pass catchers during his NFL career and has surpassed 1,000 yards in a season four times. Now, he looks to take his place among the top-10 receivers in league history entering Week 17 against Tampa Bay. Gonzalez needs 53 yards receiving to reach 13,383 yards and surpass Torry Holt for 10th place on the NFL all-time receiving list.
Analysis: In what has become a common trend during his career, Gonzalez was named to the Pro Bowl earlier this week for the 12th time in his 15 NFL season. Gonzalez has 79 receptions this season and has caught seven touchdown passes. In his first meeting against the Buccaneers, he tallied just two catches for 18 yards, but one of those receptions went for a touchdown. Tampa Bay is permitting an average of 7.8 Fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season. Consider Gonzalez a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 17.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez has been among the league's most premier pass catchers during his NFL career and has surpassed 1,000 yards in a season four times. Now, he looks to take his place among the top-10 receivers in league history entering Week 17 against Tampa Bay. Gonzalez needs 53 yards receiving to reach 13,383 yards and surpass Torry Holt for 10th place on the NFL all-time receiving list.
Analysis: In what has become a common trend during his career, Gonzalez was named to the Pro Bowl earlier this week for the 12th time in his 15 NFL season. Gonzalez has 79 receptions this season and has caught seven touchdown passes. In his first meeting against the Buccaneers, he tallied just two catches for 18 yards, but one of those receptions went for a touchdown. Tampa Bay is permitting an average of 7.8 Fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season. Consider Gonzalez a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 17.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez did not have his best performance in the Week 16 Monday night loss at New Orleans. Gonzalez failed to score a touchdown and caught just five of the nine passes that came his way from QB Matt Ryan. Gonzalez caught five passes for 41 yards in the loss. His longest grab went for 9 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez heads into the regular-season finale in Week 17 against Tampa Bay looking to get into the end zone for the first time since Week 11 against Tennessee. He could do it against a Tampa Bay team he scored against Week 3 of this season. Still, in that game he caught just two passes for 18 yards. The Buccaneers have only allowed one TD to a tight end in the last five weeks, though that came last week against Carolina as Jeremy Shockey scored against them. Despite not doing it in a while, Gonzalez is always a threat to score. He should remain a No. 1 Fantasy TE heading into the regular-season finale.
News: After posting just one catch for 14 yards his last time out, Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez will look to get back on track in Week 16 against the Saints. New Orleans ranks 28th in the league in pass defense, giving up over 256 yards per game, and has allowed an average of 7.6 Fantasy points to opposing tight ends. When Gonzalez faced the division foe eariler in the year, he posted 71 yards on six grabs with a touchdown.
Analysis: Despite his performance a week ago, Gonzalez is having a resurgent campaign for the Falcons and could go over the 1,000-yard mark with two big games down the stretch. He has seven scores on the year, including one against New Orleans in Week 10, and should be able to get back on track on Monday. Considering how poor the Saints have been against the pass thus far, view Gonzalez as a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 16.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez was targeted just twice in Week 15 versus Jacksonville. He caught one pass for 14 yards before leaving in the third quarter. One of those targets was in the end zone, but teammate Roddy White ended up grabbing the ball for the score. The game was well in hand and the Falcons took most of the starters out. Atlanta won the game 41-14.
Analysis: Gonzalez has gone four games without a score, but has piled up 265 yards on 24 catches over that span. In Week 16, the Falcons take on the Saints. New Orleans is one of the worst teams in the league at defending the pass. The Saints have been burned for 20 receiving scores in the first 13 games of the season. Fantasy owners should continue to view Gonzalez as a viable TE option moving forward.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez hasn't scored a touchdown in three straight games entering Week 15 against Jacksonville on Thursday. Gonzalez has a decent shot at righting the ship and scoring against the Jaguars, however, as Jacksonville has allowed the ninth-most Fantasy points per game this season to the tight end position. Of course, Kellen Winslow and Antonio Gates have combined for eight catches, 108 yards and no TDs the last two weeks against the Jaguars.
Analysis: Gonzalez continues to be one of the best Fantasy tight ends available to owners at his advanced age. He has 23 catches for 251 yards in the last three games, despite not scoring over that span. Plus, Gonzalez has scored seven touchdowns already this season. Gates and Winslow may have struggled against the Jaguars, but Gonzalez is still going to see plenty of Matt Ryan passes come his way. He has 27 catches for 314 yards and four touchdowns against Jacksonville in his last five career games against them. Gonzalez should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 15.
News: Though he went without a touchdown for a third straight game, the big yardage continued for Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez at Carolina in Week 14. He caught seven passes for 82 yards, giving him more than 65 yards in each of his last five games. He had less than 65 in each of the previous six. Gonzalez was targeted 11 times in the contest, tied with WR Roddy White for the team lead.
Analysis: Gonzalez's size and ability to catch the ball in traffic make him an ideal red-zone threat, but for whatever reason, Ryan hasn't thrown the ball his way in those situations lately. He's still making ample use of Gonzalez over the middle, though, keeping the 35-year-old productive. He's as critical a part of the offense today as he was in his prime with the Chiefs, so keep him active as a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 15 against the Jaguars.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez has gone back-to-back games without a touchdown, but he has upped his production between the 20s in the process, catching a total of 16 passes for 169 yards during that stretch. If he gets those kind of numbers at Carolina in Week 14, it'll be a huge improvement over what he did against the Panthers in Week 6, when he caught three passes for 29 yards. QB Matt Ryan threw for a season-low 163 yards in that game as the Falcons relied mostly on their rushing attack. The Panthers rank 15th against the pass, allowing 230.5 yards per game, and have allowed the 13th-fewest Fantasy points to tight ends this season.
Analysis: The Panthers still have a miserable run defense, putting Gonzalez at risk of another poor performance against them, but their offense has become a little more balanced since the Falcons last faced them. In other words, the Falcons might need to make use of both their running and passing games to beat the Panthers this time, in which case Gonzalez figures to be the same reliable Fantasy option he always is. Because the alternatives on the waiver wire are probably uninspiring anyway, you should just forget about Gonzalez's first meeting with the Panthers and use him as a No. 1 Fantasy TE like always.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez went without a touchdown catch for the second straight game Week 13 at Houston, but he still had one of his best performances of the season, leading the team with seven catches for 100 yards. He was targeted 10 times on the day. The 100-yard effort was his first since Sept. 26, 2010, and only his second in a Falcons uniform. He's averaging 78.5 yards over the last four games after averaging 42.3 over the previous three.
Analysis: Gonzalez is known mostly for catching short passes over the middle, which makes him a good source of receptions and an excellent target in the red zone but will sometimes cause him to come up a little short in the yardage category. Clearly, that hasn't been the case over the last few weeks, though. QB Matt Ryan has been leaning on Gonzalez more and more between the 20s, and Gonzalez has done a better job of turning the ball upfield and picking up extra yardage. Gonzalez may be getting up in years at age 35, but he's still one of the more reliable tight ends in Fantasy, especially since he's good for a touchdown more often than not. Keep him active in all leagues for Week 14 at Carolina.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez's streak of three straight games with a touchdown ended Week 12 against the Vikings, but he did record a season-high nine catches in the contest. He'd be lucky to have one or the other Week 13 at Houston. The Texans rank second against the pass, allowing 175.8 yards per game, and have given up just 4.1 Fantasy points per game to tight ends, third-fewest in the league. The last time they allowed a touchdown to a tight end was Week 7 against the Titans' Jared Cook.
Analysis: Of course, most of the tight ends the Texans have faced this season aren't as involved in the passing game as Gonzalez is. In fact, the only high-end tight end they've faced is Jimmy Graham, who had four catches for 100 yards and a touchdown against them in Week 3. Gonzalez is such a reliable option for QB Matt Ryan underneath that he's worth starting as a No. 1 Fantasy TE regardless of the matchup. He might not be as likely as usual to score a touchdown this week, but he's still likely enough.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who had scored in three straight games entering the contest, wasn't able to continue the streak Week 12 against the Vikings. He did, however, make a season-high nine catches (on nine targets) for 69 yards. With the performance, he moved past Steve Largent for 12th on the NFL's all-time receiving list with 13,093 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez keeps chugging along at age 35 and is still clearly an integral part of the team's passing game. In Week 12, backup TE Michael Palmer happened to get the short touchdown grab normally reserved for Gonzalez, but that's the luck of the draw more than anything else. Gonzalez is still the first player in QB Matt Ryan's sights when the team gets into scoring position and an excellent underneath receiving threat. Keep him active as a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 13 at Houston.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who has a touchdown catch in three straight games, will look to continue the streak Week 12 against Minnesota. And judging by the numbers, his chances are pretty good. The Vikings rank 28th against the pass, allowing 259.4 yards per game, and they've given up an average of 5.6 catches for 67.8 yards to the big-name tight ends they've faced this season, which include Antonio Gates, Brandon Pettigrew, Greg Olsen and Jermichael Finley.
Analysis: As QB Matt Ryan goes, so goes Gonzalez. The 35-year-old tight end scored four touchdowns over the Falcons' first four games, when Ryan averaged 286.3 passing yards. He has three over their last three, during which Ryan is averaging 314.0 passing yards. This matchup, then, would seem to work in Gonzalez's favor, but then again, the Falcons might not have much incentive to pass the ball if RB Adrian Peterson, who is far and away the Vikings' best offensive player, misses the game with a high ankle sprain. Still, as the team's preferred red-zone option, Gonzalez is likely to score a touchdown even if his yardage is lacking. Keep him active as a No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez extended his touchdown streak to three straight games in Week 11 against the Titans. He hauled in a 17-yard scoring strike from QB Matt Ryan in the first quarter for his seventh touchdown of the year. He finished with five catches for 74 yards in the 23-17 win. Gonzalez, who was targeted six times in the victory, eclipsed 13,000 yards receiving for his career Sunday, becoming the 13th player in NFL history to reach the milestone. “I am humbled to be mentioned in the company of the 12 other individuals," he said. "But it’s something I don’t put too much focus on right now. After the season is when I truly relish what I have accomplished and the satisfaction sets in.”
Analysis: Gonzalez has posted at least 70 yards receiving and a touchdown in back-to-back weeks and has his most scores since 2008. He should be able to reach double digits for the fourth time in his career as he remains a vital piece in the passing game for the Falcons. The 35-year-old continues to be one of the better options in Fantasy and should be in for another productive performance next week against the Vikings. Consider Gonzalez a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 11.
News: Falcons TE Anthony Gonzalez enters Week 11 having scored a touchdown in each of his last two games and will be looking to extend that streak against the Titans. Tennessee ranks 15th in the league in pass defense, giving up over 224 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 9.1 Fantasy points to opposing tight ends.
Analysis: Gonzalez has already scored six touchdowns this season and is on pace to reach double digits for the first time since 2008. He is averaging five catches and 56 yards over his last three games and should be able to find some open space in the secondary against the Titans. Continue to view Gonzalez as a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 11.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez was again a prime target for QB Matt Ryan when the Falcons got in scoring position Week 10 against the Saints. He caught a 20-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, scoring for the second straight game after going three games without a touchdown. He was targeted 10 times in the contest, finishing with six catches for 71 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez's 71 receiving yards were his most since Week 2, when he had 83 against the Eagles. He also had 72 at Chicago in Week 1. His production is almost directly proportional to Ryan's, so when the quarterback appears to be in line for a good day, you can trust that Gonzalez will have one too. Plus, he's so good at catching the ball in traffic that he always has a chance for a touchdown even when he doesn't get good yardage. Keep the 35-year-old active as a No. 1 Fantasy TE against the Titans in Week 11.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez is active as expected for Week 10 against the Saints. Gonzalez was limited in practice by a back injury for the second straight week, but he has yet to miss any game time.
Analysis: At age 35, Gonzalez will typically miss some practice time for a bump here or a bruise there, but he's not dealing with anything that should cause you to shy away from him as a No. 1 Fantasy option. He's not a great source of yardage, but he remains the Falcons' preferred red-zone target and has a good chance of getting in the end zone in what could be a high-scoring game.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who scored his first touchdown in four games Week 9 at Indianapolis, could make a return trip to the end zone against the Saints in Week 10. The Falcons will likely need to do plenty of passing to keep up with the league's second-highest scoring team, and the Saints are allowing 8.3 Fantasy points per game to tight ends, ninth-most in the league. Gonzalez missed practice Wednesday with a back issue, but the Falcons typically try to give the 35-year-old a day off every week. The injury isn't expected to threaten his status for the game.
Analysis: Gonzalez endured a little bit of a touchdown drought before getting back on the board last week, but he remains QB Matt Ryan's preferred target in the red zone. The Falcons leaned heavily on RB Michael Turner during two of the three games Gonzalez went without a touchdown, giving Ryan little chance to throw a touchdown pass to anyone, but that likely won't be an option for them this week. You should keep Gonzalez active as a No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez missed Wednesday's practice with a lingering back injury for the second consecutive week heading into Week 10 against New Orleans. That said, as Gonzalez did the same thing before the Week 9 game at Indianapolis, and still played and scored a touchdown, we doubt it is going to keep him out against the Saints. Gonzalez has 27 catches for 300 yards and a TD in his last five games against New Orleans.
Analysis: Gonzalez has been dealing with the back injury for a while now and hasn't missed a beat yet. Gonzalez has recorded at least four catches in six of eight games this season and has five touchdowns on the year. He needs 121 yards receiving against the Saints to reach 13,000 for his career. While we doubt he's going to reach that plateau, New Orleans does give up enough Fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends to assume Gonzalez will play well. Consider him a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 10.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez is still 121 receiving yards away from 13,000 for his career after picking up only 36 on four catches Week 9 at Indianapolis. But the good news is he got back in the end zone after going three games without a touchdown, catching a 1-yard toss from QB Matt Ryan in the third quarter.
Analysis: Gonzalez hasn't been a particularly good source of yardage this season, topping 65 yards only twice, but he's up to five touchdown grabs on the season, which ranks him right up there with any tight end in Fantasy. The return of WR Julio Jones from a hamstring injury Sunday doesn't affect Gonzalez so much since Jones is more of a big-play threat, so continue to use Gonzalez as a No. 1 Fantasy TE for what could be a shootout Week 10 against the Saints.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who was limited in practice this week by a back issue, is active for Week 9 at Indianapolis. He was listed as probable leading up to the game.
Analysis: Gonzalez was never in jeopardy of missing this game. He has been held out of the end zone three games in a row but is still one of QB Matt Ryan's preferred red zone targets. Keep him active as a No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez is expected to play in Week 9 at Indianapolis after being listed as probable on the team's injury report. Gonzalez has been limited in practice over the past week because of a lingering back injury, but was not in danger of missing Sunday's game. Gonzalez is 157 yards shy of becoming the first tight end in NFL history with 13,000 career receiving yards. While he's unlikely to get that many Sunday, he could significantly close the gap against the Colts, who are 31st in total defense (402.9 yards per game) and 22nd in pass defense (258.9 yards per game).
Analysis: Gonzalez will once again have to contend with rookie WR Julio Jones for targets in Week 9, but he wasn't at his best with Jones out of the lineup. Since he isn't a big-play threat, Gonzalez's production often depends on his ability to score, which he hasn't done lately and has not reached the end zone in his past three games. However, he's still an important target in the red zone that you know the next touchdown is just around the corner. He's a No. 1 Fantasy TE for this favorable matchup, just as he is every other week.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who moved into second place on the all-time receptions list and 13th place on the all-time receiving list Week 7 at Detroit, is 157 yards shy of becoming the first tight end in NFL history with 13,000 career receiving yards. While he's unlikely to get that many Week 9 at Indianapolis, he could significantly close the gap. The Colts are 31st in total defense (402.9 yards per game) and 22nd in pass defense (258.9 yards per game). They've also given up an NFL-high 15 touchdown passes, which should increase Gonzalez's odds of getting back in the end zone. After scoring four touchdowns in his first four games, he has none in his last three. Gonzalez missed practice Wednesday because of a back issue and returned to limited reps Thursday, but he isn't in real jeopardy of missing Sunday's game.
Analysis: Gonzalez will once again have to contend with rookie WR Julio Jones for targets in Week 9, but he wasn't at his best with Jones out of the lineup in Weeks 6 and 7 anyway. Because he isn't a big-play threat, Gonzalez's production often depends on his ability to score, which he obviously hasn't done lately. But he's such an important target in the red zone that you know the next touchdown is just around the corner. He's a No. 1 Fantasy TE for this favorable matchup, just as he is every other week.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (back) did not practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 9 vs. Indianapolis.
Analysis: Gonzalez had an elbow injury leading up to Week 7 but played. It's hard to imagine he suffered a significant injury during the team's bye in Week 8, so this could be just a way to give the veteran TE some rest. Plan to use Gonzalez as a No. 1 Fantasy TE unless you hear otherwise.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez wasn't able to snap what is now a three-game touchdown drought Week 7 at Detroit, but he had a notable afternoon regardless. He led the team with 62 yards through the air, and he did it on five receptions, moving past Cris Carter and Marvin Harrison for second place on the all-time list. He trails only Jerry Rice in that category. Gonzalez was targeted eight times in the contest, finishing two behind leader Roddy White.
Analysis: Gonzalez's move up the all-time receptions list is a notable achievement, but for Fantasy owners, the more important number is the team-high 62 receiving yards, which shows he's still a priority in the passing game despite his three-catch, 29-yard performance last week. His red-zone looks have suffered in recent weeks with the Falcons reverting back to a run-heavy approach, but he's still one of the more reliable tight ends in Fantasy even at age 35. The Falcons have a bye in Week 8, but you'll want to have Gonzalez active as a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 9 at Indianapolis.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who was bothered by an elbow injury in practice this week, is active for Week 7 at Detroit. He was listed as probable for the contest on Friday.
Analysis: Gonzalez didn't miss any practice time this week and didn't miss Week 6 against the Panthers despite dealing with the same injury. You shouldn't have any reservations about starting him this week. He has reemerged as QB Matt Ryan's preferred red-zone target this season after a down 2010. Treat him as a No. 1 Fantasy TE for this matchup.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez is considered probable for Week 7 at Detroit after dealing with a minor elbow injury. Gonzalez was a full participant in practice throughout the week as the Falcons prepare for the Lions, who boast the NFL's sixth-best pass defense. Gonzalez had only three catches for 29 yards in Week 6 as the passing game took a backseat to RB Michael Turner as he rushed for a season-high 139 yards on 27 carries.
Analysis: Atlanta QB Matt Ryan managed only 163 passing yards last Sunday so the Falcons receivers could be in for a rebound against Detroit. Gonzalez has been the team's primary red-zone target this year, which is reason enough for him to rank as a No. 1 Fantasy TE almost every week. In what could be a high-scoring game, he's a solid choice to start in Fantasy. The Lions are yielding an average of eight Fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who has gone two games without a touchdown after scoring four in three games, will look to get back in the end zone Week 7 at Detroit. He has a pretty good chance, too. Granted, the Falcons figure to test the Lions' 26th-ranked run defense more than their sixth-ranked pass defense, but considering the amount of scoring the Falcons will have to do to keep up with the Lions' prolific offense, Gonzalez will get his chances in the red zone.
Analysis: Gonzalez's had only three catches for 29 yards in a season-best performance for RB Michael Turner last week, so another run-heavy approach for the Falcons sounds like bad news. But the Falcons won't win this game if QB Matt Ryan throws for only 163 yards again. Gonzalez has returned to being the team's primary red-zone target this year, which is reason enough for him to rank as a No. 1 Fantasy TE just about every week. In what could be a high-scoring game, he's an easy choice to start in Fantasy. He is dealing with a bit of an elbow injury for the second straight week, but he was able to practice in full Thursday and isn't at risk of missing Sunday's game.
News: In a game dominated by RB Michael Turner and the rushing attack, Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez didn't get much of a chance to contribute Week 6 against the Panthers. He did make good on all three of his targets, though, catching three passes for 29 yards. the 35-year-old has now gone back-to-back games without a touchdown reception after collecting four over his previous three games.
Analysis: After a down 2010 season, Gonzalez has reemerged as the team's top red-zone threat this season. The problem in Week 6 was that the Falcons didn't attempt many passes in the red zone, with the lone touchdown grab going to fullback Ovie Mughelli. Instead, the Falcons took advantage of a Panthers defense that entered the game ranked 27th against the run. Gonzalez will have better opportunities to contribute in the future. You'll want to keep him active for Week 7 at Detroit, which is the type of game that could become a shootout.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who was limited in practice this week by an elbow injury, is active for Week 6 against the Panthers. He was listed as probable coming into the game.
Analysis: Gonzalez has scored four touchdowns in his last four games and had a touchdown in each of his two games against the Panthers last season. He has a good chance of scoring again this week, particularly with WR Julio Jones sidelined by a hamstring injury. Keep Gonzalez active as a No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (elbow) returned to a full practice Friday and is listed as probable for Week 6 vs. Carolina.
Analysis: Gonzalez went without a touchdown Week 5 against the Packers after scoring four in his previous three games. But if history is any indication, he stands a reasonable chance of getting back in the end zone Week 6 against the Panthers. Gonzalez scored in each of the Falcons' two meetings with the Panthers last season, including a six-catch, 53-yard performance at home in Week 17. Then again, the Panthers have allowed only one touchdown to tight ends in their five games this season. We still like Gonzalez as a No. 1 Fantasy TE in Week 6. He could see more targets with Julio Jones out due to injury.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (elbow) was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice. He was held out on Wednesday. Gonzalez went without a touchdown Week 5 against the Packers after scoring four in his previous three games. But if history is any indication, he stands a reasonable chance of getting back in the end zone Week 6 against the Panthers. Gonzalez scored in each of the Falcons' two meetings with the Panthers last season, including a six-catch, 53-yard performance at home in Week 17. Then again, the Panthers have allowed only one touchdown to tight ends in their five games this season.
Analysis: The Falcons will be playing without rookie WR Julio Jones (hamstring) this week, which could work in Gonzalez's favor simply by giving QB Matt Ryan one less mouth to feed. The elbow issue does not appear to be the type of injury that will sideline him for Sunday's contest. Given Gonzalez's reemergence as a top red-zone threat this year, you'll want him active as a No. 1 Fantasy TE in Week 6.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez went without a touchdown Week 5 against the Packers after scoring four in his previous three games. But if history is any indication, he stands a reasonable chance of getting back in the end zone Week 6 against the Panthers. Gonzalez scored in each of the Falcons' two meetings with the Panthers last season, including a six-catch, 53-yard performance at home in Week 17. Then again, the Panthers have allowed only one touchdown to tight ends in their five games this season.
Analysis: The Falcons will be playing without rookie WR Julio Jones (hamstring) this week, which could work in Gonzalez's favor simply by giving QB Matt Ryan one less mouth to feed. Then again, Gonzalez is dealing with an injury of his own, missing practice Wednesday because of an elbow issue. It doesn't seem like the type of injury that will sideline him for Sunday's contest, though. Given Gonzalez's reemergence as a top red-zone threat this year, you'll want him active as a No. 1 Fantasy TE in Week 6.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez did not practice Wednesday because of an elbow injury. The Falcons play the Panthers in Week 6.
Analysis: The Falcons didn't say anything about Gonzalez's injury, so it could be just a day for him to rest. They really need his presence since WR Julio Jones won't be on the field Sunday. Unless you hear otherwise, then plan on starting Gonzalez in Fantasy.
News: After catching at least one touchdown in each of his last three games, Falcons TE Anthony Gonzalez was unable to find the end zone in Week 5 against the Packers. He caught six passes for 60 yards in the 25-14 loss. Gonzalez was targeted eight times by QB Matt Ryan and had a long reception of 23 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez led Atlanta in receiving on Sunday night but Fantasy owners were hoping he would be able to post another score. Either way, he continues to be a productive force for the Falcons and should be able to surpass his numbers from his down 2010 campaign. Even at age 35, he still ranks as one of the top tight ends in Fantasy so heading into Week 6 against the Panthers, keep Gonzalez active as a No. 1 option.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez has caught at least one touchdown in each of his last three games and will look to continue that streak in Week 5 against the Packers. Green Bay enters Sunday night ranked 31st in the league against the pass, giving up over 335 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of nine Fantasy points to opposing tight ends. When Gonzalez faced the Packers a year ago, he caught six passes for 51 yards with a touchdown.
Analysis: Gonzalez already has four touchdown grabs this season, after posting six in each of his first two seasons in Atlanta, and and could reach double digits for the first time since 2008. He could add to that total with his favorable matchup in Week 5 so consider Gonzalez a No. 1 Fantasy TE against the Packers.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez posted seven receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown during the Falcons' 30-28 victory over Seattle in Week 4 on Monday. Gonzalez matched his season high in catches as he was targeted nine times by QB Matt Ryan. The two connected on a 1-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to give Atlanta an early 7-0 lead. It was the third consecutive game Gonzalez has reached the end zone.
Analysis: Another game, another touchdown for Gonzalez. The veteran tight end has now scored four touchdowns this season, three more than other Atlanta wide receivers. He is now inching closer to his scoring total from each of his previous two years with the Falcons (six touchdowns). Fantasy owners who invested in a late-round pick in Gonzalez this year should continue to ride his production in Week 5 against Green Bay.
News: With his 10-yard touchdown catch during a loss to Tampa Bay in Week 3, Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez tied Isaac Bruce for ninth on the NFL career touchdown reception list. It was also Gonzalez's third score in his past two games as he pulled halfway to reaching his touchdown total from each of his first two seasons with the Falcons (six). Gonzalez is looking to add to him impressive mark during the team's Week 4 matchup at Seattle.
Analysis: After spending most of his career in Kansas City, Gonzalez has built a strong resume against the Seahawks. He has a pair of 100-yard games and collected eight-plus receptions in three meetings. Gonzalez also needs 20 more catches to move into second place all-time behind Marvin Harrison (1,102). But Seattle has been surprisingly tough against tight ends this year and is permitted a lowly average of 4.1 Fantasy points per game to the position. Consider Gonzalez a low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE as he remains a top option in the passing game.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez had two catches for 18 yards and a touchdown during the Falcons' 16-13 loss to Tampa Bay in Week 3 on Sunday. Gonzalez hauled in a 10-yard pass from QB Matt Ryan in the fourth quarter for his third touchdown in the last two games. The 15-year veteran registered only six touchdowns all of last season.
Analysis: Gonzalez could be on pace to eclipse his touchdown mark from last year as he is becoming a solid option for Ryan with the Falcons' other receivers -- Roddy White and Julio Jones -- seeing additional coverage. Gonzalez finished with eight targets Sunday, second on the team behind White (17). Fantasy owners should view Gonzalez as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy TE for Week 4 at Seattle.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez said he doesn't plan to fly under the radar in Week 3 against the Bucs. “After the game I played last week, I’m sure Tampa is going to have something ready for me," Gonzalez said. "That’s fine, Julio (Jones) is going to have some plays and Roddy (White) is one of the best receivers in the league."
Analysis: The arrival of Jones has really opened up the middle of the field for Gonzalez, who is running deeper routes in 2011 as opposed to 2010. Gonzalez has 155 yards and two touchdowns in the first two games and is producing like he was in the prime of his career. That makes him a viable No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 3 despite the Bucs having a game plan to stop him. Gonzalez has 30 catches for 285 yards and no touchdowns in his last five games against the Bucs, who are allowing TEs to average 8 Fantasy points per week in 2011.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez had a productive game in Week 2 against the Eagles. He caught seven passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns in the 35-31 win. His first score came on a 4-yard pass from QB Matt Ryan in the second quarter before scoring from 17 yards out in the third. Gonzalez was targeted nine times in the victory and averaged 11.9 yards per reception.
Analysis: Gonzalez is showing Fantasy owners that he can still get it done at age 35 as he has caught 12 passes for 155 yards through the first two games this season. While Roddy White and Julio Jones stretch the field, the veteran works the middle and has been able to find openings thus far. He could be in line for a resurgent campaign in Atlanta so keep an eye on his progress going forward. Gonzalez will face off against the Buccaneers in Week 3 so consider him a low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE for the matchup. In two games again Tampa Bay a year ago, Gonzalez caught 11 passes for 110 yards.
News: After averaging a career-low 9.4 yards per catch in 2010, Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez ran deeper routes in Week 1 against the Bears. He had a 30-yard reception while he finished with five catches for 72 yards. “Everybody is saying that I might be slowing down, but I don’t think so,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve got to out there and do it again.” Gonzalez's next opponent is the Eagles, who held Rams TEs to three catches for 39 yards in Week 1.
Analysis: Gonzalez didn't venture down field a lot in 2010 as he worked the short and intermediate routes. But you have to think the addition of Julio Jones is allowing Gonzalez to get open deep in the middle of the field, which could mean a resurgent year for the veteran TE, who had continued to see a decline in production the last few years. Consider Gonzalez at best a low-end Fantasy starter for Week 2.
News: In the Falcons Week 1 game at Chicago, TE Tony Gonzalez caught five passes for 72 yards, leading the team. He had seven targets in the game. Ryan leaned on Gonzalez when the pressure was on and he had to make a play. On one attempt to Gonzalez he was picked off by Brian Urlacher.
Analysis: Gonzalez continues to be a safe but not spectacular Fantasy starter for owners to check out. He'll be worth considering again in Week 2 when the Eagles fly into the Falcons nest.
News:Tony Gonzalez will get his first taste of regular-season action on Sunday at Chicago, a team he scored on in 2009. In each of his two meetings against the Bears since coming to Atlanta he's caught four passes in each for an average of 47.5 yards with the score in the game two years back.
Analysis: With Julio Jones joining Roddy White and Gonzalez in the Falcons receiving corps, expectations are that the targets to the Hall of Fame tight end will decline a little bit. Still, he'll see a ton of single coverage and should get some good opportunities in the red zone. We'd start Gonzalez as a low-end No. 1 TE in Week 1.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez is excited about the 2011 season, but he is also thinking about how much longer his NFL career might last. “I’m not going to write it off,” Gonzalez said about playing after this season.” Especially with the way the (new practice) schedule is now, I could play another three years if I wanted. It’s just about going out there and gearing up for that grind, because it is a grind.”
Analysis: Gonzalez might want to extend his career for a few more years, but the sad fact remains his production has steadily dropped the last three seasons and Gonzalez is no longer the receiving threat he used to be. Gonzalez did haul in 70 catches in 2010, but he totaled just 656 yards -- the third straight year his yardage total dropped. Gonzalez did manage six touchdowns and should still be a red-zone threat for Atlanta in 2011, but the arrival of rookie WR Julio Jones could mean less targets for the veteran TE. Gonzalez is at best a low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff invested much of his 2011 and 2012 drafts in a bold trade that brought Alabama receiver Julio Jones to Atlanta. That could spell trouble for Tony Gonzalez's production since it is believed that Jones will start right away and give QB Matt Ryan an appealing option to go to besides Gonzo. On the flipside, Gonzalez should see slightly lighter coverage as opposing safeties will be honed in on the receivers and not the grizzled 15-year NFL veteran.
Analysis: Gonzalez's production has been slipping over the last three seasons, so the news that he might not deliver huge stats shouldn't be much of a shock to anyone. Is he still serviceable enough as a No. 1 Fantasy TE? Definitely, but he's the type of player Fantasy owners should wait for, not reach for. The later you can snag him in drafts, the better off you'll be. Consider him with a pick no sooner than Round 9.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez told the Sporting News that if the current lockout extends to the point where the 2011 season is canceled, retirement could be a likely option for him. "Would I sit out a whole season and come back? Probably not, honestly," Gonzalez said, adding that he thought the labor dispute would cut into training camp even if there is a season. "At this point, at my age, I don’t know if that would be smart of me to do something like that. But I’m enjoying the offseason, working out and preparing like I always do."
Analysis: Obviously, if there's no NFL for Fantasy owners to draft for, then Gonzalez's status wouldn't be an issue. If he does retire, then he'll leave as the NFL's most prolific tight end. But in a world where labor peace happens and football is played in 2011, Gonzalez is expected to play and is worth drafting as a No. 1 TE in the middle-to-late rounds.
News: Falcons veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez told ESPN's Jim Rome on his daily television show Friday that he will in fact return for the 2011 season. Gonzalez had contemplated his future since the Divisional Playoff loss to the Packers. He finished 2010 with 656 yards and six touchdowns on 70 receptions, earing another trip to the Pro Bowl.
Analysis: Gonzalez demanded a trade to Atlanta two years ago after several failed playoff runs with Kansas City. The Falcons have immense talent and it warned them the No. 1 seed in the NFC this season, though they were beat handily by the Packers last week. Gonzalez turns 35 next month, and we expect a slight drop off in his numbers, especially with the emergence of WR Roddy White and the consistent running game featured around RB Michael Turner. Gonzalez should be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option heading into 2011. Select him as such on Draft Day.
News: Falcons veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez left Saturday's Divisional Playoff game against the Packers with a leg injury suffered on his first catch of the game, a 7-yarder from QB Matt Ryan. He did not see any other targets in the blowout loss, but was able to return.
Analysis: Gonzalez caught six passes for 51 yards and a touchdown when the two teams met in the regular season, but he was a non-factor Saturday while in the game. Gonzalez turns 35 next month, and it unclear whether or not he wants to play next season, although we expect him to be back. If he is, Gonzalez should be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option heading into 2011. Select him as such on Draft Day.
News: The Packers have plenty of respect for Falcons veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez, even if he isn't as fast as he used to be. "He knows how to work a defensive back in leverage," Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers said. "If you’re one-on-one you better have pretty good coverage because he’s going to win." Green Bay travels to face Atlanta in a Divisional Playoff game Saturday.
Analysis: Gonzalez finished with six touchdowns for a second straight season, but he still saw a decline in catches, yards and yards per catch for a third straight season. Perhaps Father Time is finally catching up to the veteran TE. Gonzalez is no longer going to be a must-have Fantasy TE heading into 2011. In fact, he might be at best a low-end No. 1 TE. He did have six catches for 51 yards and a score against Green Bay in Week 12, so consider using him in all Fantasy playoff formats.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez scored a touchdown for the third time in his last four games against the Panthers in Week 17. Gonzalez opened the scoring in a 31-10 win with a 6-yard score on the team's opening drive. He had dropped a touchdown a few plays earlier. Gonzalez was targeted in the red zone again in the second quarter, but a touchdown slipped through his hands at the goal line. He ended up with six catches for 53 yards. Gonzalez had 10 catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns in two games against Carolina this season.
Analysis: Gonzalez finished with six touchdowns for a second straight season, but he still saw a decline in catches, yards and yards per catch for a third straight season. Perhaps Father Time is finally catching up to the veteran TE. Gonzalez is no longer going to be a must-have Fantasy TE heading into 2011. In fact, he might be at best a low-end No. 1 TE.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez aims for his third touchdown in his last four games against the Panthers in Week 17. In three games against Carolina since joining the Falcons in 2009, Gonzalez has totaled 17 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns. He had four catches for 28 yards and a score in Week 14 against Carolina this season.
Analysis: While Gonzalez has scored five times this season, he has just 603 receiving yards and it marks the third straight season he will have a decline in catches and receiving yards. Perhaps Father Time is finally catching up to the veteran TE. With his recent history against the Panthers and the fact Atlanta has playoff positioning to play for in Week 17, you have to start Gonzalez in Fantasy. But heading into 2011, Gonzalez might no longer be the must-own Fantasy TE he once was.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez had his slowest outing of the year in Week 16 against the Saints. The 34-year-old caught just two passes for 12 yards in the 17-14 loss. "If a team wants to take you away they're going to," he said. Gonzalez was targeted three times by QB Matt Ryan in the defeat.
Analysis: Gonzalez had found the end zone twice in his last four games but he could not get anything going on Monday night. After carving the Saints up for 110 yards and a score earlier in the year, New Orleans made it a point to shut down the All-Pro tight end. Gonzalez has not caught more than four passes in five games, but hopefully he will be able to bounce back against the Panthers next week. When he faced Carolina in Week 14, he caught four passes for 28 yards and a touchdown. Consider Gonzalez a No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy TE for Week 17.
News: After posting just 26 yards on four catches in his last outing, Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez will look to get back on track against the Saints in Week 16. New Orleans sports the leagues' fourth-best pass defense, giving up just 195 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 6.3 Fantasy points to opposing tight ends. When the division foes met earlier in the year, Gonzalez had eight catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Gonzalez has found the end zone twice in his last four games and will be looking for continued success against the Saints on Sunday. He carved up New Orleans earlier in the year and could be in for more of the same on Sunday. Even though has has not caught more than four passes in four weeks, he is always a threat in the red zone and one score could make his week. Consider Gonzalez a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 16.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez hauled in four passes and set an NFL record in the Falcons' 34-18 victory over Seattle in Week 15. The veteran tight end now has 62 receptions this year to become the first player in NFL history to record 60 catches in 12 consecutive seasons. Gonzalez finished with 26 yards for his lowest output since Week 6 against Philadelphia (19) and did not record a catch longer than nine yards. His eight targets in Sunday's game was the second-most on the Falcons behind WR Roddy White (13).
Analysis: Atlanta QB Matt Ryan threw touchdown passes to three different receivers Sunday but Gonzalez was not one of them. He scored a touchdown in Week 14 but could not reach the end zone against the Seahawks -- the 10th game this season he has not scored. He now has just 11 receptions in his last three games but is still heavily targeted in the Falcons passing offense that is ranked in the top 15 in the NFL. Atlanta has the opportunity to secure home-field advantage for the upcoming playoffs with a victory over New Orleans in Week 16. Consider Gonzalez a worthwhile Fantasy option for next Monday's game.
News: As has been the case his entire career, Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez has continued to be a key contributor to a balanced offense. Gonzalez, who has scored five touchdowns this season -- including two in his last three games -- has helped the Falcons to a seven-game winning streak leading up the team's Week 15 game at Seattle on Sunday. Atlanta has used a stellar attack on the ground and through the air to pile up at least 290 total yards in every game during its longest winning streak since 1998. "That's the beauty of it," Gonzalez said. "That's when you know you're a good offense, when the defense doesn't know who's going to get the ball." Gonzalez has recorded 58 receptions for 565 yards this season, his 14th year in the NFL.
Analysis: The veteran Gonzalez, an integral part of the NFL's fifth-highest scoring offense, has been scorching lately. The hulking 6-foot-5 tight end has hauled in at least four passes in five of his last six games as defenses have keyed on Falcons star receiver Roddy White. He is ranked fourth among tight ends in targets (92) and has notched 13 looks in his last two weeks. The Seahawks struggle against the pass, surrendering an average of 266 yards a game. Seattle has also allowed 6.2 Fantasy points per game to tight ends this season but just four touchdowns to the position. Atlanta will likely continue to pass heavily and Gonzalez should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy TE in Week 15.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who entered with just one touchdown in his last six games, made it two in three games Week 14 at Carolina. He made his mark on the team's very first drive of the game, diving for a 4-yard toss from QB Matt Ryan on the right side of the end zone. He finished with just four catches for 28 yards, though, and still has only three games with 50-plus receiving yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez capitalized on a defense that had allowed the fifth-most Fantasy points to tight ends coming into the game, but his lack of yardage is still a concern. He isn't hurting for receptions, showing he's still one of QB Matt Ryan's favorite targets underneath, but he isn't getting the numbers to make a serious impact in Fantasy. The tight end position is weak enough that he remains a No. 1 Fantasy option just because he's a consistent enough part of the passing game to threaten for a touchdown every week, so keep him active for Week 15 at Seattle.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who left last week's game with a sprained left ankle, is active for Week 14 at Carolina. He was able to practice in full both Thursday and Friday and was listed as probable for the game.
Analysis: Gonzalez hasn't been as consistent this year as in years past, but he's playing a team that has allowed the fifth-most Fantasy points to tight ends this season. His chances of a big day are even better if he gets matched up with LB Jordan Senn, who is making his first career start. Keep Gonzalez active as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: The Falcons listed TE Tony Gonzalez (ankle) as probable for Week 14 against the Panthers after practicing in full for a second straight day Friday. Gonzalez tweaked his ankle late in Week 13 and sat out practice Wednesday, but he is expected to play Sunday. He'll be facing a defense that ranks eighth against the pass, allowing 206.0 yards per game, but has allowed 8.3 Fantasy points per game to tight ends, fifth-most in the leagues.
Analysis: Gonzalez has topped 50 receiving yards just three times this season and has scored only one touchdown over his last six games, but the Panthers have gotten eaten alive by tight ends this season. The Falcons will probably spend much of the game running the ball, but when QB Matt Ryan drops back to pass, Gonzalez should look awfully attractive to him. Gonzalez averaged 69.0 yards in two games against the Panthers last season, so he could be in line for one of his better games this season. Treat him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who hurt his ankle late in Week 13 and missed practice Wednesday, was able to practice in full Thursday and will likely be able to play Week 14 at Carolina. He'll be facing a defense that ranks eighth against the pass, allowing 206.0 yards per game, but has allowed 8.3 Fantasy points per game to tight ends, fifth-most in the leagues.
Analysis: Gonzalez has topped 50 receiving yards just three times this season and has scored only one touchdown over his last six games, but the Panthers have gotten eaten alive by tight ends this season. The Falcons will probably spend much of the game running the ball, but when QB Matt Ryan drops back to pass, Gonzalez should look awfully attractive to him. Gonzalez averaged 69.0 yards in two games against the Panthers last season, so he could be in line for one of his better games this season. Treat him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez returned to practice Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday with an ankle injury sustained in Week 13.
Analysis: Gonzalez should be fine for Week 14 against the Panthers and while his numbers haven't really been anything special this season, he's capable of a big game at any point so remains worth using in the majority of Fantasy formats.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez was absent from practice Wednesday after injuring his ankle late in Week 13 against the Bucs. However, Gonzalez is not expected to sit out Week 14 against the Panthers.
Analysis: Coach Mike Smith has been giving some of his injured veterans time off on Wednesday so they are ready for the weekend. Gonzalez now joins a list that includes Roddy White, who has missed Wednesday's practice for several weeks but has yet to miss a game. Gonzalez has yet to face the Panthers this season, but Carolina has had trouble covering TEs. Make sure to start Gonzalez in Fantasy unless you hear otherwise.
News: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez said that despite suffering a sprained left ankle late in Sunday's victory at Tampa Bay in Week 13 he should be fine. Gonzalez said he expected to be able to play in Week 14 at Carolina. He was targeted six times against the Bucs, catching three passes for 38 yards. His longest reception went for 17 yards.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Gonzalez's status heading into the matchup with Carolina, but we expect him to be on the field. He should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy TE in Week 14 since the Panthers have struggled with tight ends all season.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez left the game with an apparent ankle injury on Sunday against Tampa Bay. He drew a pass interference penalty on Buccaneers DB Ronde Barber, but would then limp off the field after he got tripped up. He was targeted six times, catching three passes for 38 yards. His longest reception went for 17 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez entered Week 13 averaging 72 yards per contest in six career games against Tampa Bay. When healthy, Gonzalez is a clear-cut No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Heading into Week 13 against the Bucs, Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez seems to gain the biggest advantage with Tampa Bay's safety position in disarray. In Atlanta's previous meeting with the Bucs in Week 9, Gonzalez had eight catches for 72 yards. With Bucs CB Aqib Talib focused on WR Roddy White, Gonzalez could be a big beneficiary of having Bucs safeties Corey Lynch, Vince Anderson or Larry Asante covering him. "I hope they do put them on me," Gonzalez said.
Analysis: Gonzalez is averaging 72 yards per game in six career outings against the Bucs. Although, he has just one touchdown. Gonzalez is probably the Falcons' best receiving option behind White. The fact he is facing some inexperienced safeties in Week 13 bodes well for his Fantasy appeal. Keep Gonzalez active as a No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who had gone four games without a touchdown after scoring two Week 6 at Philadelphia, scored on a 4-yard toss from QB Matt Ryan in the second quarter Week 12 against the Packers. He finished with a team-high six catches for 51 yards, marking only the third time this season he has gone for 50 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez was still targeted less than star WR Roddy White, but he caught all six of the passes thrown his way. The Falcons leaned on him over the middle more than usual this week with star cornerback Charles Woodson limiting their options on the outside. Gonzalez showed with this game he's still capable of contributing in Fantasy, but he remains more of a peripheral option with White getting so many of the looks. Treat him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE at Tampa Bay in Week 13.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who has only twice reached 50 receiving yards this season, faces a Packers defense in Week 12 that has allowed 6.2 Fantasy points per game to tight ends, tied for 14th-lowest in the league. Part of the reason for the Packers' success is the play of linebackers A.J. Hawk and Clay Matthews. "They play to the whistle," Gonzalez said. "There's no relaxing in their game. You watch the film, you know what's coming and you have to prepare for them."
Analysis: Gonzalez's best chance of contributing in Fantasy is a touchdown, of course, but considering the Packers have allowed a total of 10 points over their last three games, those might be a little hard to come by. They rank second in the NFL with 15 interceptions and have allowed just nine touchdown passes all season. Gonzalez has been a disappointment all season, and you wouldn't expect him to break out against one of the toughest defenses in the league. Treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy option for this matchup.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez had another lack-luster performance in Week 11 against the Rams. He was targeted for eight passes from QB Matt Ryan in the 34-17 win, but was only able to come up with four catches for 46 yards. Gonzalez had a long reception of 16 and averaged 11.5 yards per catch. He has three touchdown grabs on the year, all coming in two games. Gonzalez's backup, TE Justin Peelle, caught a touchdown pass in Sunday's victory.
Analysis: Gonzalez has struggled in his last two games, recording just four catches in each for fewer than 50 yards. His last touchdown catch came all the way back in Week 6, and the 34-year-old has just 18 receptions for 183 yards since then. Ryan has been trying to throw the ball his way but opposing teams have done a solid job of limiting Gonzalez recently. Fantasy owners have to be a little bit disappointed with his numbers at this point but the 10-time Pro Bowler remains an elite option and can break out at any point. With Green Bay up on the schedule in Week 12, continue to view Gonzalez as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy TE.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez has not found the end zone in his last three games but will try and snap that slump in Week 11 against the Rams. St. Louis ranks 18th in the league against the pass, giving 228 yards per contest, but have held opposing tight ends to just 5.7 Fantasy points per game. Gonzalez has just 14 catches for 137 yards over the last three weeks but has caught the eye of Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo. “When the ball is thrown to him, he finds a way to come down with it," Spagnuolo said about Gonzalez. "He’s a big guy with great hands. He’s been doing this thing for a long time now and … he’s playing effective football.”
Analysis: In four career games against the Rams, Gonzalez has caught 19 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Even with QB Matt Ryan attempting 50 passes a week ago against the Ravens, the 34-year-old only accounted for 38 yards on four receptions. St. Louis does not have the same line-backing core as Baltimore so expect better numbers for Sunday's matchup. All of Gonzalez's touchdowns have come in two games this season but one in Week 11 will definitely help out his value. Consider the 10-time Pro Bowler a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy TE against the Rams.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez failed to score a touchdown for the third straight game in the Week 10 win over the Ravens. He finished with a pedestrian four catches for 38 yards. QB Matt Ryan looked his way five times.
Analysis: Gonzalez could not benefit from the pass-first mentality the Falcons came out with on Thursday night. Ryan threw a career-high 50 passes, but just five were headed for the future Hall-of-Famer. Three other Falcon targets saw more attempts than him. In Week 11, he will try to get back on track against the Rams, who have allowed only one TE to score against them this season. Still, he should remain a No. 1 Fantasy TE for that matchup.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez is coming off his second-best game of the season in terms of yards, but in Week 10 against the Ravens, it will be tough for him to duplicate the effort. On Thursday night, Gonzalez will try to find holes against the second best NFL defense against TEs. Baltimore has allowed only one touchdown pass to find its way to a TEs hands, and that was back in Week 3.
Analysis: Gonzalez himself has not seen the end zone in his last two games, but he could have more chances if the Falcons top receiving threat, Roddy White, is unable to play because of a knee issue. Still, Gonzalez could go down as the best TE of All-Time, so he remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy option because QB Matt Ryan relies on him heavily on 3rd down and in the red zone.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who had only once topped 50 yards receiving in a game this season, accomplished the feat for a second time Week 9 against the Buccaneers, catching eight passes for 72 yards. He was targeted a team-high 11 times, taking advantage of the absence of No. 1 WR Roddy White, who left early in the second quarter with a knee injury and didn't return until the second half.
Analysis: Six of Gonzalez's targets and four of his receptions came with White on the sidelines, which gives us a pretty clear indication who's second in the pecking order. Still, it's a distant second, which is understandable considering White came into the game leading the league in receptions and ranked second in targets. Gonzalez is still a big enough part of the offense to start at tight end in most Fantasy leagues, but he isn't nearly as consistent as he was in his younger days. He'll try to get back in the end zone when the Falcons host the Ravens in Week 10, which will be a Thursday night game.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who went without a touchdown in Week 7 after scoring two in Week 6, will try to get back in the end zone Week 9 against the Buccaneers. He has a pretty good chance of doing so with Matt Ryan as his quarterback. Ryan has a career 95.2 rating at home and has averaged two touchdown passes and 303 yards in two career games coming off a bye. Still, Gonzalez is facing a Buccaneers defense that has allowed only 4.7 Fantasy points per game to tight ends, tied for fourth-lowest in the NFL.
Analysis: Gonzalez came through when the Falcons hosted the Buccaneers last year, catching nine passes for 83 yards. He hasn't had many performances like that this season, though, only once topping 41 yards through the air. He's looking more like a touchdown-or-nothing type at this stage of his career, but given some of the injuries at the tight end position this season, he's still a clear No. 1 option. He should be active in virtually all leagues.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who has gone over 50 yards receiving only once all season, had one of his worst games of the season Week 7 against the Bengals, catching two passes for 27 yards. He didn't have a single catch in the first half. He now has a total of five catches for 46 yards over his last two games.
Analysis: The difference between this week and last week is two of Gonzalez's three catches went for touchdowns then, giving his Fantasy owners plenty of reason to cheer. For the most part, though, he hasn't done a whole lot for them. He had a three-game stretch from Week 3 to Week 5 where he was catching plenty of passes, just for not much yardage. But even that's stopped over the last two weeks. Gonzalez is still considered the No. 2 option in a passing attack dominated by Roddy White, making him still worth starting in most Fantasy leagues, but his inconsistency makes him more of a low-end No. 1 option. The Falcons have a bye in Week 8 before hosting the Buccaneers in Week 9.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez hasn't done much to help his team move the ball this season, topping 50 receiving yards in only of his first six games, but he has emerged as a preferred red zone target, catching two touchdown passes last week. The Falcons are returning home, where QB Matt Ryan has a 93.4 rating for his career, and the Bengals will likely be without top pass rusher Antwan Odom, who is beginning a four-game suspension, making Gonzalez's chances of scoring another touchdown pretty good.
Analysis: The bad news is Gonzalez has been a touchdown-or-bust-type Fantasy performer this season, scoring no more than four Fantasy points in each of the four games in which he didn't score a touchdown. The good news is the chances of him scoring a touchdown are pretty good this week with the Bengals defense struggling. The Falcons prefer to go to Gonzalez on short passes over the middle, which doesn't lead to much yardage but makes him an ideal target in the red zone. He should remain active as a No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who entered the game with only one touchdown grab all season, connected twice with QB Matt Ryan on short passes Week 6 at Philadelphia. He caught a 1-yard pass on a little slant in the second quarter and a 13-yarder in the back of the end zone in the fourth. He wasn't a big factor outside of the red zone, though, finishing with three catches for only 19 yards, equaling a season low.
Analysis: The Falcons targeted Gonzalez seven times, so he's still a big part of the passing game. But they often throw to him in tight traffic, asking him to make a tough play for minimal gain. He caught a total of 12 passes over the previous two weeks, but for only 82 yards, so he's no sure bet to make an impact in Fantasy when he doesn't find the end zone. Still, the Falcons clearly emphasize him in the passing game, which is more than we can say for most tight ends on most teams. Continue to think of Gonzalez as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option against the Bengals in Week 7.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who has averaged 6.7 receptions over the last three weeks but has topped 50 yards receiving only once all season, could see an increase in production Week 6 at Philadelphia. He has a combined 136 yards against four teams (Pittsburgh, Arizona, San Francisco, Cleveland) that run a 3-4 defense. Against New Orleans, which employs a 4-3, Gonzalez had 119 yards. Philadelphia runs a 4-3, and LB Stewart Bradley doesn't match up well in the seam, which explains why the Eagles allow 8.4 Fantasy points per game to tight ends, eighth-most in the league.
Analysis: Of course, if the Eagles blitz QB Matt Ryan the way the Browns did last week, the young quarterback may have no choice but to dump the ball off to Gonzalez time and time again, once again resulting in many catches for little yardage. Still, the matchup is encouraging, and Fantasy Football is all about the matchups. Gonzalez had eight catches for 72 yards when these two teams met up last year, which is also a good sign. Even if Gonzalez's numbers have been a little disappointing, he's still an integral enough part of the Falcons offense to remain active in Fantasy.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez was again heavily targeted Week 5 at Cleveland, catching five of the eight passes thrown his way. He again went for only 41 yards, though -- one week after a seven-catch, 41-yard performance against the 49ers. He's averaging 10.3 yards per catch this season.
Analysis: Gonzalez averaged 10.4 yards per catch last season, so you could argue he really isn't doing anything different. But over the last couple weeks, the Falcons have been forcing him the ball in tight coverage well short of the first-down marker, preventing him from gaining any yards after the catch. His size will always make him a popular target in traffic, so the high-catch, low-yardage games could continue. But as long as he's getting opportunities to make plays, the plays will eventually come. Despite his inconsistency this season, Gonzalez remains a No. 1 Fantasy TE at Philadelphia in Week 6.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who has gotten more involved in the passing game over the last two weeks, catching a total of 15 passes, faces a Browns defense Week 5 at Cleveland that hasn't allowed a single touchdown to tight ends this season. The Browns have given up four Fantasy points per game to tight ends, tied for fourth-lowest in the NFL.
Analysis: The Browns have faced the Buccaneers, Chiefs, Ravens and Bengals this season, so they have yet to face a tight end accustomed to scoring touchdowns. Considering they've allowed 235.8 passing yards per game -- ninth-most in the NFL -- and the second-most Fantasy points to wide receivers this season, we say their success against tight ends is more circumstantial than anything else. Gonzalez has only once topped 50 yards receiving in a game this season, which is the bigger concern here. If you drafted him as your No. 1 tight end in Fantasy, you're no doubt a little disappointed, but you shouldn't feel like you have to pick up a second tight end for this matchup.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who had his first 100-yard game as a Falcon last week, picked up only 41 yards through the air Week 4 against the 49ers. It was enough for him to reach another milestone, though. He became the first NFL tight end with 12,000 yards receiving. Even though he wasn't especially productive, he was a prime target for QB Matt Ryan, catching seven passes. He was targeted a team-high 12 times.
Analysis: In Atlanta's season-opening loss at Pittsburgh, Gonzalez became the first NFL tight with 1,000 career catches, so his track record speaks for himself. He hasn't offered much in three of the first four games this season, but all the targets in Week 4 show he's still a priority on offense. If you bench him in Fantasy, you're likely to miss out on some big games. The Falcons have a good matchup Week 5 at Cleveland, so keep Gonzalez active.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who had a combined four catches for 54 yards in Weeks 1 and 2, woke up with eight catches for 110 yards and a touchdown Week 3 at New Orleans and has a good chance of continuing that success Week 4 against the 49ers. The 49ers have struggled on defense this year, giving up 87 points in three games -- tied for most in the league. They allowed 10 Fantasy points to TE Tony Moeaki when they visited the Chiefs last week.
Analysis: The 49ers have allowed the fifth-most Fantasy points to tight ends this season even though they haven't faced any real standouts in their games against the Seahawks, Saints and Chiefs. Gonzalez has taken a back seat to Roddy White in the passing game, but he's still the clear No. 2 receiving option for QB Matt Ryan. Despite his inconsistent production so far this season, he has been too reliable throughout his career for you to consider sitting him in Fantasy, especially with the favorable matchup ahead.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez finally had a big game in 2010. In Week 3 at New Orleans, Gonzlaez had eight catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. He was targeted nine times Sunday, and his touchdown went for 13 yards in the first quarter. Gonzalez came into the game with only four catches for 54 yards in his first two games against the Steelers and Cardinals.
Analysis: We never expected Gonzalez to struggles for too long, and he should still be considered a No. 1 Fantasy option. He will likely continue to play well in Week 4 against San Francisco, and he should remain active in all leagues.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez has gotten off to a slow start so far this season with only four catches for 54 yards in his first two games against the Steelers and Cardinals, but this week he should perform well against New Orleans. In two games against the Saints in 2009, Gonzalez had 12 catches for 139 yards, and New Orleans has struggled with opposing tight ends this season. In Week 1 against Minnesota, Visanthe Shiancoe had four catches for 76 yards and a touchdown against the Saints, and in Week 2 against San Francisco, Vernon Davis had four catches for 78 yards.
Analysis: We consider Gonzalez a No. 1 Fantasy TE still, and he will rebound in this matchup. Keep Gonzalez active in all leagues, and look for him to break out of his early season funk. He will start to play better as the season goes on.
News:Tony Gonzalez has yet to get into the act for the Falcons, and that includes a Week 2 blowout win vs. Arizona. Gonzalez caught the only two passes thrown at him for a total of 19 yards on Sunday. Gonzo has 54 yards on four catches through two games.
Analysis: Atlanta didn't need to pass much in the second half as their run game was on cruise control (literally!). Gonzalez could have better luck in Week 3 at New Orleans, a team that he had six receptions against in each of his two matchups in 2009, though he had only 139 yards and no scores in the two games combined. It's hard to bench or cut a TE of Gonzalez's caliber, and he was mired in a tough matchup in Week 1 and a blowout win in Week 2. If you don't have another good tight end at your disposal, don't be opposed to starting him in Week 3.
News:Tony Gonzalez recorded his 1,000th NFL catch in Week 1 at Pittsburgh, but that didn't help Fantasy owners much. Neither did the 35 yards he got on two receptions. Gonzalez and the Falcons will host the Cardinals in Week 2, a defense that yielded eight catches to Rams tight ends in Week 1. That's not a surprise given the Cardinals' mediocre defense against tight ends last year, and with four of Gonzalez's six scores coming at home in 2009, signs point to the veteran having a good game.
Analysis: Chances are if you own Gonzalez you're starting him anyway, but at least it's nice to know that you can be optimistic about his chances this week. Consider him a fine No. 1 Fantasy choice for Week 2.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez carved out a piece of history in Week 1 against the Steelers, but it probably would have been a little bit more special had his team won. Gonzalez came into the game needing just one catch for 1,000 in his career. Gonzalez had to wait until the third quarter, however, to achieve history. He failed to catch any of his two targets in the first half and then thought he got his 1,000th catch early in the third quarter on a 13-yard gain. However, it was called back on an illegal touching penalty on Gonzalez, who stepped out of bounds before being the first player to touch the football. Three plays later, Gonzalez had his 1,000th catch on a 20-yard gain. He finished with two catches for 35 yards as he was targeted five times.
Analysis: Congrats to Gonzalez becoming the first ever tight end to record 1,000 catches and the seventh player in NFL history. It was a shining moment in a disappointing day. Falcons QB Matt Ryan spent most of Week 1 throwing at Roddy White, who had 23 targets. He tried to look Gonzalez's way, but he was mostly shadowed by two-time All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu. Outside of White, Gonzalez is Ryan's second-best receiver, so we expect the veteran tight end to have a nice season. Keep trusting him as a No. 1 Fantasy TE heading into Week 2 against the Cardinals. Gonzalez has 13 catches for 189 yards and one touchdown in his career against Arizona.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez heads into Week 1 against the Steelers just one catch shy of being the first tight end in NFL history with 1,000 catches. "We certainly hope it happens real early," coach Mike Smith said. "It's a milestone and a great individual achievement for Tony." And the odds of that happening are pretty good seeing how Gonzalez has a strong history against the Steelers. He has hauled in 23 catches for 267 yards and two touchdowns in six career games against Pittsburgh -- all with Kansas City, however. However, Gonzalez doesn't have a 100-yard game in his career against Pittsburgh and just five catches for 23 yards in his last two games against the Steelers.
Analysis: The Steelers usually don't have a ton of weaknesses on defense, but one area they did struggle in was pass defense. Pittsburgh allowed 215.4 passing yards per game and 22 passing touchdowns last season. With Roddy White as the Falcons' only other top receiving option, we expect QB Matt Ryan to look Gonzalez's way often in 2010, beginning in Week 1 against the Steelers. Gonzalez remains a viable No. 1 Fantasy TE in Week 1.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez caught three passes for 30 yards vs. the Dolphins on Friday night. Gonzalez was targeted early and often by QB Matt Ryan, getting passes thrown his way seven times including the first two of the game.
Analysis: Gonzalez is a solid part of the Falcons offense and it's clear that Ryan will lean on him. Heck, he led all tight ends in targets last season -- a huge stat to keep in mind on Draft Day. He's a No. 1 option worth a pick after the first three elite tight ends come off the board.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez remains a favorite target of QB Matt Ryan, as the two hooked up for a completion on the first play from scrimmage during Thursday's loss to the Patriots. Gonzalez caught two of three balls thrown his way, fishing with 18 yards receiving. He has four catches in Atlanta's first two preseason games.
Analysis: Gonzalez is showing no signs of slowing down in his 14th year, averaging over 11 yards a catch in the preseason. He recorded 83 receptions for 867 yards and six touchdowns in 2009, and while his average yards per catch last year was the lowest of his career (10.4), he still ranked third among tight ends in catches and seventh in yardage. Gonzalez remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy TE who should benefit from the continued growth of Ryan in his third season.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez may be closing in on his 1,000th career reception, but the 14-year veteran isn't ready to hang it up any time soon. “Physically, I feel like I can play another three, four years at a pretty good level,” he told the Kansas City Star Wednesday. Gonzalez will start the season with 999 receptions.
Analysis: Gonzalez hauled in 83 receptions for 867 yards and six touchdowns in 2009. His average yards per catch was the lowest of his career (10.4), but he still ranked third among tight ends in catches and seventh in yardage. Despite the mileage, Gonzalez remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez told the official team Web site that he will return to play in 2010. He happens to be one catch shy of 1,000 for his career and had 867 receiving yards and six scores in his first year in Atlanta. "I'll be around for sure next season," he said. "You don't ever want to make a decision right after the season is over. Now that I've had a chance to get away from the game a little bit and talk to my family, I'm definitely going to be around for next year. I'm excited about the direction this team is going in. We've got a really good football team and I really do believe this could be the best football team I've ever played on coming up next year."
Analysis: Expect him to continue on this pace in 2010 with the Falcons, making him a No. 1 Fantasy TE you can land between Rounds 5 and 7 in drafts this summer (a good value).
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez fell one catch short of 1,000 over his career when he nabbed three passes for 30 yards at Tampa Bay in Week 17.
Analysis: Gonzalez's season ends with 83 catches for 867 yards and six touchdowns, very close to the projected stats we had for him before the season began (81 catches, 906 yards, six touchdowns). Expect him to continue on this pace in 2010 with the Falcons, making him a No. 1 Fantasy TE you can land between Rounds 5 and 7 in drafts this summer (good value!).
News: The Falcons activated QB Matt Ryan (toe, probable), TE Tony Gonzalez (calf, questionable) and K Matt Bryant (hamstring, questionable) for Week 17 at Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Fantasy owners who were waiting for confirmation these players would play in the season finale could feel comfortable starting them, though only Gonzalez is a must-start from the group.
News: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez says he hopes to play Sunday against Tampa Bay. He hurt his calf in Week 16 against the Bills. Gonzalez is four catches away from 1,000 in his career. "Yeah, that's part of the motivation," said Gonzalez, who's battling back from calf injury. "It's a milestone. It's a great milestone. I would love to be able to get it done this year."
Analysis: Consindering how close Gonzalez is to the 1,000-reception milestone, one can imagine that he's anxious to play. If he does play, he'd be usable in most Fantasy leagues against the Bucs in Week 17.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez left the Week 16 game against Buffalo early in the second half with a calf injury and could not return. Gonzalez came up short in his quest for 1,000 career receptions. His two catches gives him 996 for his career at this point. He finished with two grabs for 17 yards in the game.
Analysis: Gonzalez scored a touchdown Week 15 against the Jets and is always a threat to score and put up solid yardage for the Falcons. Atlanta plays at Tampa Bay in Week 17 and a healthy Gonzalez would continue to be worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy option.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez made three catches for 32 yards and a go-ahead touchdown with 1:38 remaining in the game as Atlanta edged the Jets 10-7 in Week 15.
Analysis: Gonzalez got Matt Ryan back throwing him the ball on Sunday, but it didn't help his cause until real late in the game. The Falcons host Buffalo in Week 16 and Gonzalez should remain a starting TE in all Fantasy formats.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez had a decent performance on Sunday in a loss to the Saints. Gonzalez caught six passes in the game and gained 50 yards. His longest reception in the game went for 18 yards. It was the third week in a row that Gonzalez has been held out of the end zone.
Analysis: Gonzalez’s production hasn’t really taken a hit since Chris Redman took over for the injured Matt Ryan in Week 12, but he has failed to find the end zone since the change. However, Gonzalez is still producing at a high level and remains a must-start Fantasy TE. He could have a tough time against the top-ranked Jets pass defense in Week 15, but he’s too good to take out of any lineup.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez had eight catches for 72 yards Sunday against the Eagles. He was second in catches and yards for the Falcons behind Roddy White (nine catches for 104 yards and a touchdown).
Analysis: Gonzalez continues to play at a high level for the Falcons and keep him active in all leagues for Week 14 against New Orleans.
News: Falcons QB Matt Ryan (toe) will not play in Week 13 against Philadelphia. He left Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with what has been officially diagnosed as turf toe. Chris Redman will start against the Eagles. That means Atlanta WR Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzalez will get to play with Redman in Week 13.
Analysis: White played well with Redman under center against the Bucs and finished with five catches for 57 yards and a touchdown. In 2007, when Redman started the final five games for the Falcons, White had 31 catches for 428 yards and three touchdowns over that span, so continue to use White as a No. 2 Fantasy WR with Ryan out. Gonzalez had nine catches for 83 yards against Tampa Bay on Sunday, so he also would remain a No. 1 Fantasy option against the Eagles even with Redman as the starting QB.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez caught nine passes for 83 yards to lead the team in the Week 12 win over Tampa Bay. Gonzalez did not score in the game but he came up huge on the game's final drive for the Falcons. Backup QB Chris Redman, who came on for an injured Matt Ryan, looked to Gonzalez time and time again to get open to gain chunks of yardage and set up the game-winning TD pass to Roddy White.
Analysis: Gonzalez continues to be perhaps the top receiving option on the Falcons. He’s definitely been the most consistent. Gonzo has caught at least four passes in every game since Week 3 of the season and has at least 37 yards receiving in each of those games. He’s scored three touchdowns over that span as well. Playing at home against the Eagles in Week 13, we still like Gonzalez as a No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez caught eight passes for 82 yards in Week 11 at the Giants, including his fifth touchdown of the season. Gonzalez was targeted a team-high 14 times in the game.
Analysis: Gonzalez has at least five catches in five of his last seven games with touchdowns in three of those contests. He has yet to break 100 yards this season, but he remains a highly targeted tight end and one of the best at his position in Fantasy. The Falcons play Tampa Bay in Week 12.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez caught six passes for 67 yards and no scores during a Week 10 loss at Carolina. Gonzalez went for a long pass of 14 yards from QB Matt Ryan.
Analysis: Gonzalez has had between four and six receptions in six straight games now and has two touchdowns over that span. He continues to put up solid numbers as a No. 1 Fantasy TE and that will continues in Week 11 at the Giants. New York struggles defending tight ends.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez led the Falcons in receiving in the Week 9 win over Washington. The Redskins have the No. 2 pass defense in the NFL but Matt Ryan still found Gonzalez in the end zone for a 2-yard TD pass in the 1st quarter. Gonzalez finished with five catches for 41 yards and the score.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains a high-end Fantasy tight end as he's good for at least 4-6 catches per week for the Falcons. Gonzalez caught seven passes for 71 yards and a touchdown the last time he faced Carolina, where the Falcons play in Week 10, and that keeps him a No. 1 Fantasy option.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who averaged only 40 receiving yards over his last four games, had a season-high 89 on six catches at New Orleans in Week 8. He went without a touchdown, giving him only one in his last five games.
Analysis: Gonzalez showed he's still a big part of the Falcons' passing game, not that anyone ever doubted the man with at least 900 receiving yards each of the last six years. He's a big enough red-zone target that his touchdown drought has to end sooner or later as well. Week 9 seems like a good bet since the Falcons host the Redskins. Keep Gonzalez active.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who entered the game averaging 41 yards over his last three, caught four passes for 37 yards Week 7 at Dallas. He topped 70 yards each of the first two weeks but hasn't done so since.
Analysis: Gonzalez hasn't put up his best numbers lately, but he remains a good target in the red zone. Plus, you know he's too valuable as a safety valve to disappear in the offense. Some tight ends might have passed him in the rankings this season, but he's still a No. 1 Fantasy TE and a must-start Week 8 at New Orleans.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez scored and caught four passes for 52 yards vs. Chicago in Week 6. The future Hall of Famer has scored in every home game since joining the Falcons this season.
Analysis: Gonzalez will go on the road in Week 7 and take on a Cowboys pass defense that has struggled against opposing pass attacks. He's obviously a must-start but could come down with his first touchdown on the road in an important matchup. Keep him active.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who had only one reception for 16 yards in his last game Week 3 at New England, got back in on the act Week 5 at San Francisco, catching six passes for 55 yards. He played a secondary role to WR Roddy White, though, who caught eight passes for 210 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez had touchdown receptions in each of his first two games before getting shut out each of the last two. He might end up trailing White in terms of yards and receptions this season, but with emerging start Matt Ryan under center, both will get plenty of looks. Gonzalez hasn't done anything to lose his status as a No. 1 TE in Fantasy. Keep him active for Week 6 against the Bears.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez will face a 49ers defense in Week 5 that ranks a respectable 10th against the pass and held both Visanthe Shiancoe and John Carlson under 50 yards earlier this season.
Analysis: Gonzalez will hopefully forgotten about his woeful one-catch outing in Week 3 when he gets back in action Sunday after his bye week. He doesn't have the best matchup, but Gonzalez is worth using in all leagues as a No. 1 Fantasy TE for the time being.
News: In the Falcons' Week 3 loss at the Patriots, TE Tony Gonzalez made just one catch for 16 yards. Gonzalez's history vs. Bill Belichick-coached teams continues to be poor -- he hasn't scored on Belichick's defense since 2000. "They did the same thing they always do to me, 'bracket coverage,'" Gonzalez said. "If I get single coverage I am going to make them pay for it eventually."
Analysis: Gonzalez will stew on this poor performance for a week as the team has a bye in Week 4. He has 13 catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns through three games. Obviously Gonzalez must sit for Fantasy owners next week as he won't be playing, but he should be solid in Week 5 when he plays at San Francisco. Consider him a No. 1 Fantasy TE for that upcoming matchup. Potential low-end alternatives for Gonzalez off of waivers for Week 4 include: Vernon Davis (vs. St. Louis), Derek Fine (at Miami) and Marcedes Lewis (vs. Tennessee). Consider them if you don't already have a Fantasy replacement.
News: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez (back) was able to participate in full in practice on Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for Week 3's game at New England. He is considered probable for the game.
Analysis: Gonzalez has gotten off to a great start with his new team and has developed a strong rapport with quarterback Matt Ryan. As long as he is healthy and ready to go this weekend, he should remain active in any league that requires starting a tight end and even in leagues where he can be used as a receiver.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez led all Atlanta receivers with seven catches for 71 yards in Week 2 vs. Carolina. He caught a 24-yard touchdown in the first quarter and scored for a second straight week.
Analysis: Gonzalez has gotten off to a great start with his new team and has developed a strong rapport with quarterback Matt Ryan. As long as he is healthy, he should remain active in any league that requires starting a tight end and even in leagues where he can be used as a receiver. The Falcons will travel to New England in Week 3.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez will take on the Panthers in Week 2 after a nice debut with his new team (73 yards, touchdown) in Week 1. Gonzalez hasn't faced Carolina since 2000, when he was with the Chiefs. The Panthers allowed six catches for 37 yards and a touchdown to Eagles TE Brent Celek in Week 1.
Analysis: Gonzalez looked his usual self in Week 1 as he caused Miami all sorts of problems. Gonzalez remains a must-start Fantasy TE in all leagues until further notice.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez didn't take long to make an impact with his new team as he caught five passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in a Week 1 win over Miami.
Analysis: It's clear that Gonzalez didn't lose much of a step this offseason, even at the advanced age of 33. Heading into Week 2 vs. Carolina, he remains a must-start Fantasy TE in all formats.
News: New Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez is hoping he has similar success against his Week 1 opponent, Miami, as he did with his old team in Kansas City. Last year, Gonzalez had seven catches for 64 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins. For his career, Gonzalez has 28 catches for 376 yards and five touchdowns against Miami.
Analysis: Gonzalez will likely matchup with Miami safety Yeremiah Bell or LB Channing Crowder. Gonzalez is familiar with both players and should do well in his first game with the Falcons. Consider him a must-start in all leagues.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez had three catches for 32 yards with a touchdown in the team's second preseason game against the Rams Friday. After two preseason contests, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution believes that Gonzalez will be mostly used on third downs and in red-zone situations. It's also clear that Gonzalez and QB Matt Ryan are on the same page. "He's such a great quarterback that he knew right away," Gonzalez said. "He said, 'where do you like the ball?' I said, 'I like it up top. Throw it up high.' He's been putting it there every since."
Analysis: We expect Gonzalez to continue his usual productivity, though we doubt he'll top his career-best totals from when he was the No. 1 option in Kansas City. We think he's safe to slot exactly fourth among tight ends behind Dallas Clark, Jason Witten and Antonio Gates. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy TE well worth a pick between Rounds 5 and 7 in drafts.
News:Tony Gonzalez is doing his best to get through another training camp. Even 5-yard hitch patterns Thursday seemed too demanding, not just for the star tight end, but for most of the Atlanta Falcons' skill players in the North Georgia heat. "Anybody who says they look forward to this is crazy in my book, and there are some guys out there that are crazy," Gonzalez said. "You enjoy yourself in the offseason, but it's time to get back to work." As he's done over the past two weeks in his first camp with Atlanta after 12 seasons in Kansas City, Gonzalez routinely beat pass coverage and placed precise blocks on linebackers and other defenders. The 10-time Pro Bowl pick only smiles when asked if he dislikes training camp, partly because he's already and expectedly made a positive first impression. Gonzalez also knows, however, that you can't underestimate the value of practicing correctly in the NFL. "I've been around a long time," he said. "I've seen great teams on paper. I played on some really good teams out there in Kansas City, and we really weren't able to put it together. Right now, we've got a lot of talent on this team, and they're coming off a great season. We aren't going to catch anybody by surprise, so it's important that we work hard and prepare."
Analysis: Gonzalez agreed to a trade from the Chiefs so he could join Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan, running back Michael Turner and wideout Roddy White to give himself a chance to make a deep playoff run. Gonzalez plans to keep a low profile over the next four weeks. He has amassed 916 catches, 10,940 yards receiving, 76 touchdown catches, 26 games of 100 or more yards and four 1,000-yard seasons. "I'm not coming in here trying to catch 100 balls or save the day," Gonzalez said. "I'm going to do the same thing I always do. When they call my number and call my play, I'm going to try to produce, and things will take care of themselves." Even though he is with a new team, we expect Gonzalez to do just fine with second-year QB Matt Ryan. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy option and should be one of the first players drafted at his position beginning with a pick around Round 5 in all leagues.
News: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports new Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez had a good first mini-camp. He appeared to catch everything thrown his way. On Sunday, he drove out to tip a pass that was too far in front of him. While falling to the ground, he caught the ball. Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey had him run a couple of vertical routes and it doesn't look like the 33-year-old has lost a step. "He's everything that I've seen for the last nine or 10 years," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "He's the prototypical tight end. He can block. He can catch. He can run after the catch. He's just a guy who's going to make everybody on this team, offense and defense, better."
Analysis: Gonzalez should help the offense as a whole. Mularkey knows that with Gonazlez on board, teams will have trouble keying on one player. There were games last season, when teams could sellout on stopping Michael Turner or Roddy White and shut the offense down. "It will be hard to beat down on one guy with Tony in there," Mularkey said. "It should help the run game with him in there." Gonzalez is going to do just fine in Atlanta and playing with QB Matt Ryan. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy option and should be one of the first players drafted at his position beginning with a pick around Round 5 in all leagues.
News: At a press conference where he said good-bye to Kansas City, new Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez said he is very excited to be heading to Atlanta. He's looking forward to getting to know QB Matt Ryan and digest the Falcons' offense. "I do feel new energy," he said. "You have to. This is exciting. It's like being drafted all over again. I'm going out there with some great players, some guys who have had great success. So I've got to make sure we mesh, and that comes with work."
Analysis: In Atlanta, Gonzalez instantly becomes a safe short- and mid-range target for second-year passer Matt Ryan. And, just like in Kansas City, he'll share the field with a talented young receiver, this time it will be Roddy White. We expect Gonzalez to continue his usual productivity, and he'll also still be useful to the Falcons in the red zone. Gonzalez remains a No. 1 Fantasy TE well worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 8 in drafts this summer.
News: The Falcons have acquired Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez from the Chiefs for a second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Gonzalez has been in the news over the course of the last year hinting at wanting out of Kansas City so that he could play for a contender. The Chiefs' new front-office brass gave him his wish. He had 1,058 yards on 96 catches last year with Kansas City, the second time in as many seasons he had over 90 catches and 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns to go with it. "Tony brings a new dynamic to the Falcons offense and we are very pleased that we were able to make the trade with Kansas City," said Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff.
Analysis: In Atlanta, Gonzalez instantly becomes a safe short- and mid-range target for second-year passer Matt Ryan. And, just like in Kansas City, he'll share the field with a talented young receiver in Roddy White. We expect Gonzalez to continue his usual productivity, and he'll also still be useful to the Falcons in the red zone. Gonzalez remains a No. 1 Fantasy TE well worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 8 in drafts this summer.
News: After The Associated Press reported that TE Tony Gonzalez was still interested in leaving the Chiefs via trade, GM Scott Pioli told the Kansas City Star that Gonzalez hasn't requested anything, no team has contacted him about a trade, and that Gonzalez will remain with the Chiefs at this juncture. "He has not indicated to me that he wants to be traded," Pioli said. "I don't want to get into any other specifics of the conversations because those are conversations that will stay between players and (coach Todd Haley) and players and myself. They were good conversations, positive conversations, healthy conversations."
Analysis: After the club hired Pioli and Haley, and retained offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, and acquired QB Matt Cassel, the assumption was that Gonzalez was fine with the changes the team made and would be willing to stay. Gonzalez, 33, has expressed interest in wanting a shot at a Super Bowl ring before he calls it quits in a year or two. For now, he's Chiefs property, and as long as Cassel targets Gonzalez constantly, which is expected, we can expect big stats from the veteran. He had 1,058 yards on 96 catches last year, the second time in as many seasons he had over 90 catches and 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns to boot. Consider Gonzalez a top five Fantasy TE worth a draft pick around Round 6 assuming he stays with the Chiefs. We'll let you know if he goes elsewhere.
News: Contrary to remarks by Kansas City owner Clark Hunt, Tony Gonzalez wants to be traded if the right deal can be made, a person close to the Pro Bowl tight end told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person said Gonzalez was surprised that Hunt had said the Chiefs were definitely not going to trade their 10-time Pro Bowler. Gonzalez has not formally requested a trade, but would be open to landing with a new club if the Chiefs can find a workable deal. "Tony very much wants the Chiefs to trade him," the source said. "Tony is not demanding a trade. Tony cherishes the time he's spent with the Chiefs and he loves the way he's always been treated by the fans there. But he knows of some other teams that would be interested in him and if the right deal can be made, he wants it to be made."
Analysis: After the club hired GM Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley, and retained offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, and acquired QB Matt Cassel, the assumption was that Gonzalez was fine with the changes the team made and would be willing to stay. Now it sounds like he'd stay -- but would prefer to go to a contender. Gonzalez, 33, wants a shot at winning a Super Bowl ring before he calls it quits in a year or two. For now, he's Chiefs property, and as long as Cassel targets Gonzalez constantly, which is expected, we can expect big stats from the veteran. He had 1,058 yards on 96 catches last year, the second time in as many seasons he had over 90 catches and 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns to boot. Consider Gonzalez a top five Fantasy TE worth a draft pick around Round 6 assuming he stays with the Chiefs. We'll let you know if he goes elsewhere.
News: Chiefs owner Clark Hunt told the Kansas City Star that he plans on hanging on to tight end Tony Gonzalez, keeping the Pro Bowl player on the team he's been on since 1997. "We certainly will not seek a trade for Tony," Hunt said. "I think he's excited about the changes we've made here. I think he recognizes that with Todd (Haley) as the head coach, we're going to have an exciting offense and one that will feature the passing game. No matter our starting quarterback, it will be someone who will look his way quite a bit."
Analysis: Earlier this offseason, Gonzalez spoke about possibly reiterating his request to be traded if the club went in a direction he didn't like with its head coach. But with the team hiring Haley and keeping Chan Gailey, Gonzalez might see the bright side with the club's offense. Problem is, he still might view the club as a non-contender. For now, he's Chiefs property, and as long as they have someone who will target Gonzalez constantly like Matt Cassel under center, we can expect big stats from the veteran. He had 1,058 yards on 96 catches last year, the second time in as many seasons he had over 90 catches and 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns to boot. Consider Gonzalez a top five Fantasy TE worth a draft pick around Round 6 assuming he stays with the Chiefs. We'll let you know if he goes elsewhere.
News: In a surprising move, the Chiefs announced Tuesday that offensive coordinator Chan Gailey would stay on the Chiefs' staff despite Todd Haley, the former offensive coordinator of the Cardinals, being named the new head coach earlier this month. Gailey's position wasn't announced, but it is believed that he will remain the club's offensive coordinator. Haley said in his introductory news conference that he would surround himself with good coaches and let them handle their fair share of the workload, and Gailey was one of those coaches. Under Gailey's tutelage last season, the Chiefs offense had 32 touchdowns, with 23 of them coming through the air. And of those 23, TE Tony Gonzalez had 10, the most he'd had since 10 in 2003. He also had 1,058 yards on 96 catches, the second time in as many seasons he had over 90 catches and 1,000 yards.
Analysis: Earlier this offseason, Gonzalez spoke about possibly reiterating his request to be traded if the club went in a direction he didn't like with its head coach and in free agency. But with the team hiring Haley and keeping Gailey, Gonzalez might see the bright side with the club's offense and could be swayed into remaining a Chief. Problem is, he'll still view the club as a non-contender and could want out to play for a contending team. For now, though, he's Chiefs property, and as long as they have someone who will target Gonzalez constantly like Tyler Thigpen under center, we can expect big stats from the veteran. Consider Gonzalez a top five Fantasy TE worth a draft pick around Round 6 assuming he stays with the Chiefs. We'll let you know if he goes elsewhere.
News: In a sideline interview during the 2009 Pro Bowl, Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez put trade rumors to rest after a week where a story suggested that he still wanted out of Kansas City. Since then, the club hired Todd Haley as their head coach, and Gonzalez said he spoke with GM Scott Pioli about his future with the club. "There is no doubt in my mind that Scott Pioli is going to come in there and do an amazing job and so is Todd Haley, the new head coach," Gonzalez said. "But I'm going into year 13. I want to play maybe two more years, and that's maybe. I've been in three playoff games and won none. Just looking at the Super Bowl this year, it would be so great to get that opportunity to play for that. I'm not saying the Chiefs can’t do that. They will eventually turn that corner; it's how soon can they do that. Once free agency comes, and they're wheeling and dealing, and they're making trades, and it looks good, then I have no problem staying with the Chiefs."
Analysis: While a regular football fan would be dizzy with this back-and-forth, we here in the Fantasy world can pretty much live with Gonzalez anywhere. He had a very solid 2008 and finished the season with five touchdowns in his last six games including four straight. He seemed to be re-energized with Tyler Thigpen under center as the youngster targeted Gonzalez a bunch. Ending with 96 catches for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns, Gonzalez was the best tight end option in Fantasy last year. There's no doubt that he'd be a desirable No. 1 Fantasy option in drafts this summer, regardless of where his home address is.
News: Todd Haley has been hired as coach of the Kansas City Chiefs after helping the Arizona Cardinals reach the Super Bowl. The Chiefs announced the hiring in a statement Friday before a news conference. Haley was the offensive coordinator of the Cardinals. He joins a team that went a franchise-worst 2-14 under coach Herm Edwards, who was fired Jan. 23. Edwards lost all but two of his last 25 games and launched a rebuilding project that made the Chiefs the league's youngest team this season. The Chiefs haven't won a postseason game since an aging Joe Montana was their quarterback in the 1993 season.
Analysis: Among Haley's most urgent problems will be disgruntled stars Tony Gonzalez and Larry Johnson. Gonzalez, the all-time leader among tight ends in touchdowns and receptions, said this week at the Pro Bowl he may want out of Kansas City. He was angry during the season that Edwards did not let him get the receiving record at home, and then was upset Peterson would not trade him. For now, continue to monitor the sitauation to see what happens with Gonzalez now that Haley is on board. Wherever Gonzalez plays in 2009, he will remain a No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: A day after Yahoo! Sports intimated that TE Tony Gonzalez still wanted a trade out of Kansas City, FOX Sports reports that the initial interview didn't properly represent Gonzalez's needs. He says he doesn't necessarily want to leave the Chiefs. "I want to make sure people know I have not asked for a trade," Gonzalez said Wednesday. "I haven't even talked to (new Chiefs GM Scott) Pioli yet. I said there are reasons I would ask for a trade, but depending on the coach they bring in and the free-agent acquisitions, I could easily be a Chief next year, too. In fact, that's the direction I want to go."
Analysis: While a regular football fan would be dizzy with this back-and-forth, we here in the Fantasy world can pretty much live with Gonzalez anywhere. He had a very solid 2008 and finished the season with five touchdowns in his last six games including four straight. He seemed to be re-energized with Tyler Thigpen under center as the youngster targeted Gonzalez a bunch. Ending with 96 catches for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns, Gonzalez was the best tight end option in Fantasy last year. There's no doubt that he'd be a desirable No. 1 Fantasy option in drafts this summer, regardless of where his home address is.
News: Yahoo! Sports reports that Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez still would prefer to play for another team that has a good chance of going to the Super Bowl. Kansas City is in a rebuilding mode and is expected to hire a new head coach soon. Gonzalez did temper his comments by saying that if the right guy came in to coach the Chiefs, he'd stay. "I love Kansas City. I really do. If I could stay there, I would," Gonzalez said. "That's why this is going to be a tough decision. We've been rebuilding. It hasn't really seemed to go well. We won four (games in 2007) and two this year. It's getting tough. ... I don't want to make it seem to the fans in Kansas City and to my teammates that I'm abandoning them. I hope, I think, they'll understand."
Analysis: Gonzalez had a very solid 2008 and finished the season with five touchdowns in his last six games including four straight. He seemed to be re-energized with Tyler Thigpen under center as the youngster targeted Gonzalez a bunch. Ending with 96 catches for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns, Gonzalez was the best tight end option in Fantasy last year. There's no doubt that he'd be a desirable No. 1 Fantasy option in drafts this summer.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught five passes for 53 yards and a touchdown in a Week 17 win over the Bengals. He finished the year with a touchdown in four straight games and 10 on the year.
Analysis: Gonzalez finished one short of his career-best touchdown total this season and doubled his five from 2007. If he sticks around in K.C., which is a possibility now that the team has a solid starting QB in Tyler Thigpen, Gonzalez will unquestionably be a top-five TE in all 2009 drafts. His value won't drop too much if he ends up somewhere else, either.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught a team-high seven passes for 64 yards and a touchdown in a Week 16 loss vs. Miami.
Analysis: After a slow start to the season, Gonzalez now has six TDs in his last seven games and nine on the season, which is just two short of his career high. The Chiefs play at Cincinnati in Week 17 and Gonzalez remains a must-start in all Fantasy formats.
News: In the Chiefs' 22-21 loss vs. the Chargers in Week 15, TE Tony Gonzalez caught six passes for 61 yards with a touchdown on a pass from Larry Johnson. Gonzalez has five touchdowns in his last six games and 941 yards on the season.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains a must-start No. 1 Fantasy TE when he plays vs. the Dolphins in Week 16. Definitely start him if you have him.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught five catches for 73 yards in Week 14 at Denver. He caught a 13-yard touchdown in the second quarter and was thrown to 11 times in the game.
Analysis: Gonzalez continues to be a primary receiver for the Chiefs, though, he and WR Dwayne Bowe are clearly the top targets in the offense. With Mark Bradley inactive due to injury, Bowe and Gonzalez once again saw most of the looks in the passing game. That should continue down the stretch and Gonzalez should be considered a must-start Fantasy tight end or even just a No. 2 receiver for Week 15 against San Diego. He had 10 catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns earlier this season in San Diego. Needless to say, he knows his way around the Chargers linebackers after all these years playing the division rivals.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had a game-high eight catches for 110 yards during a Week 13 win against the Raiders. He was targeted 11 times in the game and his longest reception went 23 yards. Gonzalez has three 100-yard games in his last four outings.
Analysis: Gonzalez really floundered early in the season as the Chiefs looked for stability under center. They finally found it with Tyler Thigpen and Gonzalez has returned to being an All-Pro tight end. Gonzalez has been red hot since mid-October and remains a No. 1 Fantasy TE heading into Week 14 against the Broncos. He had three catches for 47 yards and one touchdown during his first meeting with Denver this season.
News: In the Chiefs' 54-31 loss vs. the Bills in Week 12, TE Tony Gonzalez had his second 10-catch week with over 100 yards in his last three, adding a touchdown. Gonzalez continues to be the security blanket Tyler Thigpen needs to post good numbers.
Analysis: There's no doubt that Tony Gonzalez is a No. 1 Fantasy TE, but he doesn't have a strong recent history against the Raiders, especially yardagewise. Fantasy owners should still start him, but expect less than 90 or 100 yards.
News: Bills starting safety Donte Whitner and starting cornerback Jabari Greer won't play because of injuries when Buffalo travels to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Sunday. Whitner, who missed the second half of Buffalo's Monday night loss to Cleveland, is nursing a right shoulder separated against the Jets on Nov. 2. Greer, meanwhile, hurt his right knee in the Browns game. Buffalo's secondary might be even further depleted if Whitner's replacement, Bryan Scott, can't play. Scott is questionable because of a left knee injury sustained against the Browns. Rookie Leodis McKelvin will likely start in place of Greer, while George Wilson would start at strong safety if Scott is unable to go. This all benefits the Chiefs passing game, which has been the crux of their offense for several weeks now thanks to the terrific play of QB Tyler Thigpen and steady production from TE Tony Gonzalez.
Analysis: Start Gonzalez in all leagues as a quality No. 1 Fantasy tight end. He could come close to 100 yards and a score.
News: Kansas City TE Tony Gonzalez (knee), who did not practice on Wednesday, returned for full practice on Thursday in preparation for Week 12 vs. Buffalo. He should be close to 100 percent for the game.
Analysis: Gonzalez has come on as of late as the quarterback situation in Kansas City has become a bit more stable with Tyler Thigpen. Gonzalez has six or more catches in five straight games and has bene held under 60 yards just once in that span. Gonzalez is a must-start Fantasy TE in Week 12 against the Bills.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (knee) did not practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 12 vs. Buffalo. The former All-Pro was injured during Week 11 against the Saints, but managed to finish the game. He had five catches for 39 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez has come on as of late as the quarterback situation in Kansas City has become a bit more stable with Tyler Thigpen. Gonzalez has six or more catches in five straight games and has bene held under 60 yards just once in that span. Gonzalez is a must-start Fantasy TE when healthy. He should play Sunday barring setback, so stay tuned.
News: TE Tony Gonzalez hobbled off the field in the third quarter Sunday of Kansas City's game against New Orleans, but returned a short time later. The Chiefs said Gonzalez, 32, who holds NFL tight end records for touchdowns, catches and yards receiving, had an ankle sprain. He came back in after New Orleans scored to take a 27-13 lead late in the third period. Gonzalez finished the game with five catches for 39 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez is expected to be fine for Week 12 against Buffalo, but continue to monitor his status heading into the game. For now, continue to use Gonzalez as a No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez caught a game-high 10 catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns in Week 10 at San Diego. His longest catch went for 34 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez was targeted 16 times in the game and the Chiefs' pass offense continues to be centered around the future Hall of Famer. QB Tyler Thigpen completed passes to just four receivers in the game and it does not seem to matter that opposing teams know the ball will be coming his way early and often. Continue to use Gonzalez as an elite No. 1 Fantasy tight end option or even as a No. 2 receiver option where applicable.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez made a team-high seven catches for 62 yards Week 9 against the Buccaneers. He now has at least six catches in three straight games.
Analysis: Tyler Thigpen has begun to emerge at quarterback for the Chiefs, trusting Gonzalez as his safety valve. Gonzalez got off to a slow start this season, but he looks like a top Fantasy TE again. Keep him active Week 10 at San Diego.
News: Kansas City TE Tony Gonzalez hauled in 6 Tyler Thigpen passes for 79 yards and a touchdown in Week 8's loss to the Jets. Gonzalez brought down a high pass from Thigpen in double coverage as he beat Dwight Lowery in front of him and Calvin Pace into the end zone.
Analysis: Gonzalez had one of his best games of the season in Thigpen's second NFL start and the two could develop quite a rapport with each other. That is good news for Gonzalez who might actually gain Fantasy value after this week's game. He's a No. 1 Fantasy TE and should be active in Week 9 vs. Tampa Bay.
News: Chiefs coach Herman Edwards said Wednesday that his top two quarterbacks, Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard, both suffered season-ending injuries in last week's 34-10 loss to Tennessee. Croyle is gone with a severe injury to his left knee and Huard is joining him on injured reserve with an injury to his right hand. Third-teamer Tyler Thigpen, who threw three interceptions in a blowout loss to Atlanta this year in his only NFL start, will start at the Jets on Sunday.
Analysis: This is bad news for TE Tony Gonzalez, who needs a quality quarterback to throw to him in order to make plays. What helps Gonzalez is that Thigpen may keep the All-Pro tight end in his sights because he's a short-area target. Gonzalez remains a No. 1 Fantasy tight end only because the depth at the position is fairly thin, but if you have the luxury to start another good option, do it.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez, who requested a trade and didn't get one at the deadline this past week, had arguably his best game of the season Week 7 against the Titans. He caught six passes for season-high 97 yards.
Analysis: The Chiefs lost starting QB Brodie Croyle for the season in the same game, but Gonzalez's performance doesn't stand to decrease any since Croyle was playing for the first time since Week 1. Even if he usually ends up with only 50 yards or so per game, he remains a big enough target in the red zone to start every week in Fantasy, including Week 8 at the Jets.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez held a players-only meeting with his teammates Wednesday to assure them he's not bitter the team failed to trade him to a contender. The nine-time Pro Bowler admitted, however, he first felt "betrayed" that the Chiefs had not made a deal before the NFL trade deadline Tuesday. "Initially, yes," he said. "I thought, 'I can't believe this. It's a lie.' But then the more I think about it, the more I calm down." Gonzalez said he asked to meet with the other Chiefs to make sure the young players knew it's about "being the best football player you can be no matter what the situation is."
Analysis: Gonzalez will remain a No. 1 TE even with the Chiefs and their bad QB situation of Brodie Croyle, Damon Huard and Tyler Thigpen. Still, with so few options available at the position, keep him active for Week 7 against Tennessee.
News: TE Tony Gonzalez is staying in Kansas City. Chiefs coach Herm Edwards says Gonzalez was not traded before Tuesday's deadline. The 32-year-old Gonzalez had asked Kansas City to explore trade talks because he wants an opportunity to make a Super Bowl run before the end of his career. The nine-time Pro Bowler holds tight end records for receptions, touchdowns and yards receiving.
Analysis: Gonzalez will remain a No. 1 TE even with the Chiefs and their bad QB situation of Brodie Croyle, Damon Huard and Tyler Thigpen. Still, he continues to make plays and should be started in all leagues in Week 7 against Tennessee.
News: TE Tony Gonzalez practiced with the Chiefs for what could be the last time Monday and then went home to await word on whether he's been traded. Several teams are thought to be interested in the nine-time Pro Bowl tight end, including Buffalo, Philadelphia and the New York Giants. But a Chiefs spokesman who asked not to be identified because talks were still ongoing told The Associated Press that no deal was pending. The trade deadline is 4 p.m. EDT on Tuesday.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should root hard for Gonzalez to land with a new club since he'd be playing in a better offense, most likely with a better quarterback. With so few Fantasy-viable tight ends in the league, he remains a must-start even if he has to stay with the Chiefs for Week 7 against the Titans.
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez has asked for a trade, and the club is attempting to move him. The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday. Gonzalez has played his entire 12-year career with the Chiefs but has never won as much as a playoff game. The veteran would like the chance to win a ring before the end of his career. The paper notes that compensation for Gonzalez would be the biggest problem since Gonzalez is a short-term option as he's 32 years old with retirement in sight.
Analysis: A lot of clubs jump out as potential suitors for Gonzalez, including the Patriots, Packers, Vikings, Panthers, Jets, Bills, Jaguars, Titans and Giants (whom a local radio station reported had the most interest). Fantasy owners should root hard for Gonzalez to land with a new club since he'd be playing in a better offense, most likely with a better quarterback than what he has now with the Chiefs. Gonzalez's years of experience would also likely make him an easy add to any offensive playbook. We'll keep you posted on what happens with Gonzalez, but for now, keep him benched as the Chiefs are on bye in Week 6. He's a decent starting option if he's still with the Chiefs in Week 7 even though the play the Titans.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught a 6-yard pass from QB Damon Huard late in the first quarter Week 5 against the Panthers to move past Shannon Sharpe for the NFL's career leader for receiving yards for a tight end. But that catch came on third-and-16, leading to one of Dustin Colquitt's seven punts in a 34-0 loss. Gonzalez, who was targeted seven times, caught three passes for 17 yards and no scores.
Analysis: Even though Gonzalez achieved a special milestone Week 5, the Chiefs still got embarrased and Gonzalez was kept out of the end zone. Gonzalez hasn't broken 60 yards in 2008 and is just not the former All-Pro tight end of old. He is still worth starting as a No. 1 Fantasy TE, but keep your expectations in line. The Chiefs are on a bye Week 6 and return to action Week 7 against the Titans.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez fell just three yards short of tying Shannon Sharpe for the most receiving yards in a career for any tight end in football history. Gonzalez, who caught a 10-yard touchdown pass and leads all TEs in touchdowns for a career, went for 47 yards on three catches with a long of 23.
Analysis: Gonzalez was missing until the second half of the game. Still, his touchdown was an excellent catch and the fans went wild. He should continue to be considered a No. 1 Fantasy TE, although he's no longer the elite playing on a poor offensive team. The Chiefs head to Carolina in Week 5 and Gonzalez should still be starting in the majority of Fantasy leagues. He'll get Sharpe's record next week.
News: On Sunday against Denver, Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez needs just 50 yards to overtake Shannon Sharpe's record of 10,060 yards receiving. Already in Gonzalez's possession are the tight end records for touchdown catches (67) and receptions (835). But the litany of "firsts, mosts and bests" does not stop there for the man with the nonviolent nature and ferocious will to compete. With just 4 yards against the Broncos, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound Gonzalez will become the first tight end in league history to put up 1,000 yards receiving against three franchises. His nine Pro Bowl selections are the most ever by a tight end, and he's the only man at his position to lead the league in receptions for an entire season.
Analysis: Consider Gonzalez a No. 1 TE in Week 4. The Chiefs are hosting the Broncos in Week 4 and Denver is the absolute worst team in the NFL against the pass allowing over 315 yards per contest. Gonzalez caught 10 passes for 105 yards and a score last season in two games against the Broncos.
News: Kansas City TE Tony Gonzalez is averaging 43 yards receiving per game through the first three weeks of the season and he's scored one touchdown. The Chiefs are hosting the Broncos in Week 4 and Denver is the absolute worst team in the NFL against the pass allowing over 315 yards per contest. Gonzalez caught 10 passes for 105 yards and a score last season in two games against the Broncos.
Analysis: The Broncos can't stop the pass and we expect Damon Huard to find Gonzalez for his customary 4-to-5 times per game. Gonzalez has a good chance at finding the end zone in Week 4 and should head into the week as a No. 1 TE option in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught four passes for 35 yards during a Week 3 loss to the Falcons. His longest reception went 12 yards and Gonzalez was targeted 10 times by QB Tyler Thigpen, who was making his first career start.
Analysis: Gonzalez is a nice target for a first-time starting quarterback, but even if a veteran guy was back there, Gonzalez would still be heavily involved in the passing game. Gonzalez's best days might be behind him, but he remains a No. 1 Fantasy TE. The Chiefs play the Broncos in Week 4. Gonzalez had 10 catches for 105 yards and one touchdown in two games last season against the Broncos.
News: Kansas City TE Tony Gonzalez has a new quarterback throwing him passes and a poor history against his Week 3 opponents, the Atlanta Falcons. Gonzalez will try to haul in Tyler Thigpen's passes on Sunday against the Falcons but the last time he played them, in 2004 in K.C., Gonzalez caught just two balls for 19 yards.
Analysis: Granted, 2004 was a long time ago, but Gonzalez was a better tight end back then and he had a better quarterback getting him the ball. The one ray of hope for Gonzalez is the fact that Thigpen hit him four times for 27 yards and a touchdown last week against Oakland. Gonzalez's Fantasy production can be reeled in with Thigpen under center, especially against a Falcons defense that will force him to make some mistakes. Gonzalez is no better than a low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE this week.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez will be catching passes from second-year man Tyler Thigpen in Week 3 at Atlanta. But before you consider sitting Gonzalez, keep in mind that Thigpen hit him four times for 27 yards vs. Oakland in Week 2, including a touchdown grab.
Analysis: Nonetheless, Gonzalez's Fantasy production can be reeled in with Thigpen under center, especially against a Falcons defense that will force him to make some mistakes. Gonzalez is no better than a low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE this week.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez scored his first 2008 touchdown when he caught a 2-yard pass from QB Tyler Thigpen in the fourth quarter of Week 2's 23-8 loss to Oakland. Gonzalez finished with five catches for 39 yards, including a long of 12. Gonzalez was targeted a total of 16 times between Thigpen and QB Damon Huard.
Analysis: Thigpen, who saw the most extensive action of his career Week 2, targeted Gonzalez plenty as he got accustomed to the Chiefs' offense. Gonzalez remains one of the Chiefs' top receiving options no matter the QB. He remains a must-start Fantasy TE heading into Week 3 against the Falcons.
News: In 21 career games against the Raiders, Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez has 1,324 receiving yards (63 ypg) and seven touchdown receptions (most vs. any opponent in both categories).
Analysis: Gonzalez will have a new starting QB in Week 2, but it shouldn't make much difference to his stats. Continue to start him as a No. 1 Fantasy TE in all leagues.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught six passes for 55 yards at New England in Week 1. Five of his six passes came from starting QB Brodie Croyle, who left the game with a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Gonzalez's stats shouldn't take a big dash if Croyle misses time. He's still a reliable No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 2 vs. Oakland.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez has faced the Patriots six times in his career, and has only averaged three catches for just over 40 yards during that span with just one touchdown. Gonzalez opens his 2008 campaign at New England on Sunday.
Analysis: Gonzalez isn't getting any younger, but he's a catch machine who had five 100-yard games last season. Start him in all formats in Week 1 and hope he can find some gaps in the Patriots defense.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had three catches for 14 yards Saturday at Miami in the team’s third preseason game. Gonzalez now has four catches for 18 yards through three preseason games.
Analysis: Gonzalez isn’t making Fantasy owners feel comfortable with his preseason play. It’s not really a testament to him, more the poor play by QB Brodie Croyle. Still, Gonzlaez is a No. 1 tight end, and Croyle will do his best to find Gonzalez often in 2008. Plan on drafting Gonzalez around Round 5 or 6 in most leagues.
News: Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle needs to establish a rapport with TE Tony Gonzalez, who got just 27 of his 99 catches in games quarterbacked by Croyle, according to the Kansas City Star. "Getting Brodie comfortable with me is big, and that's what this camp is for, I guess, for him and me to get on the same page," Gonzalez said. "So far, so good. Brodie's got a cannon and he likes to throw that thing in there. Damon is more of a touch guy. You get used to different speeds."
Analysis: Hopefully for Fantasy owners counting on Gonzalez as a No. 1 TE this year he can connect with Croyle more often than 27 times. Don't worry about Gonzalez, Croyle will do a good job in getting him the ball. Consider Gonzalez one of the best at his position and worth a pick somewhere around Round 5 in all leagues.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez has caught more passes (820) and touchdowns (66) and been selected to more Pro Bowls (nine) than any other tight end. Now, still strong and frisky at 32, he heads into his 12th season just 179 yards away from another major record: the tight end mark for career yards receiving. The only thing he's missing is a title, and the Chiefs may be further away from championship caliber than they've ever been since Gonzalez came into the league in 1997. The Chiefs are beginning a massive top-to-bottom rebuilding effort. It's a project that may reach fruition too late for Gonzalez, who may have only two years left. He says he's 95 percent sure he'll play next season. "Then after that, who knows what's going to happen?" Gonzalez said.
Analysis: Let's focus on 2008, where Gonzalez is still expected to be an aerial threat as part of the Chiefs' offense. The QB issue in Kansas City is still worth some worry, but keep in mind that Gonzalez had 99 catches for 1,172 yards and five touchdowns in 2007, which was the second-most catches he had in his 11 seasons in the NFL. Croyle was his quarterback for a huge chunk of the season. That said, there's no doubt that Gonzalez is a No. 1 Fantasy TE (fourth or fifth-best overall) worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 7 in all drafts this summer.
News: The Kansas City Star reports Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez is having trouble learning offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's new offense. "I guess I'm kind of struggling," Gonzalez said. "They're bringing me along. So when they say, 'Break,' I'll go up to Brodie (Croyle) and be like, 'OK, what do I got here?' He'll tell me. Then you go play football from there."
Analysis: Gonzalez will master the offense by the time the season starts. He remains a No. 1 TE and should have another solid year.
News: The Kansas City Star reports Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez is adjusting to a lot of new things at this week's organized team activities. He also is getting familiar with the new offense under Chan Gailey and getting to know QB Brodie Croyle even better. "Well, it's not like he's new," Gonzalez said or Croyle. "This is our third year together. We still have to keep working on chemistry. That's critical. That's why I'm here." Like most Chiefs fans, Gonzalez hopes Croyle is ready to take control of the team. That means being the leader and taking charge of the huddle. "Absolutely, he has to be in command of the huddle," Gonzalez said. "It's his huddle. For a quarterback to be effective it has to be his huddle." That doesn’t mean Gonzalez won’t be sharing his opinion now and then on what Croyle could be doing better, or what might work against certain defenses. That said, Gonzalez is rooting for Croyle to have a big year. "I think he's looking great," he said. "And I think he will have a good year. It's his time."
Analysis: Gonzalez needs to like Croyle because that is who will be throwing him passes this year. As Gonzalez showed last year, he can be successful with either Croyle or Damon Huard, so continue to count on Gonzalez as a No. 1 Fantasy TE in 2008.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had 99 catches for 1,172 yards and five touchdowns in 2007, which was the second-most catches he had in his 11 seasons in the NFL. Gonzalez also broke several records for a tight end in 2007, which isn't bad for a 32-year-old veteran.
Analysis: Imagine if Gonzalez had a quarterback to get him the ball. Consider Gonzalez a top five tight end in 2008 and hope for more consistent play this season from the quarterback spot. New offensive coordinator Chan Gailey will continue to use Gonzalez as a focal point of the offense.
News:Tony Gonzalez broke the NFL record for receptions by a tight end in Week 17 at the Jets, when he caught his 816th career pass early in the third quarter. He caught seven passes for 64 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez finished the season with 99 catches and nearly 1,200 yards with five touchdowns. The younger generation of Fantasy tight ends have flooded the tight end position a bit, but Gonzalez should remain an elite option in 2008.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had 10 catches for 137 yards in Week 16 at Detroit.
Analysis: Gonzalez had an off week vs. Tennessee in Week 15, but that was a team with a stiff defense known for limiting tight end production. Gonzalez remains a must-start Fantasy tight end in leagues that require them. He'll face the lowly Jets in Week 17.
News:Tony Gonzalez had an off week vs. Tennessee in Week 15, but that was a team with a stiff defense known for limiting tight end production. This week, Gonzalez will play at Detroit against an awful pass defense. Gonzalez should restart the modest two-game 100-yards-or-touchdown streak he had going before last week.
Analysis: Gonzalez is too large a part of the Kansas City offense to ignore. Expect him to be thrown to often, making him a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 16.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught three passes for 17 yards in Week 15 vs. Tennessee.
Analysis: In a game where the Chiefs really opened up the passing game, throwing it 43 times, Gonzalez caught just three passes. That's not very helpful for Fantasy owners who needed him in a critical Fantasy week. If he didn't cost you the week, use him again for Week 16 at Detroit. You can't bench a Fantasy tight end of his caliber at this point.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (hamstring) practiced in full both Thursday and Friday and is probable to play Week 15 against the Titans. Gonzalez, who has not missed a game this season, has 17 catches for 216 yards and two touchdowns in two December games.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains the lone constant in the Chiefs' passing game despite struggles by QBs Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard. Keep him active in Fantasy unless he unexpectedly lands on the inactives list early Sunday.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (hamstring) went through limited practice reps Wednesday, but returned to a full routine Thursday as the team prepares for Week 15 vs. Tennessee. Gonzalez, who has not missed a game this season, has 17 catches for 216 yards and two touchdowns in two December games.
Analysis: Gonzalez continues to be a lone constant in the Chiefs' passing game despite struggles by QBs Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard. He is a little hobbled by the ankle, but the Chiefs aren't overly concerned. Make sure to keep Gonzalez active in all Fantasy formats until told otherwise.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught seven passes for 76 yards in Week 14 at Denver, including a 15-yard touchdown pass.
Analysis: Gonzalez was the only receiver Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle could find in the game. In fact, he was the only receiver to have more than two catches in the game. Continue to use the veteran tight end in any league that requires their use and even as a No. 3 receiver in leagues that don't.
News: To say that Tony Gonzalez has struggled against the Broncos in his career would be an understatement. The veteran TE averages 4.7 catches and 56.4 receiving yards a game in his career, but averages only 43.8 yards and 3.8 catches in 21 career games against the Chiefs. In his last five games vs. Denver, he's been even worse, averaging three catches for 25 yards with only one touchdown over that span.
Analysis: Gonzalez had a monster game in Week 13, but all signs point to him regressing significantly against the Broncos as Mike Shanahan seems to know how to neutralize Gonzalez's impact in games. Still, you have to consider him a No. 1 Fantasy TE as the talent pool at the position is so shallow.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had 10 catches for 140 yards Sunday against San Diego.
Analysis: Gonzalez is a No. 1 TE in all Fantasy leagues and should be started in Week 14 at Denver. He continues to get better as the season goes on.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez has caught at least five passes in his last five against the Chargers and had five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown against San Diego in Week 4. The two teams face off again in Week 13.
Analysis: Gonzalez continues to be a solid Fantasy TE, despite the awful QB situation in Kansas City and the fact he's not getting any younger. We rank him as the third-best Fantasy TE option in Week 13 as San Diego's defense is nothing to write home about.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez continued his slump vs. the Raiders, getting just 48 yards on three catches in Week 12 vs. the Raiders. He hasn't scored in his last five games against the Raiders with 70 yards as the most receiving yards he's had in that span.
Analysis: Good news: Gonzalez won't play the Raiders again this season. Use him as a No. 1 Fantasy TE next week vs. San Diego.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez has seven touchdown receptions vs. the Raiders, the most vs. any opponent. However, he hasn't scored in any of his last four against Oakland, a sign that the club has an answer to defending the superstar tight end. The Chiefs host Oakland in Week 12 and the future Hall-of-Famer will try to extend his receptions streak to 110 games.
Analysis: Despite the recent history, we consider Gonzalez a top-five Fantasy TE in Week 12.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught four passes for 46 yards Week 11 at Indianapolis.
Analysis: Both the challenge of facing the Colts on the road and the switch to second-year QB Brodie Croyle likely affected Gonzalez's performance. For the most part, he's been a reliable Fantasy performer this season, going for 100 yards in three of his last six games. Keep him active for Week 12 against the Raiders.
News:Tony Gonzalez and the Chiefs will play at Indianapolis in Week 11, a matchup that's been tough for opponents. Since late 2004, only one player has topped 100 receiving yards on the Colts at home (Randy Moss, Week 9 of this season). Compound that news with the change at quarterback for the Chiefs (Brodie Croyle takes over for Damon Huard), and it makes for a shaky week for Gonzalez. However, last year in a wild-card playoff game against the Colts, Gonzalez caught four passes for 25 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Gonzalez is too good to sit, especially since he plays at a thin position Fantasywise. If he's your tight end, use him in Week 11.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught three passes for 29 yards vs. Denver in Week 10. Dwayne Bowe got most of the Chiefs' passing action this week.
Analysis: Gonzalez is still too good to sit on a weekly basis, and his Fantasy owners have to eat crummy weeks like this. He'll have a tough matchup at Indianapolis in Week 11, but he's too good a player at a thin position to bench.
News: In 20 career games vs. the Broncos, Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez has averaged only 3.8 catches and 44.6 yards. That's almost one catch and 7.6 yards less than his career averages. Kansas City hosts Denver in Week 10.
Analysis: The Broncos pass defense ranks eighth in the league yardage-wise, but that's only because everyone and their mothers are running all over them. In three games against teams with stud TEs this season (Indianapolis, San Diego and Pittsburgh) they have given up five touchdowns, with two each to Heath Miller and Dallas Clark. Consider Gonzalez a top-five Fantasy TE in Week 10 and a must-start in all leagues.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had 10 catches for 109 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Packers.
Analysis: Gonzalez is a No. 1 TE and should be started in all leagues in Week 10 against Denver.
News: Veteran Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez will have fresher legs in Week 9 against the Packers as Kansas City is coming off a bye week. Averaging 89.3 receiving yards per game in his past three games, Gonzalez has a catch in 106 consecutive games, which is second in NFL history among TEs behind Ozzie Newsome's 150.
Analysis: The Packers pass defense isn't great, as they rank 22nd in the yards allowed department, and have allowed a TE to score against them in three consecutive games. For those reasons, and simply because of who he is, Gonzalez ranks as our No. 3 Fantasy TE in Week 9 and is a must-start in all leagues that require a TE.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez made four catches for 66 yards in Week 7 at Oakland.
Analysis: Gonzalez continues to be one of the team's best receiving options, but the Chiefs' passing game is one of the worst in the NFL. Continue to use Gonzo in leagues that require starting a tight end, but you'll have to look elsewhere for help in Week 8 with the Chiefs on a bye.
News: In his last six games vs. Oakland, Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez has averaged 70.7 yards a contest, although he hasn't scored on them since exploding for 12 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns in Week 16 of the 2004 season.
Analysis: Gonzalez set the record for most TDs by a TE in Week 6 and will look to add to that total in Week 7 vs. Oakland. The Raiders held Antonio Gates to three catches for 58 yards in Week 6, but the Chargers ran the ball effectively, they didn't need to throw very much. Despite his TD-less streak against Oakland, we consider Gonzalez our top Fantasy TE for Week 7 and therefore a must-start in all formats.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught both touchdown passes from QB Damon Huard in Week 6 against the Bengals. The first came from three yards out in the first quarter, and the second came from 26 out in the fourth. He finished with nine total receptions for 102 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez has ended up a solid Fantasy contributor despite the Chiefs' weak offense, having 440 yards receiving and two touchdowns so far this season. Continue to treat him as a must-start option when the Chiefs visit the Raiders in Week 7.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught eight passes for 100 yards, leading the Chiefs in both categories vs. Jacksonville in Week 5.
Analysis: Gonzalez has turned out to be a solid Fantasy contributor despite the Chiefs' weak offense. Continue to treat him as a must-start option when the Chiefs play vs. Cincinnati in Week 6.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez finally broke into the touchdown column Week 4 against the Chargers. The All-Pro tight end had five receptions for 71 yards, but the long gain of the day come on a 22-yard touchdown grab in the third quarter. Gonzalez has now totaled 12 catches for 167 yards in the last two games.
Analysis: Damon Huard has finally woken up in the last two weeks and has realized that Gonzalez is a great weapon to have in the middle of the field. The two have finally been on the same page and that can only mean good things for Gonzalez the rest of the season. He remains a must-start Fantasy TE heading into Week 5 against the Jaguars.
News: In his last 13 starts against the San Diego Chargers, going back to the 2000 season, Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez only has one touchdown. He does have three 100-yard receiving days, but he also has 22-yard, 18-yard and 11-yard efforts.
Analysis: The Chargers have given up touchdowns to TEs in both of the last two weeks, and so Gonzalez has a great chance to grab his first score of the season. San Diego's pass defense isn't particularly good either, and when you consider Gonzalez had six catches for 138 yards in the first meeting between these two teams last season, you can see why the big man remains a No. 1 Fantasy TE for Week 4.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had his best game to date of the 2007 season Week 3 against the Vikings. He led the team in receptions (7) and receiving yards (96). His longest gain went for 25 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez came into the Vikings' game with nine catches for 71 yards. Damon Huard finally woke up and realized that his top receiving option is Gonzalez. Let's hope they can keep the good times rolling in Week 4 against the Chargers. He is a must-start Fantasy option.
News: This week, Gonzalez and the Chiefs host the Vikings, and while Minnesota is known for its awesome run defense, its pass defense leaves a lot to be desired. Ranked 25th, the Vikings are giving up 264 passing yards per game and have yielded two touchdowns. It is worth noting that the Vikings held Falcons TE Alge Crumpler to 40 yards in Week 1.
Analysis: More importantly, Gonzalez has gone six games without a touchdown dating back to last year. He is under 75 total yards for the season and is not living up to expectations. That has little to do with Gonzalez and more with the lack of consistency on offense for the Chiefs. Despite a poor first two weeks, continue to start Gonzalez in all Fantasy formats as a middle-end No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught four passes for 43 yards during a Week 2 loss to the Bears. His longest reception went for 26 yards.
Analysis: Gonzalez has now gone six games without a touchdown going back to last year. He is under 75 total yards for the season and is not living up to expectations. That has little to do with Gonzalez and more with the lack of consistency on offense for the Chiefs. Despite a poor first two weeks, continue to start Gonzalez in all Fantasy formats. The Chiefs play the Vikings in Week 3.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez has now gone five games without a touchdown going back to last year. He had five catches for 29 yards in Week 1 against Houston, but the Bears have enough team speed to stay with Gonzalez.
Analysis: If you're optimistic, last week against San Diego, TE Antonio Gates had nine catches for 107 yards and a touchdown against the Bears, but it's unlikely that Gonzalez will put up similar stats this week.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez revealed that this offseason he suffered a case of Bell's Palsy, which is a stroke-like virus. "I was sitting at home when I lost all the feeling in my tongue, my face and I got this terrible pain in the back of my head," Gonzalez told FOXSports of the incident that occured in May. "Then it started getting worse, like someone was sticking a knife down my neck and in my traps muscle. I knew something was very wrong. Actually, I thought I was having a stroke." Gonzalez was rushed to the hospital, where he was eventually diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, which is treatable. He recovered and is fine for the season.
Analysis: Gonzalez caught five passes in Week 1 at Houston for just 28 yards. He is a No. 1 TE and should be started in Week 2 against Chicago. Thankfully, the Bell's Palsy episode appears to be behind him.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught five passes in Week 1 at Houston for just 28 yards.
Analysis: Gonzo was helpful in leagues that reward catches, but didn't give you much in the way of yards. It looks like it might be an up-and-down season for the veteran Fantasy TE. Still, he has to be considered a quality start in leagues that require a tight end.
News: In three games vs. the Texans in his career, Kansas City TE Tony Gonzalez has 20 catches for 256 yards, which is 85.3 yards per game.
Analysis: Gonzalez is a No. 1 TE in all formats and should be started in all leagues this week.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught two passes for 21 yards in the preseason.
Analysis: We all know what Gonzalez is able to do. Despite his pedestrian preseason numbers, Gonzalez remains one of the elite Fantasy tight ends, worthy of a pick in rounds 6-9.
News: Tony Gonzalez picked up one reception for 17 yards in Thursday's preseason game against the Dolphins. He played sparingly in the first half.
Analysis: We all know what Gonzalez is able to do. Gonzalez needs two touchdowns to pass Sharpe, so he should get that one early in the season. Gonzalez also needs 95 receptions and 1,351 yards to pass Sharpe. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: According to the Kansas City Star, Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez is closing in on career statistical records for tight ends currently held former Denver and Baltimore standout Shannon Sharpe, who is currently a studio analyst for CBS. Gonzalez needs two touchdowns to pass Sharpe, so he should get that one early in the season. Gonzalez also needs 95 receptions and 1,351 yards to pass Sharpe.
Analysis: If Gonzalez caught Sharpe this year he would be the best TE in Fantasy football, but that's not likely to happen. Gonzalez is still a great TE and should be one of the first players at the position taken in the draft.
News: Now that the Chiefs have finally traded QB Trent Green to Miami, TE Tony Gonzalez will have a new QB for the first time in six seasons. During Green's tenure in Kansas City from 2001-06, Gonzalez racked up 460 receptions, 5,669 receiving yards and 37 touchdowns. Brodie Croyle is expected to be the new starter for the Chiefs, but he will compete with Damon Huard.
Analysis: Even with the QB change, Gonzalez is still a No. 1 Fantasy TE and probably the second-best player at the position behind Antonio Gates. His production might slip a little, but either Croyle or Huard will still get him the ball. Don't worry about Gonzalez without Green.
News: The Chiefs and TE Tony Gonzalez agreed in principle to a five-year contract extension Friday that will keep the All-Pro in Kansas City. "Simplistically, we're very pleased to get this done," Peterson said in a statement. "It will, in all essence, allow Tony Gonzalez to finish his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. The obvious is he's been a very, very productive player for us. I think for our fans in Kansas City it was important for us to get this done. He's done a marvelous job for us both on and off the football field."
Analysis: Gonzalez has annually been one of the best Fantasy tight ends to use in league play and will be a No. 1 option again in 2007. Expect him to be drafted between Rounds 4 and 6.
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Chiefs GM Carl Peterson expects a decision and negotiations on extending TE Tony Gonzalez's contract to go down to the wire this offseason. The team has until Feb. 22 to assign a franchise tag on Gonzalez, which would tender him for one year at the average salary of the top-five paid players at his position. "We have been making proposals and counterproposals," Peterson said. "Will we get it done? I'm always optimistic that we will."
Analysis: Peterson has stated that he does not want to lose Gonzalez via free agency, but there are already rumors abound that teams (most notably the Packers) are interested in Gonzalez's services. No matter where he plays in '07, expect Gonzalez to be a top-end No. 1 Fantasy TE in league play.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had two catches for 21 yards in a Week 17 win over the Jaguars.
Analysis: Gonzalez finished the season with 900 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He remains one of the top TEs in the game and will be one of the first TEs off the draft board in 2007.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had five catches for 67 yards -- both team highs -- in a Week 16 win over the Raiders.
Analysis: Gonzalez is closing in on the 900-yard mark for the season and has a very good chance of reaching it (currently at 879) against the Jaguars in Week 17. He remains a must-start Fantasy TE.
News: Tony Gonzalez posted six receptions for 53 yards in Week 15 at San Diego. He nearly tipped a touchdown to himself late in the fourth quarter, but he could not haul it in.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains a must-start Fantasy tight end in Week 16 at Oakland.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had three receptions for 31 yards in a Week 14 loss to the Ravens.
Analysis: After a 105-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 13, Gonzalez didn't have such an easy run at things in Week 14. Regardless, he remains one of the top Fantasy TEs and should be started in Week 15 against San Diego.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (shoulder) is listed as probable for Week 14 vs. Baltimore.
Analysis: Gonzalez is coming off one of his best performances of the season. He is likely on the injury report as a precaution, but he should play in Week 14. He is a must-start Fantasy TE, even against the Ravens.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had nine catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns (9,23) in a Week 13 loss to the Browns.
Analysis: Gonzalez had a huge day against the Browns and had one of his best games of the season. He is a must-start Fantasy TE, even against the Ravens in Week 14.
News: With Cleveland TE Kellen Winslow's arrival as a top-flight TE this year, it complicates the AFC's Pro Bowl situation for Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez. Even though he leads the Chiefs in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, his streak of seven straight appearances in Hawaii could be in jeopardy. Gonzalez, with 48 catches, trails not only Winslow and San Diego's Antonio Gates (50), but also Baltimore's Todd Heap (51). He is behind only Winslow in yards, but both Heap and Gates in touchdowns. Gonzalez isn't particularly concerned. He weathered such challenges before. "When we go against Antonio, I look forward to it," Gonzalez said. "I like to see what he can do. I measure myself against him because he's one of the best in the league and I want to see how I stack up. So I'm watching like a hawk. I'll be watching Kellen from the sideline, checking him out, seeing how he's blocking."
Analysis: Consider Gonzalez and Winslow both No. 1 TE options for Week 13 and enjoy the head-to-head matchup between two of the best this year.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (shoulder) is listed as probable for Week 13 at Cleveland.
Analysis: Gonzalez should be good to go in Week 13 at Cleveland, so if you own him, get him in your lineup for that game.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez, who was able to play in Week 12 vs. Denver (shoulder), caught four passes for 35 yards on Thanksgiving.
Analysis: Gonzalez should be good to go in Week 13 at Buffalo, so if you own him, get him in your lineup for that game.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (shoulder) is active and is expected to play vs. Denver in Week 12.
Analysis: If you own Gonzalez, start him in Week 12 Fantasy play.
News: The Kansas City Chiefs could have Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez back from injury for Thursday night's game against Denver. Coach Herman Edwards said Tuesday that Tony Gonzalez, out one game with a shoulder injury, is looking like he could be ready for the Thanksgiving night game. The Chiefs released their injury report on Tuesday and Gonzalez was listed as questionable with a shoulder injury.
Analysis: The Chiefs could use Gonzalez in Week 12 against their AFC West rival. It has been said that Gonzalez told the coaches he could play in certain situations in Week 11 against Oakland, but Edwards decided it would be best if his start TE to sit out. Continue to monitor the situation up until inactives are released on Thursday.
News: On Monday, Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez, who was out Sunday with a sprained left shoulder, deferred comments on his playing status for Week 12 vs. Denver. "Ask the coaches," Gonzalez said, declining to discuss his situation. After putting the Chiefs through a light workout, coach Herm Edwards sounded optimistic. "They (all injured players) got through the walkthrough today. That's one step," Edwards said. "We'll see more tomorrow. I anticipate some of those guys will be back. What their status is right now, I don't know. I anticipate they're going to play, but I'll know more tomorrow on the practice field. I haven't ruled anybody out now."
Analysis: It has been said that Gonzalez told the coaches he could play in certain situations in Week 11 against Oakland, but Edwards decided it would be best if his start TE to sit out. Many expect Gonzalez to be ready for Thursday's showdown with the Broncos, but stay tuned before setting your Fantasy lineup for Week 12.
News: As expected, Tony Gonzalez is among the Chiefs inactive for Week 11 vs. Oakland.
Analysis: Make sure to keep Gonzalez on your bench for Week 11 and check back later in the week for further updates on Gonzalez's status leading up to Week 12.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (shoulder) is listed as doubtful for Week 11 vs. Oakland. He did not practice on Wednesday.
Analysis: The Chiefs have already said they plan to be without Gonzalez on Sunday against the Raiders. It is worth keeping an eye on his status the rest of the week to see if gets upgraded, but don't hold your breath. Plan to sit Gonzalez and use another TE for Fantasy purposes in Week 11.
News: Seven-time Pro Bowler Tony Gonzalez sprained his left shoulder in the closing minutes of Sunday's 13-10 loss at Miami. More will be known with test results on Tuesday, but he will definitely miss Sunday's game against Oakland. Published reports suggested that Gonzalez would miss 2-to-3 weeks.
Analysis: Owners of Gonzalez should immediately seek out a replacement for him either in trade or off the waiver wire. Of course, keep Gonzalez benched while he is out as he's an effective Fantasy option when he does play. Chiefs TE Kris Wilson might be good enough for a week or two to take Gonzo's place.
News: ESPNEWS reported that Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (shoulder) will miss 2-to-3 weeks. Gonzalez sprained his shoulder at Miami in Week 10. Jason Dunn and Kris Wilson are expected to divvy up his duties in the interim.
Analysis: Owners of Gonzalez should immediately seek out a replacement for him either in trade or off the waiver wire. Of course, keep Gonzalez benched while he is out as he's an effective Fantasy option when he does play.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had six catches for 84 yards against Miami in Week 10, but left the game during the Chiefs' final possession with a sprained left shoulder.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains one of the best TEs in Fantasy football, but the news of his injury could be potentially devastating. Despite a difficult matchup against Oakland in Week 11, he remains a must-start in all leagues, shall he play. Check back with us during the week for further updates on Gonzalez's playing status.
News: Almost 10 years after Kansas City traded up to draft a rugged two-sport star from Cal, Tony Gonzalez is better than ever. His career has already encompassed production levels known only to the elite tight ends in the game. He could retire today and be remembered as one of the all-time greats. Gonzalez's last three games - victories over playoff contenders San Diego, Seattle and St. Louis - are as impressive as any three-game span since he snared his first NFL pass in 1997. Against the Chargers, he caught six passes for 138 yards. The next week against Seattle, his six catches netted 116 yards, including a key 2-point conversion pass in a 35-28 victory. Then last week at St. Louis, he caught five balls for 63 yards and two touchdowns as the Chiefs won 31-17. "He is the best. He is simply the best," said quarterback Damon Huard.
Analysis: We are sure that Chargers TE Antonio Gates would have something to say about Gonzalez being the best in the leagues, but what Huard says is true. Gonzalez is a premier TE and a great Fantasy producer at a usually thin position. Still only 30, Gonzalez has caught more touchdown passes (59) and amassed more yards from scrimmage (8,265) than any other player in Chiefs history. He holds the NFL single-season tight end record with 102 catches, and his 686 career receptions trail only Shannon Sharpe among tight ends. Gonzalez is a must-start player every week, including in Week 10 against Miami.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught two touchdown passes Sunday and moved ahead of Otis Taylor on the club's touchdown reception list with little fanfare. Taylor had 57 from 1965 to 1975; Gonzalez caught Nos. 58 and 59 on Sunday against St. Louis. He also caught five passes for 63 yards. "It feels good," Gonzalez said. "I've been able to play with some really good quarterbacks and some good offensive linemen, some Hall of Famers. I'm glad. A lot of hard work, and I take satisfaction in it."
Analysis: Gonzalez still is one of the best TE in Fantasy football and should be considered a must-start in Week 10 against Miami.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught five passes for 63 yards and two TDs in Week 9 at St. Louis.
Analysis: Gonzalez has re-emerged as a must-start TE. He'll face the Dolphins on the road in Week 10.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez will in all likelihood pass RB Priest Holmes as the Chiefs' all-time leader in yards from scrimmage Sunday. Holmes has a 28-yard lead on Gonzalez.
Analysis: Gonzalez has re-emerged as a must-start TE and has a good matchup in Week 9 against St. Louis.
News: FOXSports.com reports that Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez says the final years of his current deal with the Chiefs have voided and that he can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He wants to return to the Chiefs but realizes that he could wind up elsewhere if the two sides cannot come to terms. "I would love to end my career here but I'm a realist and know there is a real possibility I could end up hitting the open market," said Gonzalez. "We've had some talks, we both gave proposals recently but we're pretty far apart. At this point I've told my agent I don't really want it to be a distraction during the season."
Analysis: Gonzalez now has added motivation to play well for the rest of the season. Chances are you aren't thinking about benching him anyway, but this should cement him on your roster for the rest of the year. Gonzalez caught six passes for 116 yards vs. Seattle in Week 8 and remains a top-end Fantasy TE. Definitely use him at St. Louis in Week 9.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught six passes for 116 yards vs. Seattle in Week 8.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains a top-end Fantasy TE. Definitely use him at St. Louis in Week 9.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had six catches for 138 yards vs. San Diego in Week 7. "I'm not the kind of guy who comes to the media saying, 'I'm not getting the ball.' But yeah, it's been frustrating," said Gonzalez, who came into the game with 21 catches for 187 yards. "But at the same time, they're going to start coming to me because they've got to. I've proved in the past that I can do it."
Analysis: Gonzalez is worth starting on a weekly basis. He plays vs. Seattle in Week 8.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught three passes for 15 yards at Pittsburgh in Week 6. Gonzo had a TD catch wiped off thanks to a penalty on the Chiefs offense late in the game.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains a reliable Fantasy tight end. Use him vs. San Diego in Week 7.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had one of the quietest games of his career with one catch for 25 yards. He was last held to one grab against Denver last December, though his one catch that day was for a touchdown.
Analysis: Gonzalez will look to bounce back in Week 6 against Pittsburgh. While it's not the best matchup, Gonzalez still is considered a No. 1 TE option.
News: TE Tony Gonzalez caught one pass Sunday for 25 yards in the Chiefs' 23-20 win over the Cardinals.
Analysis: Gonzalez just didn't get many opportunities to make plays in Week 5. The Chiefs play the Steelers in Week 6, but with the lack of playmakers at tight end, Gonzalez is still a Fantasy must-start.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had five receptions for 59 yards in the Chiefs 41-0 win over the 49ers in Week 4.
Analysis: Gonzalez played like his usual self in Week 4 and should continue to be a big part of the Chiefs offense the rest of the season. Play him Week 5 at Arizona.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez caught two passes Sunday, giving him 86 straight games with a reception, tying him with Wesley Walls for the fourth-highest streak by a tight end in NFL history.
Analysis: When the Chiefs return to action in Week 4 vs. the 49ers, make sure Gonzalez is back in your lineup.
News: Gonzalez has two receptions for just seven yards in Week 2 at Denver, as he did very little without QB Trent Green (concussion).
Analysis: Despite the poor performance, Gonzalez remains a No. 1 Fantasy tight end for Week 4 against the 49ers once the Chiefs return from their bye in Week 3.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez started off the season strong with 10 catches for 81 yards and a TD.
Analysis: Gonzalez still played well even when Damon Huard replaced Trent Green (concussion) at QB. Gonzalez will be fine with either QB. Start him every week as a No. 1 TE.
News: Tight end Tony Gonzalez, frustrated by a lack of Red Zone calls in his direction last year when he caught just two touchdown passes, was a virtual phantom in the preseason. He caught one pass for eight yards in the preseason opener against the Houston Texans. Gonzalez had 78 receptions for 905 yards last season. Gonzalez said the Chiefs have promised him more scoring opportunities this season.
Analysis: Until he proves otherwise in the regular season, Gonzalez is still a No. 1 TE in all Fantasy leagues. While his production has slipped, he is still better than most TE in the NFL.
News: While the Chiefs continue to cling to the belief that they might yet talk 11-time Pro Bowl left tackle Willie Roaf out of his announced retirement, it's starting to look like Kyle Turley may be up to the task of replacing him. After two years of back-related absence from the NFL, he's reduced his body weight from the 310 pounds he carried in New Orleans to around 275 now with the Chiefs. He continues to insist that he can man the left tackle position just fine at around 285 pounds. "Football is a game of technique, leverage and quickness," Turley said. "Strength is still a big part of this game, and there aren't going to be many defensive ends bigger than I am at 285. If I can put on another 10 pounds and get to that point, I'll be all right as long as my strength is there. I may even be in better position now than I was as a 310-pound guy with double the body fat I have now."
Analysis: Gonzalez started but did not record a catch in the Chiefs' first preseason game at Houston, fueling concerns that he's going to block more than catch in 2006. The fact is, he wasn't even thrown at in the game. Expect a less-than-stellar season for Gonzalez, but he's still a quality No. 1 Fantasy tight end (No. 3 on our TE rank list for now). Use a middle-round pick on him soon after Antonio Gates and Jeremy Shockey go off draft boards.
News: The one player most affected by the retirement of Willie Roaf on Friday is TE Tony Gonzalez, who struggled mightily last season when Roaf was out of action due to injury. He was forced to stay in and provide more protection for QB Trent Green, severely limiting his productivity. It's unclear how the Chiefs plan to use Gonzalez this season, but based on last year's sampling without Roaf, this is significant news for Gonzo fans and owners.
Analysis: Gonzalez is still the second or third best Fantasy tight end in the game, but last year he was a major disappointment in large part because of Roaf's absence. He still put up 905 yards, but only two TDs. More of the same could be on the way, so keep this news in the back of your mind on Draft Day.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had an off 2005, catching 78 passes for 905 yards and two touchdowns. He hasn't scored this few times since 1998, and his receptions and yardage are down significantly from 2004.
Analysis: Gonzalez did a lot in the way of blocking due to injuries along the Chiefs offensive line, making him less effective in the passing game. He should improve and become more of a factor in 2006, so considering him as the second-best tight end in all of Fantasy Football is acceptable.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught five passes for 59 yards in Sunday's regular-season finale vs. Cincinnati.
Analysis: Gonzalez started slow but finished hot this season. Look for him to be a third- or fourth-round choice in 2006.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught five passes for 58 yards in Week 17.
Analysis: Gonzalez has been more of a blocker this year than ever, but he's still a great option for Week 17 vs. Cinncinati.
News: We've learned that it's raining very hard in Kansas City and the winds are picking up as well. This will mean a ball control type of game, not the high-scoring fiasco we first thought.
Analysis: Gonzalez should still be a factor for Fantasy owners, so start him anyway.
News: Tight end Tony Gonzalez, the Chiefs' fifth Pro Bowl pick, jokingly wonders if his seventh straight selection isn't a tribute to his ability as a blocker. "It's been kind of a frustrating year, production-wise," said Gonzalez, who has only 68 receptions and two touchdowns this year after a record-setting 102-catch season in '04. "But at the same time, it was probably my best year as a blocker. I'm proud of being a complete tight end. That's what I was asked to do this year. When Willie Roaf went down early this year (with a hamstring problem), they needed more from me in protecting Trent (Green) and run blocking. I feel like I've been part of that."
Analysis: Gonzalez should do plenty of receiving this holiday weekend, so keep him active in Fantasy leagues.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught just four passes for 51 yards in Week 15 at the N.Y. Giants.
Analysis: Gonzalez stayed in to block more often than usual, but he should see plenty of looks in Week 16 against a poor San Diego pass defense.
News: Gonzalez had five receptions for 94 yards in Week 14 at Dallas.
Analysis: Gonzalez has finally re-emerged as a must-start in all leagues for Week 15 at N.Y. Giants, as the Chiefs have figured out how to get him back into the offense.
News: The Cowboys, whom the Chiefs face in Week 14 in Dallas, are eighth in the NFL against the pass, allowing only 11 pass TDs on the season. If that's not enough to convince you that this matchup is bad, consider that Dallas has held opponents to less than 200 passing yards in all but two games this season at home.
Analysis: Gonzalez should still start because of the thin TE pool, but don't expect a monster game.
News: Gonzalez had only one reception for 25 yards and a touchdown in Week 13 against the Broncos.
Analysis: Gonzalez has been a major Fantasy disappointment, but he remains a must-start in all leagues for Week 14 at Dallas.
News: Tony Gonzalez has averaged 12 yards a catch on his 69 receptions in 17 games against Denver during his career. He caught six passes for 73 yards in Week 3.
Analysis: Gonzalez is a must-start in all leagues that require a tight end.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught four passes for 63 yards in Week 12 vs. New England.
Analysis: Gonzalez did not find the end zone. He only has one touchdown all season long and that is frustrating for Fantasy owners, but he continues to be one of the top Fantasy tight ends. The Chiefs host Denver in Week 13.
News: After a slow start to the season, Tony Gonzalez appears to be rounding into his Pro Bowl form. He had nine catches for 98 yards in Sunday night's blowout win over the Texans and now has 54 catches on the season. What's troubling, however, is the fact that he still has just one TD to this point.
Analysis: Gonzalez and the Chiefs host the Patriots in Week 12. He's obviously a must start, but owners should expect a big game from their tight end due to New England's porous pass defense.
News: Tony Gonzalez had a season-high eight receptions for 81 yards, but could hardly feel good about it on a day when the Chiefs never even took a shot at the end zone. "It's embarrassing," Gonzalez said. "We let our defense down. They came out and played their butts off. For us to go out there and score only three points is inexcusable."
Analysis: Gonzalez has been back to his old self of late and not getting into the endzone isn't something the Chiefs do often. He's a must-start in any league that requires starting TEs. The Chiefs face the Texans at Houston in Week 11.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught eight passes for 81 yards in the Chiefs 14-3 loss at Buffalo.
Analysis: Tony Gonzalez is a must-start in any league that requires starting TEs. The Chiefs face the Texans at Houston in Week 11.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had five catches for 70 yards in Week 9 vs. Oakland, leading the team in receiving.
Analysis: Gonzalez has improved over the past couple of weeks and is back to must-start status, including when he plays at Buffalo in Week 10.
News: Tony Gonzalez finally got involved in Kansas City's offense in Week 8, catching seven passes for 97 yards and a TD. It was the first TD of the season for the All-Pro tight end.
Analysis: Gonzalez has been more of a factor in the passing game in recent weeks and seems primed for a few productive weeks ahead. Keep him in your lineups for Week 9 vs. Oakland.
News: While he didn't find the end zone in Week 7, Tony Gonzalez did catch seven passes for 67 yards in Kansas City's win over the Dolphins. Remarkably, he remains without a touchdown this season.
Analysis: What are you going to do in Week 8, bench him? Gonzalez owners have no choice but to start him vs. the Chargers, unless of course they are willing to shop him around.
News: The game between the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs was rescheduled to Friday night to beat Hurricane Wilma's arrival in Florida. The game will begin at 7 p.m. Friday instead of Sunday afternoon, which is about when Wilma is expected to hit Florida's southwestern coast.
Analysis: Regardless of the situation and his struggles, it's hard not to start Gonzo.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught two passes for 13 yards in Sunday's 28-21 win over the Washington Redskins.
Analysis: Gonzo continues to struggle, but it's still hard not to start him in most cases.
News: Tony Gonzalez was bellyaching about his role on the team after a two-catch, five-yard performance in Week 4 against the Eagles. "I didn’t go downfield at all," Gonzalez told the Kansas City Star. "I’m not pointing any fingers. But defenses are not doing anything different now than they’ve ever done. I just didn’t get the opportunity. I have to get the opportunity to do it. I need to get the ball to help this team win. I am a six-time Pro Bowler."
Analysis: The squeaky wheel might get the grease here. He has only 16 receptions for 129 yards and no touchdowns, with his longest reception coming in the opener against the Jets. In fact, his yardage has decreased in every game so far this season. He still remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues despite the lack of production thus far.
News: Tony Gonzalez had two receptions for only five yards in Week 4 against Philadelphia.
Analysis: Gonzalez's yardage totals have decreased in each of the first four games. He should still be considered one of the top tight ends in football, but he is frustrating Fantasy owners quite a bit. We know what the All-Pro is capable of and his numbers should even out over the season. The Chiefs are off in Week 5 before hosting the Redskins.
News: Tony Gonzalez had five receptions for 29 yards in Monday's game at Denver. Gonzalez has seen his yardage totals decrease in each of the first three weeks and he has yet to find the end zone.
Analysis: Don't give up on Gonzalez just yet, as he remains one of the best Fantasy tight ends in the game. We all know what he is capable of and the touchdowns should start coming once the Kansas City offense gets on track. The Chiefs meet the Eagles in Week 4.
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez had five catches for 44 yards in Week 2 action at Oakland.
Analysis: Gonzalez is a must-start every week, including in Week 3 at Denver on Monday night.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught four passes for 51 yards in Sunday's 27-7 win over the N.Y. Jets.
Analysis: Look for Gonzalez to post a better stat line in Week 2 against the Raiders in Oakland.
News: The Kansas City Star reports TE Tony Gonzalez (foot) was back in limited action at practice on Aug. 9. Still no word if he's going to play in the team's first preseason game at Minnesota.
Analysis: Gonzalez should be one of the first two tight ends taken in every league, usually no later than Round 5.
News: The Kansas City Star reports tight end Tony Gonzalez's ailing foot will be fine. He did not break it during training camp. "He has a chronic foot problem," Vermeil said, "and every once in a while he hits in a way where he irritates it. (Aug. 6) he did that. I don't know how much practice time he's going to miss, but he'll miss a little time."
Analysis: Gonzalez should be one of the first two tight ends taken in every league, usually no later than Round 6.
News: KCChiefs.com has a story on TE Tony Gonzalez, who is recovering from offseason foot surgery. He will be limited at first but should be ready for the season.
Analysis: Gonzalez should be one of the first two tight ends taken in every league, usually no later than Round 5.
News: The Chiefs official website reports head coach Dick Vermeil said Tony Gonzalez (foot) is on schedule to be ready for the start of training camp. "He's better, getting better. In fact, he just told me that as he came in," said Vermeil.
Analysis: Barring setbacks, Gonzalez will remain the most valuable tight end in Fantasy Football.
News: The Kansas City Star reports Tony Gonzalez had a piece of bone on his foot chopped off this offseason. "When I broke it, it healed back kind of crooked, and it was digging into all my tissues and ligaments around there," he said. "So he went in there and sort of chopped the top of it off and said, 'Now you should be able to move around.'"
Analysis: Gonzalez is out until training camp but is expected to be fine for the start of the regular season. He remains the most valuable tight end in Fantasy Football.
News: The Kansas City Star reports Tony Gonzalez (undisclosed) will not practice with the Chiefs this week.
Analysis: The ailment is not considered serious and won't alter Gonzalez's value for next season.
News: The Chiefs official website reports Tony Gonzalez isn't being bothered by a foot ailment that nagged him at times last season. "We've heard that he feels fine," head coach Dick Vermeil said. "He's really optimistic and really feels that the problem is behind him."
Analysis: Gonzalez, who isn't attending the team's offseason conditioning program, remains the best tight end in Fantasy Football.
News: The Kansas City Star reports Tony Gonzalez will have surgery on the foot that bothered him all season.
Analysis: He should be fully recovered this spring and remains a top tight end in Fantasy Football.
News: Tony Gonzalez had 14 receptions for 144 yards in Week 17 at San Diego.
Analysis: Gonzalez set a career-high with 14 receptions in the game. He will once again be a highly coveted player on Draft Day 2005.
News: Tony Gonzalez tied a career-high with 11 receptions for 124 yards and two touchdowns in Week 16 against Oakland.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains one of the top Fantasy tight ends. He will look to finish up strong in Week 17 at San Diego.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught three passes for 44 yards in Week 15 against Denver.
Analysis: Gonzalez is one of the top Fantasy tight ends in the NFL and should be active every week. The Chiefs host the Raiders in Week 16.
News: Tony Gonzalez reeled in seven receptions for 76 yards in Week 14 at Tennessee.
Analysis: Gonzalez has failed to find the end zone since Week 9 at Tampa Bay. Despite that fact, he remains a top Fantasy option for Week 15.
News: Tony Gonzalez had only three receptions for 32 yards in Week 13 at Oakland.
Analysis: Despite the mediocre performance, Gonzalez remains one of the premier tight ends in all of football.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught eight passes for 105 yards in Sunday's 34-31 loss to San Diego.
Analysis: Gonzalez is a must-start option for Week 13 at Oakland.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught seven passes for 86 yards in Week 11 against New England.
Analysis: The two top tight ends in Fantasy football will square off in Week 12 when the Chiefs and Gonzalez face Antonio Gates and the Chargers.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught seven passes for 86 yards in Week 11 against New England.
Analysis: The two top tight ends in Fantasy football will square off in Week 12 when the Chiefs and Gonzalez face Antonio Gates and the Chargers.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught six passes for 71 yards in Sunday's loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Gonzo is a must-start option in Week 11 against New England.
News: According to the Kansas City Star, tight end Tony Gonzalez is playing as well as he ever has. "I just think that Tony right now is playing better than I've ever seen him play," said Chiefs quarterback Trent Green. "When you talk about his overall game, run-blocking, his ability to catch the ball — he's making some catches that I haven't seen him make like this on a consistent basis, back-to-back-to-back. He's playing at such an incredibly high level. All he does is continue to work hard in practice every day, and it shows up in games. It's amazing for me to see him do the type of things he does."
Analysis: Despite the emergence of several quality tight ends this season (Eric Johnson and Antonio Gates), Gonzalez is still the top Fantasy tight end.
News: Gonzalez hauled in a season-high nine receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown in Week 9 at Tampa Bay.
Analysis: After reeling in only two touchdowns over the first six games, Gonzalez has three over the past two. He also has two consecutive 100-yard games after hitting the century mark only once during the first week.
News: Tony Gonzalez posted eight receptions for 125 yards with two touchdowns in Sunday's win over Indianapolis.
Analysis: Gonzalez is a must-start option in all leagues.
News: Tony Gonzalez (foot) posted two receptions for 19 yards with no touchdowns in Sunday's win over Atlanta.
Analysis: Despite the poor stat line, Gonzo remains a must-start in most leagues.
News: Tony Gonzalez (foot) is listed as probable for Week 7 against the Falcons.
Analysis: This is the same injury that has bothered Gonzalez since the preseason. It is safe to keep him active.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 against Jacksonville.
Analysis: Gonzalez is the top tight end in Fantasy football. The Chiefs host the Falcons in Week 7.
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Tony Gonzalez experienced soreness in the foot that gave him problems in the off-season. He is expected to play Sunday unless he has further problems.
Analysis: Gonzalez should remain in the starting lineups in all leagues until further news changes his status.
News: Gonzalez had four receptions for 42 yards in Week 4 at Baltimore.
Analysis: With the exception of his standout performance in Week 3 against the Texans, Gonzalez has been very ordinary, averaging just over three receptions and 41 yards in his other three games. He will look to rebound in Week 6 at Jacksonville after the team's bye week.
News: Tony Gonzalez broke out of his two game slump with 106 yards and a touchdown in Week 3 against Houston.
Analysis: Thats more what we expected from the top Fantasy tight end. Kansas City faces the Ravens on Monday night in Week 4.
News: Trent Green threw a TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez in the first quarter of Week 3 against Houston. It was the first TD catch of the season for Gonzalez.
Analysis: Gonzalez is the top Fantasy TE in the league. He should be active in all formats.
News: Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez (foot) is listed as probable for Week 3 vs. Houston.
Analysis: Gonzalez has had a slow start to the season but he remains the number one Fantasy tight end in the NFL. Keep him active in all leagues.
News: Tony Gonzalez posted four receptions for 63 yards in Sunday's loss to Carolina.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains the top tight end in Fantasy Football.
News: Gonzalez had only two receptions for 17 yards in Sunday's game at Denver.
Analysis: Despite the poor start, Gonzalez remains the top option at tight end in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Tony Gonzalez will face the Broncos in Denver this weekend to start the regular season.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains the No. 1 Fantasy tight end in the NFL. He should obviously be active in all leagues that require a tight end and is well worth owning in leagues that don't.
News: According to the Kansas City Star, Tony Gonzalez is only participating in one of the team's two daily practices due to continued soreness in his right foot. "I am going to have surgery (after the season)," Gonzalez said. "I was supposed to have it this off-season, but we did not get to it in time so I know I have to go through this season with this nagging thing. As long as I go once a day, put ice on it after practice and be smart about it to keep the inflammation out, I will be fine."
Analysis: Not a great thing to hear at the start of training camp. Keep Gonzalez on top of the tight end draft lists but be mindful that his production may dip a bit due to the condition with his foot.
News: According to the Kansas City Star, any lingering doubts about the stress fracture in Tony Gonzalez's foot were put to rest on Thursday when he participated in the first day of training camp at full speed. “He ran very well,” Coach Dick Vermeil said. “He may be a little sore after going hard today, but he looks good.”
Analysis: Gonzalez is once again the top tight end in Fantasy football and worthy of a mid-to-early round draft pick.
News: Gonzalez had six receptions for 54 yards in Week 17 against Chicago.
Analysis: Gonzalez re-emerged as the top Fantasy tight end in 2003, posting double-digit touchdown totals for the second time in his career.
News: Tony Gonzalez was good for five catches and 65 yards receiving, but no touchdowns Saturday at Minnesota.
Analysis: Gonzalez is a must-start player against Chicago in Week 17.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught six passes for 93 yards and two scores against Detroit.
Analysis: Expect another good outing from Gonzalez at Minnesota in Week 16.
News: Tony Gonzalez had four receptions for only 28 yards in Week 13 at San Diego, but two of the catches were good for scores.
Analysis: Gonzalez has eight touchdown receptions over his past nine games.
News: Gonzalez posted seven receptions for 86 yards with one touchdown in Week 11.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains a must-start Fantasy player on a weekly basis.
News: Gonzalez had seven receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown in Week 10 at Kansas City.
Analysis: Gonzalez has gotten into the end zone in five of the past six games and has re-emerged as the top Fantasy tight end.
News: The numbers suggest Gonzalez faces a tough matchup in Week 10, as the second-ranked Cleveland secondary comes to town. However, Gonzalez had 87 yards and a touchdown against Cleveland last year, and his 411 receiving yards leads all AFC tight ends.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues due to the dearth of quality tight ends.
News: Tony Gonzalez had six receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown in Week 8 against Buffalo.
Analysis: Gonzalez has gotten into the end zone in four of the past five games.
News: Tony Gonzalez had three receptions for 87 yards on Monday at Oakland, but he did not get into the end zone.
Analysis: Gonzalez entered Week 7 with scores in three straight weeks. He will look to rebound in Week 8 against Buffalo.
News: Tony Gonzalez caught four passes for 121 yards and a TD (26 yards) in Week 6.
Analysis: Gonzalez has now caught a TD pass in three consecutive games.
News: Gonzalez caught a TD pass for the second consecutive game, hauling in a 20-yard scoring reception against Denver.
Analysis: Gonzalez has temporarily silenced his critics, and will present quite a matchup problem for Green Bay's secondary in Week 6.
News: Gonzalez had three catches for only 13 yards at Baltimore in Week 4, but he was able to get into the end zone for the first time in 2003.
Analysis: Gonzalez has amassed only 91 yards receiving in four games, but he is still considered a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Tony Gonzalez totaled 52 receiving yards in Week 3.
Analysis: Gonzalez continues to be a disappointment, but should not be benched, as most tight ends won't provide you with much better production.
News: The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Tony Gonzalez tweaked his knee on Thursday. He still expects to play at Houston on Sunday.
Analysis: Gonzalez only has four catches so far this season, but he is still considered one of the best Fantasy options at tight end when healthy.
News: Dick Vermeil told the Kansas City Star getting the ball more to Tony Gonzalez remains a priority. "I'm always worried when he doesn't catch enough footballs but we didn't throw that much last week," Vermeil said. "Certainly, we would like to get the ball into his hands more than two times a game."
Analysis: Gonzalez has been slowed by injuries and has received extra defensive attention, but he remains a must-start player in most leagues.
News: Gonzalez caught two passes for eight yards in Week 2.
Analysis: Gonzalez has not performed well yet, but he is potentially too productive to reserve against Houston in Week 3.
News: The Kansas City Star notes that Gonzalez (ankle) was able to work out on Friday and will start Sunday's game against Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Gonzalez should be a safe start once again this weekend.
News: Tony Gonzalez (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday, and is listed as questionable for Week 2.
Analysis: Dick Vermeil told the Kansas City Star Gonzalez was expected to practice on Thursday, and he should be able to play on Sunday.
News: The Kansas City Star reports Tony Gonzalez (ankle) is "questionable to probable" for Week 2.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should keep tabs on Gonzo's status over the next few days before activating the stud tight end.
News: Tony Gonzalez (groin) caught two passes for 18 yards against San Diego.
Analysis: Gonzalez should post better numbers in the weeks ahead, especially when he is fully healthy.
News: The Kansas City Star reports Tony Gonzalez (knee) was limited in practice on Wednesday. He is expected to start in the season opener.
Analysis: Gonzalez is a must-start player in most Fantasy leagues. Don't consider reserving him unless he suffers a setback.
News: The Kansas City Star says Tony Gonzalez (knee) was expected to return to practice on Wednesday.
Analysis: Gonzalez is expected to play in the season opener, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal.
News: Dick Vermeil told the Chiefs' official website that early indications were that Tony Gonzalez's left knee injury would not threaten his season or career. His availability for the season opener is uncertain, but Vermeil is optimistic. "The trainers felt very good about how the knee responded overnight. So, we’re a lot more optimistic about him possibly being ready for San Diego (on Sept. 7) than we were," Vermeil said. "He strained his knee, but there was no swelling and it wasn't loose." Vermeil added Gonzalez has "tiny, tiny" tears in the knee. "The kind you don’t repair and you let heal on their own."
Analysis: Gonzalez will not play in Thursday's preseason game. Jason Dunn is his immediate backup.
News: Tony Gonzalez suffered a knee injury in Tuesday's practice. Coach Dick Vermeil said early indications were that the injury is not threatening his career or season. "I think it will be short term, but that's a first look," Vermeil said. He added the injury does not appear as serious as a knee injury Gonzalez suffered two years ago.
Analysis: Gonzalez suffered a strained knee. Gonzalez's status is currently uncertain for the preseason finale and for opening day.
News: The Kansas City Star reports Tony Gonzalez rolled his left ankle in Friday morning's practice.
Analysis: Gonzalez's injury is not considered to be serious. He applied an ice pack to the area and walked off the field after practice.
News: Gonzalez had five receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. Amid the NFL's elite at the Pro Bowl, Gonzalez showed why he is the best tight end in the league and will be at the top of all tight end Fantasy draft lists in 2003.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez (shoulder) played in Week 17. He had 35 receiving yards in Saturday's loss to Oakland. Gonzalez remains one of the top tight ends in Fantasy Football.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez totaled 74 yards and a TD in Week 13. He ended a five-game TD drought. Gonzalez has posted disappointing numbers overall, but he remains a top Fantasy tight end.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez has struggled recently but remains a quality start at tight end. He should have a solid game against the inept Cardinals defense in Week 13.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez was held to 17 receiving yards in Week 11. Despite his recent slump, Gonzalez should not be benched in Fantasy leagues. Trent Green looked his way often against Buffalo, and Gonzalez's numbers should improve in the weeks ahead.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez is a must-start on a weekly basis. He is the best player at one of the weaker positions in the NFL. Gonzalez is also third in the NFL in TD receptions with six.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez should have a good game in Week 10. He'll be a big part of the Kansas City offense if the Chiefs engage in a shootout with the 49ers.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez is a must-start Fantasy player every week. He leads the NFL in TD receptions and is the best tight end in Fantasy Football. Gonzalez gives his owners a huge advantage over the competition at his position.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez is a must-start Fantasy player every week. He is the best tight end in Fantasy Football, and gives his owners a huge advantage over the competition at his position.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez seven catches for 140 yards and three touchdowns Sunday against Miami. So much for his Fantasy stats being limited due to a larger role blocking this week -- he remains arguably the best Fantasy tight end in the game.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez might not have a big game Sunday against Miami. No. 2 tight end Jason Dunn is battling a shoulder injury, and if he can't play, Gonzalez might be counted on to serve as more of a blocker, hurting his Fantasy totals. Gonzalez is also listed as probable with a wrist injury, but was able to practice on Wednesday. He is still too good to reserve in any league.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez (wrist) played in Sunday's game at New England. He caught only one pass for 17 yards, but Gonzalez is still worth starting on a weekly basis.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez (wrist) wore a protective cast during Thursday's practice. The All-Pro tight end is listed as probable for Sunday's game at New England, and is a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez posted 34 yards receiving and a touchdown in Week 2. He remains the top tight end in Fantasy Football and is a must-start every week.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez has signed a seven-year contract extension. According to SportsLine.com's Jay Glazer, the Pro Bowl tight end can still play basketball if he chooses, but he will have to return a portion of his bonus if he suffers an injury that prevents him from playing football. As for this week, look for Gonzalez to have a big game. He had two TDs in one game against Jacksonville last season.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez caught five passes for 87 yards and a TD at Cleveland. His preseason contract holdout had no apparent effect on his production.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez is expected to play in Kansas City's Week 1 game against Cleveland. "(Gonzalez) is in tremendous cardiovascular condition," president/general manager Carl Peterson told The Kansas City Star. "We felt comfortable enough to say, 'OK, we're going to put him on the field.'" Starting Gonzalez is advised despite his lengthy holdout.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez is looking good in practices. Dick Vermeil was impressed with his workout on Wednesday. "I don't think he made a mistake today," Vermeil told The Topeka Capital-Journal. "He's amazing. He told me he would be in great shape and he is. He might have dropped one pass today." Gonzlaez is expected to play on Sunday and should be started in all Fantasy formats.
Analysis:
News: Despite a lenghty holdout, Gonzalez will start in Sunday's game at Cleveland. If Gonzalez is on your roster, be sure to get him into your starting lineup.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez practiced Monday for the first time since ending his holdout. He reportedly went throught approximately 25 consecutive plays, and is optimistic going into Week 1. If Gonzalez is on your roster, be sure to get him into your starting lineup.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez has signed a one-year deal with Kansas City. He had been holding out over a contract dispute. The agreement makes it much easier for Fantasy owners to draft Gonzalez in the early rounds.
Analysis:
News: Coach Dick Vermeil thinks Gonzalez will sign in time for Week One. "I think he'll be here," Vermeil told The Kansas City Star. "I don't know when, but I think he'll show up before the Cleveland game." Gonzalez, who is current in a holdout over his contract, is still worth taking in the early-to-middle rounds.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez's holdout continues to cause concern in Chiefs' training camp. Coach Dick Vermeil doesn't believe that Gonzalez will be able to play in the first game of the regular season. Vermeil also said that he is not counting on Gonzalez to return as he prepares the team for the start of the season. This situation makes selecting Gonzalez a gamble, but his status as Fantasy Football's best tight end makes him worth the risk.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez was on the Kansas City sidelines on Saturday. He was not in uniform, but his appearance might be an indication that his holdout is close to ending. Fantasy leaguers should keep a close eye on Gonzalez's situation in the upcoming days.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez had a lengthy phone conversation with Chiefs president Carl Peterson. But he was still a no-show at training camp. The impasse started over money, but has escalated into Peterson's demand that Gonzalez give up his pursuit of a dual career in the NFL and NBA. Peterson has pulled back an signing bonus and told Gonzalez he will not consider a long-term contract unless he agrees to quit basketball. A lenghty holdout could hurt Gonzalez's Fantasy production this year.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez is prepared to sit out the season if necessary. Gonzalez is currently holding out and the Chiefs have taken a long-term offer off the table unless Gonzalez gives up his pursuit of an NBA career. "At this point sitting out the season is a possibility," Gonzalez told SportsLine.com's Jay Glazer. "I may have to exercise that option. But obviously that's the last thing that I want to happen. I'd like to get something worked out." A prolonged holdout will definitely hurt Gonzalez's Fantasy value. Jason Dunn is Kansas City's No. 1 TE while Gonzalez is out.
Analysis:
News: Chiefs GM Carl Peterson said Sunday he is rescinding his long-term contract offer to Gonzalez. He is not willing to offer Gonzalez a long-term deal unless he agrees not to pursue an NBA career also. Gonzalez and first-round draft pick Ryan Sims were the team's only holdouts as the Chiefs completed their third day in camp Sunday. Gonzalez appears willing to sit out training camp if necessary to secure a deal of wide receiver-type financial proportions, and he has already turned down a previous long-term offer from Kansas City. A prolonged holdout will certainly hurt Gonzalez's Fantasy stock, and Jason Dunn is currently Kansas City's No. 1 tight end on the depth chart while Gonzalez is out.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez plans to work out with the NBA's Miami Heat next month. "I'm not going to let basketball interfere with football. If I happen to get a contract signed, I would leave the Heat right away and show up and get football started." The decision to play basketball should not affect Gonzalez's value as much as his inability to work out a new contract with the Chiefs. Kansas City won't sign him to a multiyear contract between now and July 15 because the Chiefs would then be unable to label anyone else a franchise player during the duration of Gonzalez' contract.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez, who might be involved in a holdout over a contract dispute, has started playing basketball in California. Gonzalez had offseason knee surgery, but reportedly feels great and is ready to play football once his contract situation is resolved.
Analysis:
News: According to The Kansas City Star, the Chiefs will not try to work out a long-term deal with Gonzalez unless he signs his one-year franchise tender. Gonzalez, who has been working out on his own in California, has no intention of signing such a deal. Gonzalez has already turned down one offer, and team president Carl Peterson said he's not sure if the team will offer a similar contract. If a holdout results, Gonzalez's Fantasy value could decrease somewhat.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez skipped minicamp on Friday because of his desire to work out a new contract. Gonzalez wants to be paid like a top wide receiver, but the Chiefs insist he's a tight end and will be paid accordingly. If a long-term holdout ensues, it might hurt Gonzalez's Fantasy value somewhat.
Analysis:
News: According to published reports, Gonzalez will miss May mini-camp. He is coming off a knee injury, which he suffered late last season, and is also in negotiations with the team on a one-year contract.
Analysis:
News: According to The Kansas City Star, Gonzalez will likely miss the Chiefs' May minicamp. He suffered a knee injury late last season, but is expected to be ready for training camp despite his possible absence this spring.
Analysis:
News: According to published reports, Gonzalez has a sprained knee and will not need offseason surgery. He had an MRI exam performed on Monday, and doctors said there was only a sprain of the medial collateral ligament in the left knee, and that no cartilage damage was revealed. He is expected to wear a light cast for the next four-to-six weeks, and will miss next month's Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez suffered a knee injury during Sunday's game against Seattle. "Right now, it's still hard to tell the extent of the injury," General Manager Peterson told the Kansas City Star. "The MCL is loose. The rest of it doesn't seem to be a real concern. But I'm saying that without giving it a good look." Although the injury will keep Gonzalez out of the Pro Bowl, it shouldn't keep him from being ready for the start of the 2002 season. Further tests are expected to be taken this week.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez hasn't performed up to expectations this year. Still, he may be motivated to play well in AFC West game with the archrival Raiders.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez should post good numbers against the Eagles. Philadelphia strong safety Damon Moore may have trouble handling the big, athletic tight end. At 5-11, 215 pounds, he becomes the one obvious mismatch for the Chiefs to exploit in the passing game.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez will rack up good Fantasy stats Sunday against the Seahawks. While he has been somewhat of a disappointment, you need to keep him active every week.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez might a major factor in Kansas City's passing game this week. Trent Green will struggle to find open wideouts, and will look to Gonzalez to help him move the ball on important downs.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez always performs well in divisional games, and should be an offensive force against Denver. Expect him to catch at least one TD pass.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez won't have any problems catching a lot of passes this week. The Chiefs will have inexperienced receivers matched against a tough Giants secondary and QB Trent Green will be facing a solid pass rush.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez might receive extra attention from the Oakland defense, but he will still post good numbers. Trent Green will look for him often if he faces a lot of pass pressure.
Analysis:
News: According to published reports, Gonzalez is expected to work out for a few NBA teams and could play basketball once the Chiefs' season is over. Gonzalez, who was a two-sport athlete at the University of California, is interested in playing small forward for any NBA team that will give him an opportunity. If the move comes to fruition, it won't hurt Gonzalez's value as a Fantasy player at all. He is still the best tight end in the league, and wouldn't be forced to miss any football games if he were to play basketball.
Analysis:
News: Another week, another big performance for Gonzalez. Look for the superstar TE to get in the end zone one or two times against the Panthers, who will not be able to contain him over the middle.
Analysis:
News: Buffalo strong safety Henry Jones will have his hands full with Gonzalez this week. The Kansas City TE should dominate over the middle and seems poised for another 100-yard outing.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez has shaken off a slow start and has been incredibly consistent and spectacular. He may have yet another 100-yard day this week.
Analysis:
News: Gonzalez suffered an apparent neck injury and left Sunday's game against the Rams. He was replaced by Troy Drayton, who caught a touchdown pass.
Analysis:
News: In perhaps the best game of his career, the Chiefs' tight end caught 10 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. After a silent start to his season, Gonzalez has reclaimed the faith of his Fantasy owners.
Analysis:
News: The talented tight end has struggled so far in his first two games. He caught just two passes for 16 yards Sunday. Gonzalez had just two catches for 34 yards in the season opener. Stick with Gonzalez for a little while longer. He's too talented to be shut down consistently. He's due for a breakthrough game.
Analysis:
News: While catching two touchdowns for the second straight week, Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez totaled six receptions for 93 yards. He continues to be one of this season's top two Fantasy TEs.
Analysis:
News: The Chiefs Tony Gonzalez has eight TDs to match the club TE record (Fred Arbanas in 1964). He has four TD catches in his last three games (vs. 4 in first 10). All this means, is don't think of taking him out of your lineup.
Analysis:
News: Emerging as one of the league's top tight ends, the Chiefs Tony Gonzalez made six catches for 63 yards, including a pair of first-half touchdowns in Week 14.
Analysis:
News: On six catches, Chiefs' tight end Tony Gonzalez gained 62 yards. Against the Bucs defense, the TE was one of QB Elvis Grbac's primary targets.
Analysis:
News: Thursday night, Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez finally demonstrated his potential in an otherwise clumsy football game. Two of his four catches for 57 yards were for scores, and Gonzalez looked like he had no problems getting open downfield doing it. He was sharp, so keep him in your active lineup.
Analysis:
News: Continuing his solid play, TE Tony Gonzalez made seven catches for 68 yards and a touchdown for the Chiefs. Despite Grbac's problems, Gonzalez looks like he's getting on track, so keep him in your lineup.
Analysis:
News: Listed as questionable right up until gametime, Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez did indeed play Sunday and was the prime beneficiary of Elvis Grbac's accurate passing. The big tight end recorded seven catches for 72 yards, including a fifteen-yard first-quarter score. Gonzalez finally showed up, so keep him in for Week Four.
Analysis:
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez, who's been out with a sprained knee suffered in preseason, returned to practice Wednesday and has been upgraded to "questionable" for this weekend's game.
Analysis:
News: Chiefs starting TE Tony Gonzalez is expected to miss two to four weeks because of a sprained ligament in his right knee that he injured in Thursday night's game. He is questionable for the regular season opener against Chicago. Something to consider if you're planning on drafting Gonzalez.
Analysis:
News: Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez left Thursday's game against the Jaguars after sustaining a right knee strain. The extent of his injury is not known.
Analysis:
