Your Fantasy League Football Tight End Should Be...

Good question. Until recently, the almost unanimous answer would have been KC's Tony Gonzalez. This year things are a little different. Sure Tony is still a top pick, but the list now includes names like San Diego's Antonio Gates, Dallas' Jason Witten, and, of course, anyone playing TE on the Colts. Here are a few thoughts:

Tony G.:

• Always one of the best. Between his own talent and the KC offense, you simply can't lose by picking him.

Antonio Gates:

• Don't be surprised if Gates numbers fall off just a little bit this year. Why? First, we're not that confident that Drew Brees repeat last season's performance. Second, even if Brees can equal or surpass last year's numbers, he'll have a better group of receivers to work with this year. More targets means less opportunities for Gates. We still expect his numbers to be excellent, just not quite as excellent as last season.

Jason Witten:

• We think Witten is in for an even bigger year than he had in '04. Face it, the Dallas receiving corps doesn't exactly strike terror into the heart of opposing defenses. Meanwhile the Cowboys' suspect line won't give new QB Drew Bledsoe much time to throw. Combine these items with the fact the Bledsoe is known to like throwing to his TEs and what have you got? That's right, big numbers for Witten.

Dallas Clark:

• A semi sleeper. People will forget about Clark, but there is one important thing to remember. He put up respectable numbers last season while splitting time with Marcus Pollard. With Pollard having gone off to Detroit, Clark should have all the playing time he wants. While Manning may never repeat his numbers from 2004, you know he is still going to through for a bunch this year. While most will go to his WRs, Manning will be sure his TEs get their fair share.

Kellen "Evil Knevil" Winslow:

• Just another reason why I like "The Ewe" (Ewe-niversity of Miami) about as much as The University of MeatChicken (say it out loud). Winslow's irresponsible actions during the off-season have accomplished one thing - assuring that his 2005 fantasy football point production in all leagues will equal his IQ.

More on TEs a little later