1. Julius Thomas, Denver Broncos

2013 Statistics: 27 receptions, 359 yards and six touchdowns

As the No. 2 fantasy tight end through five weeks, Thomas has proven himself to be quite the target for Peyton Manning. He's averaging over 13 yards per reception and at 1.2 touchdowns per outing. Add into account an average of 5.4 receptions per game, and the fact that he's going up against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that is yielding the seventh-most fantasy points to tight end this season and you have a perfect storm that could easily lead to the No. 1 overall performance here. While I have strayed from projecting Broncos' pass catchers No. 1 at their positions in the past, all the indicators seem to be there for him to perform at a high level, even with all the options Manning has. 

Projected Statistics: Seven receptions, 119 yards and two touchdowns 

2. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints

2013 Statistics: 37 receptions, 593 yards and six touchdowns

Graham is currently on pace for the best season in the history of the NFL for a tight end. This pace includes 118 receptions, nearly 1,900 yards and 19 touchdowns. While it doesn't make much sense to look at where a player may end the season statistically, Graham and the Saints are nearly one third of the way into their season. They go up against a 4-1 New England Patriots team that is looking to rebound after suffering their first loss of the season last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Patriots defense ranks in the middle of the pack against fantasy tight ends, so Graham should be able to continue what has been a ridiculous performance thus far this season. The only reason he is No. 2 on my list is because Julius Thomas has a ridiculous matchup against the winless Jaguars at home, as to where Graham and the Saints have to travel to New England. 

Projected Statistics: Eight receptions, 125 yards and one touchdown 

3. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys

2013 Statistics: 28 receptions, 313 yards and three touchdowns

Interestingly enough, Witten finds himself outside of the top-five tight ends through the first five weeks of the season. That's interesting because he's already tallied as many touchdowns this season as he did in 2012. He is, however, on pace for less receptions and yards. The good news here is that Dallas goes up against a horrible Washington Redskins defense that is yielding an average of 50.3 yards and 1.1 touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season. Tony Romo shouldn't have much of an issue finding Witten against a lackluster group of 'Skins safeties. 

Projected Statistics: Six receptions, 95 yards and one touchdown

4. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers

2013 Statistics: 14 receptions, 224 yards and four touchdowns 

Davis is going to get targeted a whole heck of a lot against the Arizona Cardinals today. With Patrick Peterson going up against the 49ers' No. 1 wide receiver Anquan Boldin, quarterback Colin Kaepernick will have to find another receiver to throw to. The good news here for Davis' owners is that Arizona has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. They are averaging 93 yards and 0.8 yards per game. For his part, Davis is the ninth-ranked fantasy tight end through five weeks, that comes with him missing one game due to injury and being hampered with injury in two other outings. He's apparently at near full health. 

Projected Statistics: Six receptions, 90 yards and one touchdown

5. Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers

2013 Statistics: 21 receptions, 273 yards and one touchdown 

Cam Newton really needs to start looking in Olsen's direction more. He's catching nearly 80 percent of the passes thrown in his direction, which is the highest percentage for the Panthers. In addition, Olsen has been targeted just three times in the red zone this season. That's simply not going to get it done. Carolina is going up against a Minnesota Vikings defense that is giving up an average of 63.3 yards and two scores per game to opposing tight ends. That makes them the worst defense against fantasy tight ends this year. Look for a big game from Olsen now that he's probable to go today. 

Projected Statistics: Six receptions, 70 yards and one touchdown