1. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints
2013 Statistics: 14 receptions, 224 yards and two touchdowns
Not that anyone was thinking about benching Graham this week, but going up against an Arizona Cardinals defense that is among the best in the league in covering tight ends (thanks Tyrann Mathieu) may impact his overall performance. Still, Graham is heads and shoulders above any other option until Rob Gronkowski is at 100 percent. Expect the No. 1 overall fantasy performance here from a tight end averaging seven receptions for 112 yards and a score thus far this season.
Projected Statistics: Eight receptions, 125 yards and two touchdowns
2. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers
2013 Statistics: Nine receptions, 118 yards and two touchdowns
Davis may be a "game-time decision," but he'll be ready to go in San Francisco's important Week 3 matchup against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. With Pat Angerer and LaRon Landry out of this game, Davis should literally eat apart the Colts' backups here. Expect something to the tune of what we saw Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers.
Projected Statistics: Seven receptions, 110 yards and one touchdown
3. Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers
2013 Statistics: 12 receptions, 140 yards and one touchdown
It would be really nice to see Olsen targeted more. His 80 percent catch rate ranks fourth among regular tight ends in the NFL. Once Cam Newton figure out how to use his tight end, Olsen will be a consistent fantasy stud. As it is, he's going up against a New York Giants' pass defense that has struggled throughout the first two weeks of the season. Opponents are averaging 38.5 points per game against this unit. In addition, you have to love the fact that Mark Herzlich will be lining up against Olsen a majority of the time in this one.
Projected Statistics: Seven receptions, 85 yards and one touchdown
4. Owen Daniels, Houston Texans
2013 Statistics: Seven receptions, 91 yards and three touchdowns
Nearly half of Daniels' seven receptions have gone for touchdowns this year. Where he might lack in PPR leagues, he makes up for with brilliance in the red zone. Opposing tight ends have tallied 10 receptions for over 200 yards and two scores against the Baltimore Ravens in two games this season. They simply don't have the talent and personnel to matchup against elite pass catchers from the tight end position this year. Expect a huge game from Daniels.
Projected Statistics: Five receptions, 70 yards and one touchdown