While the Patriots might be careful with their starters on Sunday against the Dolphins, rookie TE Rob Gronkowski will likely play most of the game. They will want to rest Aaron Hernandez, who missed Week 16 with an injury and possibly veteran Alge Crumpler as well, meaning Gronkowski will continue seeing many snaps. The Dolphins struggle covering opposing tight ends and Gronkowski is second among rookies with nine touchdown catches this season. He led the Patriots in receiving last week and is worth a start, even though the Patriots have the No. 1 seed locked up.
Titans TE Jared Cook's nine targets in Week 16 equaled a team-high for the game, and his five catches for 96 yards and a TD were all career-bests. He's a player to watch in 2011 and a viable starting option this week, too.
The Saints have made rookie TE Jimmy Graham a bigger part of the offense since their Week 10 bye, and he has had three touchdown catches in the past two games. Sean Payton is looking to get the ball in Graham's hands in the red zone, and owners looking for a tight end ought to consider starting Graham against the Buccaneers on Sunday.
Steelers TE Heath Miller caught five passes for a season-high 73 yards in his return to the lineup in Week 16 after missing time with a concussion. Miller, whose lone TD catch of the season came vs. Cleveland in Week Six, merits starting consideration in the rematch with the Browns.
Browns TE Benjamin Watson hauled in six passes for 88 yards and a TD in the first matchup with the Steelers and rates as a solid starting option in Week 17. The 88 yards were the third-most Watson has accumulated in a single game this season.
After being a surprising nonfactor most of the season, Seahawks TE John Carlson was the team's leading receiver in Seattle's loss to Tampa Bay last week, catching three balls for 27 yards. Don't rule him out as a valuable weapon against the Rams' erratic back seven this Sunday evening.
Jennifer Sky Samantha Mathis Samantha Morton Grace Park Jill Wagner
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