With Chris Cooley reportedly out for a while, many fantasy football owners will have to sort through waiver-wire detritus this week to find a replacement. While we all know you can't snap your fingers and replace a top tight end like Cooley, especially with how volatile the position has been, there are fill-ins that could help mitigate the tough loss.For starters, Fred Davis was no slouch in Cooley's absence. The second-year man out of USC hauled in eight balls for 78 yards, including a short touchdown grab in the closing minutes of Monday night's game. He's worth picking up in all shallow leagues since the Redskins will still rely heavily on the tight end in their passing attack (I know, "attack" is a stretch, considering it's the 'Skins offense).
Unfortunately, Washington has a bye in Week 8, so Davis won't be of use right away. Here are some other options worth picking up:
Tony Scheffler, Broncos (47 percent Fleaflicker ownership) -- You would think his ownership rate would be higher after he romped over the Chargers for 101 yards and a TD in Week 6. But since Denver is coming off its bye week, a lot of owners probably jettisoned Scheff to the wire because they couldn't let a second tight end eat up roster space. In Week 8 he'll play a Ravens secondary that surrendered two touchdowns to Visanthe Shiancoe prior to the bye (side note: never, ever google Visanthe Shiancoe).
Zach Miller, Raiders (60 percent Fleaflicker ownership) -- Yeah, I know two catches for 15 yards is disheartening, but it was a rough matchup for Miller to beat. Then again, all matchups are rough when you're a Raider. Before that clunker, he posted 10 catches and 208 yards over a two-week span. Up next is San Diego, the same team he burnt for 96 yards in Week 1.
Scheffler and Miller are also your best long-term bets. Need to look deeper?
Donald Lee, Packers (8 percent Fleaflicker ownership) -- Tight end Jermichael Finley suffered a knee sprain and is a long shot to play against the Vikings. Enter more targets for The Donald. No touchdowns on the season, but he's totaled 10 catches over his last three games, with back-to-back 39-yard efforts. The Vikings' D is stout, yet they've given up a fair amount of yards to the TE position. In Week 3, Vernon Davis pulled in seven catches for 96 yards and a TD against them.Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars (22 percent Fleaflicker ownership) -- Lewis isn't recommended for those with heart conditions, but there's reason to be optimistic here. Before struggling in Weeks 5 and 6, Lewis came through for 76 yards and a TD against the Titans. He'll get to test that feeble Tennessee secondary again in Week 8.
If you have any questions about which TE is the right one for you, just stop by our waivers chat on Tuesday night and we'll gladly help you decide.
