I’ve had Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph in the “three down’’ category several times over the past seven seasons. The Notre Dame product has been an occasionally decent player for Minnesota, but he’s also been somewhat of a tease.
Rudolph had nine touchdowns in 16 games during the 2012 season, but amassed only 493 receiving yards. In 2013 and 2014, he played in only 17 of a possible 32 games. Last season, he played in 16 games, finishing with 5 touchdowns and 495 yards. That’s who Kyle Rudolph is; he’s OK.
He’s also a guy you need on your roster for the remainder of the fantasy regular season.
We have five weeks before the playoffs begin in season-long fantasy, so it’s time to start looking ahead. During the next four, Rudolph faces division rival Detroit in Week 9 and Week 12. The Lions have been the NFL’s worst team at covering tight ends, allowing eight touchdowns to the position in eight games.
In Week 10, things look just as promising: Rudolph will face a Washington defense that just allowed Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert to roam uncovered (he finished with 9 catches for 102 yards and a touchdown). The only issue during this stretch is Week 11, against Arizona, but you can figure that out later. Trade for Rudolph, and also use him wisely in daily fantasy.
Three up:
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami: Tannehill has been quiet, but he’s capable of producing against a weak Jets secondary. This is also an invitation to put Miami wide receiver Jarvis Landry into your daily fantasy lineup.
Josh McCown or Cody Kessler, QB, Cleveland: No matter which player starts, it’s a high-risk/high-reward selection worth exploring, especially in daily fantasy. Dallas will be without some key defenders and Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor is a force.
Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans: A potential time-share with Tim Hightower looms, but that doesn’t outweigh a matchup with the 49ers defense.
Three down:
Jason Witten, TE, Dallas: We have limited tight end options because there are six teams on byes, but Witten hasn’t hit 50 yards receiving in five straight games.
Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle: Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson doesn’t look right, and that affects Baldwin. Tight end Jimmy Graham has emerged as Wilson’s bailout option.
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Carolina: Benjamin has one touchdown since Week 3, and zero 100-yard games during that stretch.
Ed Ryan can be reached at edward.ryaniii@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @EdzoRyan.
