Austin Seferian Jenkins (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) VS New Orleans Saints
Rank: Worst defense against tight end
Analysis: Jenkins has the best matchup amongst tight ends. He should return to full action this week as the Buccaneers will be with a full arsenal of weapons as they take on the Saints. ASJ was Winston's favorite targets to start the year so it wouldn't be all that shocking if he finds himself having a breakout game. This really is not about ASJ's skills more about the Saints inability to cover any tight end this year.
Tyler Eifert (Cincinnati Bengals) VS Pittsburgh Steelers
Rank: 7th option among tight ends
Analysis: Eifert will have a tough task in being successful against the Steelers. He is likely to return from a stinger and could potentially miss this game if he suffers any setbacks. Eifert should bounce back from his first performance against this team and once again become one of Dalton's favorite targets.
Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs) VS San Diego Chargers
Rank: 8th option among tight ends
Analysis: Kelce should see a ton of targets in this matchup, the Chargers are good against wide receivers but have trouble with bigger playmakers. Kelce had an average game against the Chargers the last time these two teams faced off so I wouldn't be surprised (given the way Alex Smith is playing) a sudden deluge of targets. West and Ware should control things on the ground opening up deep play action passes to Kelce. Plus he is always Smith's favorite target in the red zone.
Julius Thomas (Jacksonville Jaguars) VS Indianapolis Colts
Rank: 11th option among tight ends
Analysis: Thomas has a touchdown in his last 3 games and at least 5 targets in the last 7 games. Thomas was brought in to be a big, playmaking, threat and that is exactly what he has become. With the return of Hurns, Thomas could see a few less targets however this is a perfect matchup to target him.
Honorable Mentions: Jordan Cameron (Miami Dolphins)/Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys)/Richard Rogers