1. Antonio Gates - SD

For the first time since 2004, Antonio Gates’ totals dipped below 71 receptions and 924 yards.  He was hobbled by injury for a large part of the season but he still managed to find the endzone 8 times for the resurgent Charger passing game.

2. Jason Witten - DAL

Jason Witten has always been Tony Romo’s favorite receiver and his role will be even more prominent after Terrell Owens was cut.  He averaged 88 receptions over the past two years and he’s never been below 11.3 yd/catch since 2003.  There’s a good chance Witten can repeat his ’07 line of 1145 yards and 7 TDs.

3. Dallas Clark - IND

Clark hasn’t turned in a healthy season over the past 5 years.  He certainly maintains a prominent role on a stable offense, so there is the potential for him to finally put all it all together and snatch the top fantasy tight end slot.

4. Tony Gonzalez - ATL

After a slow start, Gonzalez posted one of his best seasons catching 96 passes for 1058 yards and 10 TDs.  He was traded to Atlanta, so he will inevitably need some time to adjust to the new system.  Expect a bit of regression across the board for the future Hall of Famer.

5. Greg Olsen - CHI

Olsen took a step forward in 2008 and landed at 54 receptions with 574 yards and 5 TDs.  Jay Cutler works well the tight end position giving Olsen the chance to continue his upward climb in production.

6. Chris Cooley - WAS

Chris Cooley racked up 849 yards and finished second among tight ends with 83 receptions.  On the flip side, he only scored 1 TD after averaging 6-7 TDs in the previous 4 seasons.   His role in the redzone seems to be reduced, but he’s one of the best receivers on the team.

7. Owen Daniels - HOU

Daniels managed 70 receptions and 862 receiving yards in his third NFL season.  He only scored 2 TDs and they both came in week 6.  He probably won’t score more than 5 TDs, but he’s a solid contributor in PPR leagues that require a tight end.

8. Zach Miller - OAK

In his second year, Zach Miller led the Raiders with 56 receptions and 778 yards.  He only scored once, but Oakland seems intent on getting him more involved in the redzone.  Unfortunately, QB JaMarcus Russell in very unreliable, owners would rather see Jeff Garcia man the ship.

9. John Carlson - SEA

Carlson enjoyed a solid rookie season leading the Seahawks with 55 receptions and 627 yards.  Seattle now has T.J. Houshmandzadeh along with Nate Burleson and Deion Branch returning from injury, so the targets should be scarcer in 2009.

10. Kellen Winslow – TB

Tampa bay took a major gamble when the acquired Winslow for a second round draft pick and handed him a new contract worth over 35 million dollars.  He has a checkered injury history including last year when he missed 6 games with an ankle injury.  Owners shouldn’t have quite as much confidence and treat him with caution.