Rob Gronkowski is the top tight end this week, but in keep in mind that he is unlikely to play, despite logging limited practice reps earlier in the week. I say it every week, but it’s true. The tight end position is rather top heavy, but it is starting to balance out a bit. Mid-tier guys like C.J. Fiedorowicz, Cameron Brate and Ladarius Green are going to continue to move up the rankings with each passing week. Hey, if you have a top-tier guy, you know that you will be getting some sort of consistency from the position.

Here are the top 5 tight ends for Week 12 of the NFL season.  Well, there’s seven guys listed, but two played yesterday, and I wanted you all to have a top 5! Happy Thanksgiving, one day later.

Rob Gronkowski @ NYJ

Barring any setbacks, Gronk is going to be out there for a divisional matchup against the Jets. That New York defense ranks sixth-worst in pass coverage according to PFF, which leaves the door wide open for elite production from Gronkowski. In five games with Tom Brady this season, Gronk has eclipsed 100 yards three times and found the end zone in three different games.

Greg Olsen @ OAK

The Raiders are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season, as if you needed a reason to start Olsen in your lineup. Olsen has been mediocre outside of a 5-52-1 game in Week 9 against the Rams since the team’s bye. The matchup should help Olsen can get back on track and serve as a top five player at his position.

Jordan Reed @ DAL

Played yesterday.

Delanie Walker @ CHI

After scoring in Weeks 9 and 10, Walker couldn’t stretch that streak to three games. He fell back to Earth in what was a juicy matchup against the Colts. Quarterback Marcus Mariota likes to attack the middle of the field, often times where Walker is making a living. He’s leading the team in targets and yards since Week 5, helping solidify his TE1 status.

Kyle Rudolph @ DET

Played yesterday.

Jimmy Graham @ TB

Graham has scored three touchdowns in his last three games and he continues to work down the field. His 14.2 yards per reception mark is the highest of his career and the Bucs are allowing the tenth-most fantasy points per game to the position. The Bucs have allowed just three touchdowns to the position on the season, but Graham is a tough cover for any defense.

Travis Kelce @ DEN

Kelce is coming off a nice game against the Bucs where he hauled in seven passes for 108 yards, his highest mark on the season. He’s scored just three touchdowns on the season, but he continues to have a relatively high fantasy floor. Kelce isn’t always going to be the sexiest play, but he produces on a weekly basis.

Be sure to check out the rest of the NFL Week 12 Fantasy Football Player Rankings here at Fantasy Alarm.