Week 9 at L.A. Chargers
Jimmy Graham got five targets last week but managed just three receptions for 20 yards. He also failed to score, which made it a downer of a game. The Chargers have allowed just 27 catches by the position thus far this season, but they have given up three touchdowns. Graham's value is largely tied to his ability to score, so there is a chance. But he's a low-end TE1 play.
Week 8 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Jimmy Graham caught all four of his targets last week for 65 yards and a touchdown in his first productive fantasy outing since Week 4 when he got nine targets. But like most of the tight ends outside the first couple of tiers of tight ends, Graham's value is largely tied to his touchdown production. Will he get one this week? Potentially. He's a low-end TE1 play.
Week 7 vs. Oakland Raiders
Jimmy Graham got five targets last week, which was good. The bad news was that he managed just two receptions for 17 yards. And now he's dealing with an ankle injury. Check his status on Friday to see if you can use him. There are enough teams on the bye this week and Oakland's defense against the tight end is soft enough (29th) to make him a viable low-end TE1.
Week 6 vs. Detroit Lions
Jimmy Graham didn't see an increase in targets last week, but he did catch all three balls thrown his way for 41 yards. With Davante Adams out again, he's a threat to score. And if he does get into the end zone, he comes in as a TE1. If not, well, he's one of about a dozen tight ends who are in this same area of ranking. They're all TD dependent because of the lack of volume.
Week 5 at Dallas Cowboys
The player who seemed to benefit the most from Davante Adams leaving the game last week with a turf toe issue was Jimmy Graham. He got nine targets, catching six for 61 yards and a touchdown in what was easily his best game since Week 1. With Adams likely out again this week, Graham could be a nice low-end TE1 option this week in what's a decent tight end matchup against the Cowboys.
Week 4 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Jimmy Graham has gotten just one target -- and no catches -- in each of the past two games after a solid start in Week 1. He's not worth a fantasy gamble at this point and should be on your bench unless you feel like Nostradamus and can discern when his next big game is coming.
Week 3 vs. Denver Broncos
After picking up six targets in Week 1, Graham got just two targets in Week 2, failing to catch a pass in a disappointing game. It's going to be hard to trust him from week to week given that range in output. There are better options available given Graham's limited usage unless you're really short at the position.
Week 2 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Jimmy Graham actually looked spry last week and caught three of the six passes thrown his way for 30 yards and a touchdown. Also positive was the fact Graham got some targets down the field, not just around the line of scrimmage. If Graham continues to get six targets or more per week with Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball, he should do enough to be a borderline low-end TE1 option as he is this week.
Week 1 at Chicago
Jimmy Graham was back at practice Tuesday after sitting out early with a finger injury and should be good to go against the Bears. But what will that mean? In two games against the Bears last season, Graham got four targets in each contest, catching five for just 40 yards. There are many better options available this week with everyone playing in Week 1. Hopefully, you have one of those better options available.
Fantasy Upside
Jimmy Graham is entering his second season in Green Bay and should have a better rapport with Aaron Rodgers. He had 55 catches for 636 yards and two touchdowns last season, which wasn't bad. But for a guy who had 10 touchdowns the previous season in Seattle, it was something of a disappointment.
Fantasy Downside
At 32, Graham doesn't really run well any longer. That was one of the things that made him special in the past. He's still a big target, but the lack of touchdown production last season was shocking. Rodgers favors Davante Adams when he gets down close.
2019 Bottom Line
Graham has produced at least nine touchdowns in five of his nine seasons, which is why last year was such a surprise. He should post similar catch numbers to a year ago. If he can add a few more touchdowns catches to his total, as well, he would be a serviceable No. 2 fantasy tight end. But his days as a No. 1 are over.
