Tony Gonzalez was traded to the Atlanta Falcons during the offseason. Recently, he has started to practice with the team during Atlanta’s minicamp. Considering that Gonzalez was arguably the best fantasy football tight end last season, this trade made a big impact in the fantasy world.

Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons - Fantasy Football 2009 (Image: Newscom)

Will Gonzalez be better off with the Falcons? Considering that he had 96 catches for 1,058 yards and ten touchdowns, it’s difficult to imagine him doing much more. But with the Falcons, Gonzalez very well might be able to top those numbers.

The best thing going for Gonzalez is Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan. Coming off of a fantastic rookie season, Ryan should continue to blossom in his second season. With running back Michael Turner helping to move the chains, Gonzalez could often find himself in position to pick up a touchdown.

On the other side of the coin, three things may hold Gonzalez back during 2009 fantasy football. First of all, he’s 33 years old and he could start slowing down. If he loses too much speed, he’ll be much easier to scheme against.

The second and third things that could hold down Gonzalez’s numbers are Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. With the Kansas City Chiefs, Gonzalez didn’t have a wide receiving duo that demanded targets. In Atlanta, he has White who is coming off of an 88-catch campaign and 50 additional catches by Jenkins. With all the weapons on offense, each part may suffer a little bit statistically.

All that said, Gonzalez remains a very good fantasy football prospect at the tight end position in 2009. If he’s the first tight end off the board in your 2009 fantasy draft, don’t be surprised.

1) Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
Going against the Chargers, Wayne should shine.

2) Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
White has great matchup against Cardinals.

3) Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals
Boldin is going to fight through injury to play.

4) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Should rack up plenty of yards this weekend.

5) Derrick Mason, Baltimore Ravens
Ol’ veteran still making big plays.

6) Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers
Jackson has been hot in recent weeks.

7) Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings
Big play threat could spark Vikings.

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles
Young gun is best receiving threat for Eagles.

9) Ted Ginn Jr., Miami Dolphins
Risky but could payoff with big reward.

10) Kevin Curtis, Philadelphia Eagles
Sleeper who could beat the Vikings deep.

Photo credit: Newscom

QB Brady Quinn, Cleavland Browns
Although Brady Quinn has a broken finger, he’s going to play in Week 12.

RB Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
Westbrook hasn’t been able to play and is a game-time decision.

RB Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins
Once again this week, Portis will be a game-time decision due to a knee injury.

RB Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints
Bush is listed as questionable and was able to practice on Saturday, but many expect the Saints to hold him out another week.

RB Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons
Norwood is questionable. Look elsewhere for a starter.

QB Plaxico Burress, New York Giants
Burress is listed as questionable but is looking more likely than not to play.

WR Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
Although listed as questionable, White practiced on Friday and very well could play.

WR Derrick Mason, Baltimore Ravens
Mason is listed as questionable but should play.

TE Kellen Winslow, Cleveland Browns
Winslow is listed as questionable. He’ll be a game-time decision.

K Jason Elam, Atlanta Falcons
Elam is listed as questionable and shouldn’t be trusted in Week 12.

QB Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Despite an injury that almost forced him to miss the game, Aaron Rodgers produced a very good fantasy week in Week 5. He finished with three touchdowns and 313 yards. All wasn’t good for the Packers however as they lost the game against the Atlanta Falcons.

RB Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
Brandon Jacobs exploded in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. He finished the game with 15 carries for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Although some fantasy football owners were down on him entering the season, he has played very well thus far.

WR Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
Big things were expected out of Roddy White this season but he has struggled at times with rookie quarterback Matt Ryan at the helm. But in Week 5, White still proved he’s a dangerous fantasy weapon as he had eight catches for 132 yards and a touchdown.

TE Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins
Chris Cooley can sometimes get lost in the Redskins’ offense but he was very visible in the Week 5 game. He was dominant on his way to eight catches for 109 yards and a touchdown.

Steve Smith - With the news that Steve Smith has gotten suspended two games for punching a teammate, his fantasy football stock is plummeting.

Chad Johnson - Not only has Chad Johnson been a disappointment in recent fantasy football season, he’s nursing a pair of ankle injuries and is unhappy with his contract.

Greg Jennings - Last season, Greg Jennings numbers were good and he hauled in a lot of touchdowns. However, that was with Brett Favre.

Roddy White - Even the best of wide receivers would struggle doing anything in Atlanta’s offense. Don’t bid too high on Roddy White.

Read more