Tony Scheffler

Tony Scheffler

41-Year-Old Tight EndTE
 Free Agent  
2023 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Tony Scheffler in 2023. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Released by the Lions in October of 2013.
TEFree Agent
Concussion
June 11, 2014
Scheffler has decided to retire from the NFL after eight seasons, the Associated Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Scheffler amassed 258 receptions for 3,207 yards and 22 touchdowns over his career with the Broncos and Lions. He suffered three concussions over the past four seasons, a factor that likely played into the tight end's decision to end his playing career.
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Fantasy/Red Zone Stats
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Receiving Alignment Breakdown
See where Tony Scheffler lined up on the field and how he performed at each spot.
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2023 Tony Scheffler Split Stats
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
In his second season with the Lions, Scheffler saw an expanded role in the Detroit offense. He nearly doubled his targets from 43 to 85, leading to a four-year high of 504 receiving yards. Oddly, Scheffler was ineffective near the goal line, scoring only once despite six targets inside the 10. Scheffler will once again eat into some of Brandon Pettigrew's looks and would become a more interesting option if Pettigrew got hurt.
After receiving 72 targets in 2010, Scheffler returned to a backup role last season with Brandon Pettigrew healthy. Scheffler, who was targeted 43 times, still retained some value, though, as he scored six touchdowns. That’s nothing to gamble on for 2012, however, as Pettigrew likely will continue to grow in the starting role. Scheffler possesses the ability to get down field, as five of his 26 receptions went for 20-plus yards. He’s back for another year as Pettigrew’s understudy, but won’t have much value unless Pettigrew gets hurt.
Scheffler split time with Brandon Pettigrew last season, though the latter is clearly the top tight-end target in Detroit. Scheffler received 72 targets with a low 5.3 yards per target, thanks to erratic quarterback play. Scheffler isn't going anywhere, but Pettigrew has much more upside, and after his big year last season could get a larger share of the tight-end workload this season. In any event, it would take a Pettigrew injury for Scheffler to become fantasy relevant.
The Lions traded for Scheffler in April, a move to provide some depth while Brandon Pettigrew recovers from a season-ending knee injury. Scheffler was not a favorite of his former coach, Josh McDaniels, in Denver and was benched for his attitude in Week 17. Despite playing in two more games, he received 11 fewer targets than in 2008, likely the result of Jay Cutler and his tight-end tendencies leaving for Chicago. He also saw his 13 receptions of 20-plus yards in 2008 fall to just five last season. How much action Scheffler sees hinges on Pettigrew’s recovery (at press time, there’s no timetable for his return), but the tight end in Detroit’s offense could see a lot of opportunities with Calvin Johnson commanding doubleteams from opposing defenses.
Scheffler had a stellar year, amassing 645 receiving yards despite missing four games due to a groin injury. Unfortunately for his fantasy prospects, Jay Cutler will no longer be throwing his way, and Kyle Orton should be under center when the season begins. Scheffler led all tight ends with a lofty 16.1 yards per catch, which included 13 catches of 20-plus yards. It will be difficult for Scheffler to reproduce these kinds of numbers without Cutler, but Kyle Orton did get good use out of Greg Olsen last year, so don’t expect Scheffler to fall off the map completely.
The Broncos make use of their tight ends, regardless of who's playing the position. After splitting the duties in 2006, Scheffler emerged as Denver's primary receiving threat at the position and was second on the team with 49 catches (549 yards) and five touchdown receptions – all the production coming in the final 12 games after a foot injury slowed him in September. When you factor in the development (and better health) of third-year quarterback Jay Cutler and the absence of a reliable second receiver, there's some upside here if Scheffler can stay healthy.
Scheffler became one of Jay Cutler’s favorite targets last season, catching 11 of his 18 passes in the final four games. The club signed free-agent Daniel Graham, who is most noted for his blocking ability. The two could form a classic blocking/receiving tandem with Scheffler being the preferred target. Scheffler broke his foot during spring minicamps, and though he’s expected to return during training camp, his status bears watching.
Scheffler, a good athlete with plus hands and the ability to find open spots in a zone, is slated to become Denver’s receiving tight end, replacing Jeb Putzier. Although he’ll compete for touches with Stephen Alexander, Scheffler isn’t much of a blocker, and we expect that Denver wouldn’t have drafted him in the second round unless they intended to get him involved in the passing game right away.
More Fantasy News
TEFree Agent
Concussion
October 22, 2013
Scheffler (concussion) was released by the Lions on Tuesday.
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TEDetroit Lions
Concussion
October 22, 2013
Scheffler (concussion) has been cleared to return, but the Lions will either release him or place him on injured reserve Tuesday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
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TEDetroit Lions
Concussion
October 18, 2013
Scheffler (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against Cincinnati.
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TEDetroit Lions
Concussion
October 17, 2013
Scheffler (concussion) did not practice Thursday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
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TEDetroit Lions
Concussion
October 14, 2013
Scheffler (concussion) is still being evaluated by the Lions, Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com reports.
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