Vikings' Rudolph becoming a force in Harvin's absence

• Kyle Rudolph has been targeted 26 times in the past three games, and has scored a TD in each one
• Jared Cook has received 20 targets in the past two weeks, including a team high 12 in Week 13Marcedes Lewis received 13 targets the past two weeks, and had a season high 68 yards in Week 13

Congratulations to those of you who have either qualified for your fantasy playoffs, or are on the verge of doing so. Months of research and dedication that have been placed into managing your fantasy teams have not quite ended, and many of you are searching for a trustworthy tight end. There are three in particular who might function successfully in that role, as a result of being targeted more frequently in recent weeks.

TE Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings

In his first six games, Rudolph received 41 targets, accumulated 25 receptions, and led Minnesota with five receiving touchdowns. However, his production plummeted significantly in Weeks 7-9, as quarterback Christian Ponder threw an amazingly low total of two passes to Rudolph during that span. There was legitimate reason for concern that Rudolph's responsibilities as a blocker would prohibit him from returning to fantasy relevance. But in the last three weeks, Rudolph has been targeted him 26 times, while assembling 18 receptions for 170 yards. Plus, he has scored in all three contests. With the exact timetable for Percy Harvin's return still uncertain, Rudolph should maintain his critical role in Minnesota's offense and continue to climb the fantasy football rankings.

TE Jared Cook, Tennessee Titans

Cook was only targeted 49 times during Tennessee's first 10 games, including just 21 from Weeks 6-10. But in two games since the Titans returned from their bye week, he has been utilized more extensively in the team's offensive strategy. Quarterback Jake Locker has thrown to Cook 20 times, including a team high 12 in Week 13. That was easily the most targets that Cook has received this season, and occurred during Dowell Loggains' first game as offensive coordinator. While Cook has not delivered consistent production during his career, he has collected 10 receptions in the past two games. And it is feasible that Cook's newly enhanced role will continue with Loggains concocting the offensive strategy.

TE Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars

After receiving 40 targets in the Jaguars' first 10 games, Lewis has garnered 13 in the past two weeks. That includes seven in Week 13, which helped Lewis generate 68 receiving yards. That established a new season high, and was the second consecutive game in which Lewis has produced his best yardage total of the year. Since Jacksonville possesses the NFL's most anemic running game (78.8 yards per game), quarterback Chad Henne remains destined to throw the ball with great regularity. That should keep Lewis heavily involved in the Jaguars' aerial attack. If Cecil Shorts' concussion forces him from the lineup this week, Henne will depend upon Lewis even more.

Phil Clark writes for FantasyKnuckleheads.com, a USATODAY Sports Media Group affiliate