The tight end position has evolved a lot in the NFL over the decades, as it was used more as an extra blocker in the running game. Eventually they began to be utilized more in the red zone. Now teams use their tight ends in any situation and some are just as valuable as wide receivers.
There are several tight ends you can count on virtually every week from a fantasy perspective, and owning them can give you a big advantage over your counterparts. Here are three tight ends who should be in for monster games in Week 7.
Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions
While he may not be the most explosive tight end in the league, few are more reliable and sure-handed than the Detroit Lions' Brandon Pettigrew. Only Calvin Johnson has more than Pettigrew's 34 catches on the Lions as he has developed into one of quarterback Matthew Stafford's favorite targets.
Pettigrew started the season a little slow, but he has been excellent over the past month or so and has touchdown grabs in consecutive games. He also has a very favorable matchup on Sunday against a porous Atlanta Falcons secondary.
The Falcons have struggled mightily in coverage this season, and a big target like Pettigrew is sure to be a matchup problem. He will also be a major threat to score as Stafford will look to him often in the red zone with running back Jahvid Best out and Detroit's running game compromised.
Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers
While he hasn't been used much over the past couple games, Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley is a matchup nightmare who has the potential to put up huge numbers in any given week.
Perhaps no tight end has more athletic ability than Finley, and with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback, he is a better deep threat than many wide receivers. The fact that Finley hasn't had many catches lately shouldn't be too concerning as the Packers have a cupboard chock full of weapons.
Green Bay's offense is cyclical, as opposing defenses are likely to start keying on Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson. With the focus off of him, Finley could be in line for some big games pretty soon. Sunday will be a great time to start as the Packers offense should be able to pass all over the lowly Minnesota Vikings.
Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham flashed his incredible ability late last season, and it appears as though he is already living up to his potential in Week 7. Graham has been the best tight end in the league by far this season, with 620 receiving yards in six games and four straight 100-yard games.
Even with the return of No. 1 wide receiver Marques Colston, Graham has remained quarterback Drew Brees' go-to guy. At 6'6" and with impressive speed, few defenses know how to handle Graham. Linebackers are too slow to cover him and corners and safeties are just too small.
The Saints figure to put up some major offensive numbers on Sunday night against the 0-6 Indianapolis Colts. Not only will New Orleans be determined after losing last week, but the Colts defense is very soft. I expect Brees to have a big game, and Graham will likely benefit from that most.
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