NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Rating The Top 10 Tight Ends

The tight end position has emerged over recent years with the likes of guys like Antonio Gates, Dallas Clark, and of course we can never leave out Tony Gonzalez. Tight end used to be a position that was not important for fantasy owners, now we see tight ends going off the board very early in fantasy drafts.

Once again, tight ends are putting up big numbers in the 2010 season. A good tight end is a quarterbacks best friend, especially a young quarterback.

Here are the top 10 tight ends in the NFL.

Statistics and information taken from CBS Sports

10.) Benjamin Watson

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CLEVELAND - AUGUST 21: Benjamin Watson #82 of the Cleveland Browns scores a touchdown in front of Craig Dahl #43 of the St. Louis Rams at Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

We all remember the Benjamin Watson from the Patriots who made the amazing play chasing down Champ Bailey in the playoffs a few years back. Watson has moved on and is now putting up solid numbers for the Cleveland Browns.

Watson has 30 catches for 336 yards and two touchdowns. He only had one receptions in the Browns win in New Orleans, but Watson remains a solid play at tight end. With rookie quarterback Colt McCoy in the helm, Watson will be a favorite for McCoy.

9.) Brandon Pettigrew

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Brandon Pettigrew #84 of the Detroit Lions fails to catch a pass in the fourth quarter resulting in an interception against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jerse

Lions' second year tight end Brandon Pettigrew is putting nice offense for a struggling team. Pettigrew has 33 receptions for 336 yards and one touchdown. Whoever has been behind center for the Lions, has utilized the talents of Pettigrew.

Pettigrew and the Lions are coming off a bye and have a nice matchup in Week 8 against the Redskins.

8.) Tony Gonzalez

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Tony Gonzalez #88 of the Atlanta Falcons against the San Francisco 49ers at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Tony Gonzalez remains one of the top tight ends in football even at the age of 34. Although his numbers have decreased during his time with the Falcons, he is still a threat against opposing defenses.

Gonzalez has 29 receptions for 292 yards and three touchdowns. The Falcons have a bye in Week 8 but return in Week 9 at home against Tampa Bay. Gonzalez remains a must-start in fantasy leagues.

7.) Marcedes Lewis

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 04: Marcedes Lewis #89 of the Jacksonville Jaguars lines up during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on October 4, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Jaguars' tight end Marcedes Lewis has not put up sparkling numbers in 2010, but he has been a touchdown machine for Jacksonville.

Lewis has 23 catches for 275 yards and five touchdowns. As long as Lewis keeps getting looks in the red zone and finding the end zone, he remains a solid start for all fantasy owners.

6.) Jason Witten

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 02: Tight end Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Jason Witten has been a top tight end in the NFL for quite some time now, but his numbers have been somewhat disappointing this season. Witten only has two touchdowns on the year, but he did have his biggest game on Monday night against the Giants. Witten with 9 receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown.

Witten now has 32 catches for 365 yards and two touchdowns. He remains a must-start at tight end.

5.) Chris Cooley

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LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 19: Chris Cooley #47 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Houston Texans at FedExField on September 19, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans defeated the Redskins 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Larr

Washington Redskins' tight end Chris Cooley has benefited from the acquisition of quarterback Donovan McNabb. Cooley has been a top tight end in the NFL and he continues to do so.

Cooley has 35 catches for 392 yards and two touchdowns. Cooley is a primary target in Washington and will continue to be throughout the course of the season.

4.) Dustin Keller

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FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 13: Dustin Keller #81 of the New York Jets weaves past Jason Webster #23 of the New England Patriots on November 13, 2008 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Jets' tight end Dustin Keller has had a monster year throughout the first half of the season. He is Mark Sanchez's favorite target and has put up big numbers in the 2010 season.

Keller has 24 catches for 343 yards and three touchdowns. Keller's play has helped him emerge as a must-start for fantasy owners week in and week out.

3.) Vernon Davis

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

49ers' tight end Vernon Davis has broken out over the past few seasons, and he continues to show off his raw talent. Davis has 32 receptions for 422 yards and four touchdowns. Davis is third among tight ends in scoring and should be in the starting lineup every week.

Whether it is David Carr or Alex Smith, Keep Davis in your lineup.

2.) Zach Miller

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DENVER - OCTOBER 24: Tight end Zach Miller #80 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 24, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty I

Raiders' tight end Zach Miller continues to get better every year, and this season he is taking it to another level. Miller already has a career high in touchdowns with four and is the Raiders primary target.

Through the first seven games of the season, Miller has 33 catches for 453 yards and four touchdowns, including a Week 4 performance where he caught 11 passes for 122 yards. This is the potential of Miller, and he showcases his ability every week.

Do not take Miller out of your lineup.

1.) Antonio Gates

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 03: Tight end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates after catching a 26 yard touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Qualcomm Stadium on October 3, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo

This should not be a surprise. Antonio Gates is first among tight ends in scoring, and has been the top tight end in football over recent years. He is ahead of the other tight ends by a long shot.

Gates has 35 catches for 540 yards and a league leading eight touchdowns. Fantasy owners would be foolish to have Gates on the bench.