Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: 3 Overlooked Tight Ends You Must Start

Outside of the top two or three players at the position, it is tough to get elite production out of your fantasy tight end.

Finding the best tight end for your lineup is all about finding the players that have the best rhythm with their quarterback and the hottest players from the previous few weeks. The following are three tight ends not often talked about that should be starters in Week 1.

Benjamin Watson, Cleveland Browns

Watson has always been an overlooked talent at tight end. He has been productive everywhere he has gone, but because he isn't a dynamic athlete like Antonio Gates, he gets passed over.

In Cleveland, he seems to have found his niche. There, he provides a good safety valve receiver for young quarterback Colt McCoy. It also helps that the Browns don't have a lot of other fantasy options to turn to.

Watson isn't going to finish in the top five among tight ends in any category, but he will be a consistent option. Watson is likely on the waiver wire in many leagues. Don't let him sit there long.

Jared Cook, Tennessee Titans

Cook is a solid tight end option for many of the same reasons that Watson is. Matt Hasselbeck will be looking to play it safe in the passing game, at least early on.

Outside of Chris Johnson, the Titans are largely devoid of good fantasy players. Cook hasn't been a fantasy factor in seasons prior, but that will change in 2011. The stripped-down Titans' offense will allow Cook to be a bigger part of the team. That starts with their game against the Jaguars in Week 1.

Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions

Somehow, a tight end that caught 71 passes last season is being overlooked. Pettigrew should be a big part of some fantasy owner's plans to win their league this season.

In Week 1, Pettigrew and the Lions have a favorable matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers don't boast a great defense and the top talent they do have will be focused on trying to lock down elite receiver Calvin Johnson.

That will open things up for Pettigrew on shorter routes.