Week 7 Start Em Sit Em: Antonio Gates and 3 TEs You Must Start

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is expected to be back in the lineup this week against the New York Jets?!

What a relief that would be for so many fantasy owners.

One question remains, how affective will he be?

If you drafted Gates high thinking his foot injuries were behind him, get him into that starting lineup this week, with the Jets secondary looking to lock down Vincent Jackson.

Philip Rivers stunningly has more interceptions than touchdowns this season (6 TDs, 7 INTs) but will greatly benefit in the red zone with Gates returning.

Who are the other "must-start" tight ends for Week 7?

(outside of the obvious elite guys like Jimmy Graham, Jermichael Finley and Jason Witten)

Fred Davis

The Redskins tight end leads the team in receiving yards and is second in receptions. Chris Cooley looks to be sidelined for a while and the Panthers defense isn't a solid unit.

It's likely that Washington exploits Carolina's brutal run defense, but look for John Beck to make a few simple throws to Davis across the middle and in the flat to get comfortable to start the game.

Once the game progresses, he should be utilized down the seam.

To stick with the high-powered Panthers, the Redskins will be forced to throw the football.

Kellen Winslow

The Bears defense, especially their secondary, isn't what it used to be. They're allowing nearly 276 yards through the air and opposing tight ends have had respectable games against them this season.

Visanthe Shiancoe caught five passes for 45 yards last week and Brandon Pettigrew had four catches for 39 yards and a score the previous week.

Winslow is the more gifted route-runner and has had five catches in each of the last three games. He won't single-handedly lead you to victory but if he reaches the end zone, he'll have a big day against the Bears.

Dallas Clark

Old Mr. Reliable is starting to show glimpses of the last several seasons.

Clark isn't blocking as much and he and Curtis Painter are beginning to formulate a nice rapport in the passing game.

He caught a season-high six passes for 53 yards and a touchdown last week.

The Saints secondary is almost as bad as their offense is good and Painter should have time to throw in this one.